In a heartwarming testament to the power of parental love, a rubber tapper from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, went to extraordinary lengths to attend his daughter's Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) recognition ceremony…
Despite financial constraints, Jaliusih Madakol, the dedicated father, borrowed money from his fellow villagers to ensure that his family could witness his daughter's remarkable achievement.
Jaliusih's daughter, Arnie, an exceptional student at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens, achieved a perfect cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.0 in STPM. Her outstanding academic performance placed her among the 75 honored students recognized by the Sabah Education Department deputy director, Mohd Zaini Yanin, at Kolej Tingkatan Enam Kota Kinabalu, as reported by New Straits Times on July 13.
Photo via Sinar Harian
This inspiring story highlights the unwavering dedication and hard work of both father and daughter. Jaliusih, fully aware of the significance of Arnie's momentous accomplishment, was determined to ensure that his family could be present at the recognition ceremony, despite his limited financial resources.
"I only have a motorcycle and a Proton Saga that is always breaking down," Jaliusih shared. He explained that his car was from the 1990s when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad served as the prime minister. Despite the challenges, Jaliusih drove his family to Tamparuli town, the farthest his car could take them—a journey of approximately 30 minutes from their home. From there, they hired a taxi to continue their journey, adding another 30 minutes to reach the venue.
To cover the cost of the return taxi fare, amounting to RM120, Jaliusih had to rely on the kindness of several villagers who lent him the necessary amount. However, every penny spent was more than worth it for the 62-year-old father. He expressed his immense pride and joy in his daughter's accomplishment, emphasizing that the occasion brought immeasurable happiness to their hearts.
Looking ahead, Jaliusih acknowledged that financial support from other relatives would be crucial when Arnie pursues her dreams of becoming a teacher through further studies. Nevertheless, he remains steadfast in his commitment to ensure that financial constraints never hinder his daughter's educational pursuits.
Arnie, who is the third of five siblings, acknowledged the unwavering support of her family, who always made it a priority to overcome their financial challenges and support her education. She stood out among her peers as the sole student from her batch to achieve a CGPA of 4.0 in STPM.
"Actually, I only expected to achieve a CGPA of 3.8 or 3.9, but my efforts have paid off," Arnie shared with Sinar Harian. She went on to express her gratitude and appreciation for her parents, who work as farmers, stating that her remarkable results would pave the way for her to pursue higher education and transform her family's future.
The story of Jaliusih Madakol and his daughter Arnie serves as a heartwarming reminder that love, sacrifice, and determination can overcome any obstacle. It exemplifies the resilience and unwavering support of parents who go above and beyond to ensure the success and happiness of their children.
Their inspiring journey demonstrates the transformative power of education and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead when we strive for our dreams, united by love and determination.
