He once dreamt of becoming a ‘kick-boxer’ but Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar ended up being the vice-chancellor of the country’s largest university.
His story has become an inspiration to many youngsters to succeed in life.
Although determined to support his family, his poor SPM result was like a black spot in his early life. It shattered the hopes and aspiration of his mother and family.
Being poor gave him little choice. As the eldest of nine siblings, he decided to forget about school and instead, look for job.
It was nothing new for him though as poverty had forced him to work at the tender age of eight as a part-time sweeper at a barber’s shop.
Unlike other youths, he took the bold step to leave behind his ‘kampung’ and headed to town in search of work.
But it was to be a rough journey and work did not come easy.
The young Sahol became a vagabond.
With his tough physique, he began to train as a fighter and harbour the dream of becoming a ‘kick-boxer’.
It was then that his life began to change when he was approached by a MARA officer who advised him to continue with his studies and forget about his ring dream.
It was to be a different fight for the young man but the sincere advice of the MARA officer left a deep impact on him.
He was certain that education could change the destiny of a wayward youth.
Having made good in life, he will always be thankful of getting the second chance – a new lease of life that has made him what he is now.
Today, as he spoke at the university’s 72nd convocation, Prof Dr Sahol started off with this poignant line:
“UiTM sentiasa di hati.” (UiTM forever in my heart).
He said it not once but twice as the jubilant new graduates cheered loudly.
“To parents who are here, I must apologize for this deafening noise made by them…but as vice-chancellor, I forgive them,” he quipped and again the graduates roared.
He was quick to remind them not to be carried away by their achievement.
“Your journey does not end here, it is only the beginning,” said Dr Sahol.
He pledged that the university would continue to produce professionals of high-calibre to take the country to greater heights.
Some 400,000 have graduated from the university.
He reminded the graduates not to forget the sacrifices of their parents and be prepared to give back to society.
“Tak ada makna jika kita tak tahu bersyukur… ibarat kacang lupakan kulit. Jangan sekali-kali menjadi anak derhaka,” he said.
"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals" -- Zig Ziglar
