Phil Ryan (middle) with his aunt and younger siblings.
KOTA KINABALU: Two Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students have shown that hard work and dogged determination can overcome any adversity in life.
During UMS’ 25th convocation here, Sean Seadie Kuyubin, who was born with cerebral palsy, received his degree after passing his studies in Social Science (Industry Relations) with honours, achieving a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.42.
Along with Sean, Phil Ryan Cayongcong - who was orphaned after losing both his parents to illnesses during his course - received his Visual Arts Technology degree, also passing with honours.
Sean, 23, the eldest among three siblings, said that his physical disability has not hindered his spirits from graduating.
Sean Seadie Kuyubin showing his degree during the 25th UMS convocation.
“Do not be afraid of your shortcomings but dread if you do not develop your own potential,” he said, sharing his advice to other friends with disabilities.
He said that he feels that his shortcomings are not an obstruction to realise his parents’ dreams but rather an inspiration to achieve success.
“I also want to prove that people with disabilities (OKU) can also be as successful as other ordinary students,” he added, when met after the graduation ceremony where he received his scroll from UMS pro-chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim.
Phil Ryan, also aged 23, lost his mother to breast cancer in October 2020 and his father in August 2021 to Covid-19.
With his parents gone, the eldest of four siblings admitted, it was difficult at first as he was left feeling alone, having lost his shoulders to cry on.
“Honestly, I am not sad today (after receiving his scroll) but I feel something is missing because my parents are not here. But I accept (what has happened) and I am grateful my aunt and siblings are with me here,” said Phil Ryan.
“I know I have made them (my parents) proud. I believe they are watching over me in my every move,” he added.
Sean and Phil Ryan were among the 4,236 graduates who received their scrolls during the UMS convocation from Dec 11 to 14.
