Image credit: Dr. Ainun Nasihah
Many people might abandon a cause after facing a repeated hardships in achieving it, deeming it “not worth the effort”. This is not the case for Farid, a man who took SPM 10 times, STPM twice, got his higher education, and eventually landed a teaching job at age 37; all while working odd jobs. His story of faith and perseverance is beyond encouraging.
His sister, Dr. Ainun Nasihah, shared this inspiring account of her elder brother’s decades-long journey overcoming developmental challenges which came with learning difficulties, bullying, and repeated academic setbacks – culminating in his appointment as a teacher just this week.
Extraordinary persistence against academic challenges and bullying
According to Dr. Ainun, her brother was born breech (baby positioned with their bottom instead of the head facing the birth canal), and complications during delivery resulted in developmental difficulties. He grew up as a slow learner, struggled with severe stuttering, and often retreated into his own world. Despite their father being a teacher at the same school, he endured physical and emotional bullying throughout his schooling years.
“My tenth attempt at SPM might be my last”
His academic journey was marked by extraordinary persistence. He attempted the SPM examination ten times, tearfully telling his mother that the tenth could be his final attempt. There were multiple occasions where he broke down in frustration.
He momentously passed the exam and went on to sit for STPM twice, later earning a degree, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (DPLI). Throughout these years, he took on various odd jobs, including working as a hospital security guard, school guard, and assisting at an old folks’ home, while also helping his father at the paddy field.
During his interview for a teaching position, interviewers inquired about his OKU card. He openly acknowledged having it for being a slow learner (OKU pembelajaran). When he exited the interview room, he reportedly broke down in tears, a mix of relief and the emotional weight of decades of struggle.
Never too late for new beginnings
This week on Monday (November 17), Farid officially began his role as a teacher – marking a new beginning at 37.
Speaking to Wah Piang, Dr. Ainun said his first day as a teacher went great. He met the headmaster and teachers, where he was welcomed with warmth and kindness. The initial day focused on orientation and administrative matters, but he expressed enthusiasm about the start of his new career and said he “can’t wait to teach.”
He has been assigned to teach Bahasa Melayu.
A principle of perseverance
When asked what motivates him the most, Farid shared a message of perseverance:
“Kekurangan bukannya menjadi penghalang untuk berjaya dalam hidup. Sentiasa sabar dengan ujian Allah walaupun pedih untuk menghadapinya”
“Limitations should not be an obstacle to succeed in life. Always be patient with the tests from Allah, even when they are painful to face.” – a reminder that limitations should never stop anyone from succeeding, and that patience through hardship is essential.
A supportive family, paired with determination, is essential against all of life’s challenges
In her post, Dr. Ainun described Farid as still the same brother she has known since childhood, drawing a parallel to the character Forrest Gump: unchanged at his core, yet having achieved something extraordinary through sheer grit. She emphasised that while their mother, father, and siblings offered constant support, his progress was ultimately driven by his own determination.
“You cannot help a person who doesn’t want to be helped,” she noted. “In this case, he helped himself–hence he got helped.”
“We will always be there for him, through and through, as long as he is through and through with himself, as he always has been.”
Family must stand by their loved ones especially through challenges
Reflecting on the importance of support for individuals with challenges, Dr. Ainun shared to Wah Piang a sentiment passed down from their mother: people must stand by their loved ones because “if not us, who else.”
She added that there is always hope as long as neither one gives up, emphasising that strength and resilience are mutual:
“As long as we are strong for them, they will be strong for us too.”
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