Summit

When I watched the film Everest, first thing that came to my mind was, what kind of fool were those people risking their lives to be on the highest summit for just not more than one hour. But then, I think I am no different than those mountaineers. Now I understand, the moment we acquire what we are fighting for, it is worth a thousand battles that we have fought for it. No wonder why so many mountaineers aimed to conquer all the seven summits although they are putting the lives at stakes, because the feeling of satisfaction is so addictive.

Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful for this blessing, for this feeling. This is the mountain I climb. The climb was never easy. The journey was too long. Sometimes in the middle, I felt I would never get to reach the top. I wanted to go back and choose a different road. I felt incapable. I felt too small and the peak was too high. I stumbled. I bled. I broke my leg. But all those pains were washed away the moment I reached the peak. I know I would have never been this strong if my journey was easy. This journey has taught me the meaning of patience and perseverance. This journey has grown me up. This journey has brought so many wonderful people to my life that stand together with me. This journey has taught me life lessons to prepare me in the future. All sweats, tears and bloods are paid off. This is the moment of my life that I would always proud of. A story that I would proudly tell my children, my grandchildren and great grandchildren, if Allah grants me with a long life.

PhD convocation, April 23, 2016, UTM