ALMOST FORCED TO QUIT DUE TO FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, USM GRADUATE PROVES THAT PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF
USM PENANG, 30 November 2025 - The weight of financial hardship and the desire to ease his parents’ burden once pushed a Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) student to the brink of giving up.
Yet, behind those challenges lies a story of resilience that ultimately led him to the convocation stage.
Muhammad Nabil Asyraaf Mohd Sofi, 23, a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering graduate from USM, admitted that his journey was far from easy. Burdened by financial constraints that often tested his resolve, he chose to persevere instead of surrendering to circumstances.
His father works as a television technician to support the family, while his mother earns additional income by babysitting infants and young children. Growing up in an uncertain economic situation, Nabil often felt guilty witnessing the sacrifices made by his parents.
“I wasn’t struggling because of the pressure of poverty alone, but more because I felt the need to help my parents earn a living for our family’s survival.
“While studying, I also worked part-time assisting my father whenever needed, travelling back and forth to repair televisions before returning to USM, sometimes late into the night,” he said.
Nabil, who hails from Kulim, Kedah, was among the graduates who received their degrees during USM’s 63rd Convocation Ceremony held from 25 November to 2 December 2025.
He added that completing his degree in such a challenging field is proof that strength, perseverance and sacrifice were the pillars that carried him to this point.
“My parents’ prayers were my greatest source of strength, along with the support of those around me such as lecturers, close friends and many others who never hesitated to help when I needed it most,” he said.
“To me, success is not just about receiving a scroll. It is a reminder that effort never betrays the outcome. Life may continue to test us, but with hard work and prayer, the rewards will come,” he added.
Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias