Growing up in a farm in Malaysia, helping his parents, Mohammad Afiq Ismail is no stranger to taking care of goats and cows. But this young man recently went viral for graduating at the top of his class at a university in the United Kingdom!
Ismail grew up in Kelantan, Malaysia. Raised in a regular village, tending to goats and helping out in his father’s palm oil farm, Ismail knows hard work. He also assists his mother in selling cloth in the village.
Photo credit: Mohammad Afiq Ismail / Facebook
His father, Ismail bin Abas and Norma binti Abdullah, knew that he would have a better future if he goes to school. So, Abdullah made sure to send Ismail to school. But the young man failed in some of his lessons at one school. Thankfully, he was able to later move to another school where he would realize his love for mathematics.
Photo credit: Mohammad Afiq Ismail / Facebook
He worked hard to focus on his studies to make his father proud – and was able to get high grades this time. When Ismail was offered to take further studies at the University of Essex, United Kingdom, his father hosted a feast for the entire village!
Photo credit: Mohammad Afiq Ismail / Facebook
Ismail flew to the UK where he took up Accounting and Finance. The farm boy would excel in his studies, eventually graduating at the top of his class. For his graduation day, Ismail knew that the best gift he could give his parents is to fly them to the UK to witness the Big Day. It was the fruit of all their labors and efforts.
Photo credit: Mohammad Afiq Ismail / Facebook
To earn money for his parents’ plane tickets, Ismail worked as part-time cleaner at the university.
Photo credit: Mohammad Afiq Ismail / Facebook
“My mother and father have never been on an airplane. I wanted to pay for their tickets as a gift for everything they’ve done for me, for helping me finish my studies. My whole life, I’ve only wanted to give them the best. Not just a degree, but the valuable experience of watching their kid receiving the degree. I knew I wanted to be with my parents during that time,” Ismail shared.
Photo credit: Mohammad Afiq Ismail / Facebook
His story earned praise from many netizens. Congratulations, Ismail!