Fully focused: The writer trying his hand at a vascular anastomosis.
I REMEMBER the day I received my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia results vividly.
I had hoped for 9A+, which would have given me a chance at a fully-funded Public Service Department scholarship to study medicine.
Instead, my results were 7A+, 2A and 1B+. The B+ was for Chinese, a subject I studied in school. The results were exactly the same as my trial exams, which made them even harder to accept. I sobbed uncontrollably that day, feeling like I had let down everyone who believed in me.
I was offered a place in matriculation, but I was emotionally drained and struggling to make decisions on my own. Instead of sending me to matriculation, my mother decided to enrol me in the Foundation in Science programme at IMU University.
Shortly after starting the programme, I learnt that the varsity offered a scholarship for medicine, which I could only apply for after achieving a 4.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in foundation. I knew immediately that this was my only chance to make up for what I felt I had lost.
I wrote this goal on my phone so that every time I unlocked my device, it would be the first thing I saw – a constant reminder of what I was working towards. Beyond mastering the foundation syllabus, I pushed myself further.
I completed past-year questions related to foundation topics from the International Baccalaureate, A Levels and multiple other examination boards. That was how focused I was – not just studying to pass, but training myself to perform under any standard.
That year was far from easy. Academically, the pressure was intense, but I was fortunate to be surrounded by peers and seniors who supported and uplifted me. Alongside my studies, I stayed active beyond the classroom.
During my foundation year, I was involved in Chariofare, a charity run committee, served as the long distance captain of the athletics club, and volunteered with Doctors on Ground.
Balancing these commitments often meant sleeping less than four hours a night, but I persisted, learning how to manage time, fatigue and expectations.
My parents had instilled in me the habit of waking up early – at 4am or 5am – to study since secondary school. I followed the same routine for studying and running. Discipline was never an issue.
By the end of foundation, I achieved a 4.0 CGPA and applied for the Merit scholarship. The day I received the offer, tears of joy streamed down my face. In that moment, the entire one-year journey flashed before me – from the night I typed my goal into my phone to the sacrifices, setbacks and quiet discipline along the way.
I was awarded a Merit scholarship to study medicine with no bond. I also received offers to pursue medicine from three top public universities but I chose to remain at IMU.
Today, I am a second-year medical student involved with the Malaysian Students’ Surgical Society, the Academy for Silent Mentor and Mercy Malaysia, while continuing to train and compete in university track and field and road races, alongside consistent gym training.
Balancing academics, service, leadership and sport has not been easy, but it has shaped my discipline, resilience and sense of purpose.
This journey has taught me that growth is rarely comfortable and progress is rarely linear – but persistence, supported by the right people and a clear purpose, makes the journey worthwhile.
VIISHNU THAMBIRAJA
Medical student
IMU University
