From Setbacks To Success: Henry Gurney School Gives Adam A Second Chance

MELAKA, May 22 (Bernama) --  A 19-year-old prospect at Henry Gurney School in Telok Mas has proven that with determination and focus, one can succeed regardless of one's circumstances.

Adam was sent to the juvenile rehabilitation school in 2022 and was allowed to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination last year despite setbacks, including not having identification documents due to a late birth registration.

He said he was emotionally distressed due to his unresolved citizenship status, which hindered him from sitting for the examination.

However, last year, Adam—slated to be released this July—managed to take the exam while awaiting the issuance of his identification card.

"I enjoyed studying but faced many obstacles in regular school due to not having an identification card and high school fees. Here, I was given the chance to learn and make up for my past mistakes," he told reporters here today.

Adam scored 6 As and was today honoured with the Best SPM Student Award 2024 at the appreciation ceremony for Integrity Schools and Henry Gurney schools, officiated by Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons (Security and Correctional) Datuk Ibrisam Abdul Rahman.

He said he is determined to change his future and hopes to study law to pursue his dream of becoming a syariah lawyer. 

"Alhamdulillah, I managed to score As in Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, Science, History, Tasawur Islam and Islamic Education out of the eight subjects I took," he said, adding that success requires focus and discipline in the pursuit of knowledge.

Despite suffering from frequent fevers and migraines while preparing for the exam, Adam said he remained committed to his studies and focused on memorising formulas.

"…I want to repay my aunt, who has raised me since I was a child. She is now 75 years old and has sacrificed so much to provide me with food, care, and love after I lost my parents at a young age," he said.

Adam expressed hope that young people would stay resilient and seize second chances as an opportunity to grow, rebuild, and create a better future for themselves.

-- BERNAMA