For many people, poverty can feel like a wall that blocks opportunities and dreams. But for Alfahad P. Muhajil, it became the very reason to work harder, persevere, and prove that determination can overcome even the toughest circumstances.
Growing up in a family of 17 siblings was far from easy. With so many mouths to feed, financial struggles were a constant reality. Higher education seemed out of reach, and finishing a college degree was a challenge that only a few could accomplish. Yet despite the odds, Alfahad refused to let his circumstances define his future.
Among all 17 children, only four were able to complete a college degree. Alfahad proudly became one of them. More remarkably, he became the first medical graduate and the first medical practitioner in his entire family—a milestone that brought pride not only to himself but to everyone who shared in his journey.
His path to success was filled with sacrifices. As a working student, he balanced academic responsibilities with the need to earn a living. While many students had the opportunity to focus solely on their studies, Alfahad had to divide his time between attending classes and working to help support his family.
After completing his hospital internship, there was no time for rest or celebration. Family responsibilities demanded immediate action, so he entered the workforce right away. Yet another challenge awaited him: preparing for the Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination.
Unlike many examinees who could afford review centers and dedicated study time, Alfahad had neither luxury. He studied independently while maintaining a full-time job. Every spare moment became an opportunity to learn—during commutes, lunch breaks, and late nights after exhausting workdays.
The pressure was immense. He understood that passing the board examination would not only fulfill a personal dream but also create opportunities for his family. With unwavering determination, he persevered.
When the results were finally released, all the sacrifices, sleepless nights, and struggles paid off. Alfahad passed the Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination on his first attempt.
Today, his professional license serves as more than a credential. It stands as a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and hope. His story reminds us that success is not determined by where we begin, but by our willingness to keep moving forward despite the obstacles.
For aspiring professionals facing financial hardships, Alfahad’s journey is a powerful testament that dreams remain possible when matched with hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
Alfahad P. Muhajil’s Original Story (Unedited)
“This is what I want to share. Poverty is not a reason to stop chasing dreams. I hope my story can be shared with everyone.
“I grew up with 17 brothers and sisters, all from the same mother and father. With 17 children in one house, life was loud, crowded, and very hard. Money was always tight. In a big family like ours, going to college seemed like an impossible dream. Out of all 17 of us, only four finished a degree. I am proud to say I am one of those four. Even more, I am the very first medical graduate and the first medical practitioner in our entire family.
My college days were a long battle. I was a working student, running from class to my job. The very day I finished my hospital internship, I did not take a break to celebrate. My family needed help, so I immediately started working to support them. While working, I faced my biggest challenge yet: the board exam to become a Respiratory Therapist.
Most people have to stop working and pay for school review classes. I could not do that. I had to study on my own while working a full-time job. I had to manage every single minute. I read my notes on the way to work, studied during my lunch breaks, and stayed up late into the night when my body was exhausted. The pressure was heavy. I knew I needed to pass on my first try because my family was counting on me. When the results came out, I looked for my name with a beating heart. And there it was. I passed the board exam on the first try.
My license is not just a piece of paper. It is proof that no matter where you start in life, and no matter how big the odds are against you, hope and hard work can pull you through.”
Kind regards,
ALFAHAD P MUHAJIL, RTRP
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