A letter to Umar

Dear Umar, 

When school resumed several months back in mid-January, you had entered Year Six, the final year of your primary education. I consider myself fortunate to still be alive on the verge of becoming an octogenarian and to be able to see your advancement thus far. I vaguely remember you being barely a day old, a tiny infant in a bassinet, wide-eyed and alert, staring at everything around you. I am happy that you have now grown to be a dedicated and promising student. 

As time went by, many recollections of your early years diminished in my memory, as did your ever-changing looks over the years. It turned out that sometime at the end of January your mother shared an old photo of you and her in a WhatsApp status update. 

Barely 23 months old

The picture has evoked a strong sense of nostalgia within me. It depicted a tender scene of maternal love. Your mother smiled blissfully, and you, barely 23 months old, exuded a cheerful and amiable demeanour that would come to shape your distinctive personality over the years. At the time the photo was taken, your little sister, Noraina, was about four months old. Both of you are special gifts to your parents and to all of us. 

I have been following your schooling since you entered kindergarten with your sister. Over the course of time, I have been very glad to learn that both you and your sister have developed a love for learning. Both of you excel in the subjects that you learn in class and participate meaningfully in extracurricular activities. I noticed that your sister is as determined as you are and has tried to emulate you since she was small. 

I recognise that you both have shared a close bond since childhood—one that was enriched through play and shared learning. Nonetheless, it was not entirely trouble-free—playful exchanges, squabbles, and at times a bit of rough and tumble persist even now. You delight in teasing your little sister, and at times it brings her to tears, which tends to irritate your parents. I consider the mischievous antics an unusual way of showing affection for one another.   

Unlike home, where spats and mischief still prevail, the school offers a unique environment for both you and your sister, adapting well to its formality and the academic and ethical milieu. School is a second home for both of you, never missing it except when you are unwell. Both impress your teachers with the exemplary conduct you display while at school. You were chosen to serve as a school prefect starting in year 3, and Noraina followed in your footsteps when she reached the same grade. 

A few days after school reopened in January, your mother informed me over the phone that you were unanimously elected as the president of the taekwondo club. Later, I was told that you were elected vice president of the scout team. I am happy for you and appreciate your enthusiasm. 

Since third grade, you have shown a keen interest in extracurricular activities, whether literary, sports, or uniformed units—participating in various literary competitions at the school and interschool levels, including storytelling, oratory, and debate; representing your school in interschool softball matches; and being actively involved in the school scout team. Furthermore, you have also participated in academic and general knowledge quizzes organised by various NGOs. And, as expected, Noraina has followed your example since she started third grade.

Later, in early February, I got news that you were one of the few students shortlisted for an interview for the head boy position at your school. I was very delighted to hear the news, but I had the uneasy feeling that you might not be sufficiently eloquent to leave a favourable impression on the interview panel. To be honest, at the time, I wasn’t sure if you would succeed in the interview, which was on February 4. To my knowledge, you are not particularly chatty at home, except for the playful exchanges with your sister. For this reason, I suspect that you might face difficulties in proving your credibility to the interview panel.

Then, in the afternoon of February 5, your mother called me. I could feel she was overwhelmed with joy and excitement, speaking in a quavering voice, “Alhamdulillah, your grandson is the head boy, Dad.” She went on to share that time and again you had confided in her your desire to follow in the footsteps of your senior, Dzakirin Darwisy, Chief Library Prefect, who was named Student of the Year for 2024. She confessed that she was deeply anxious before the good news was known, fearing that you would be disappointed if you failed to meet your high expectations. 

I was quite impressed by the way you responded to the questions in the interview that you shared with your mother, who told me all about it. I am delighted that your sincerity has helped you find your way in school life. Your answers to specific questions during the interview indicated that you have found true friends. When asked about your idol, you straightforwardly mentioned Dzakirin Darwisy, a distinguished student whom you have sought to emulate. You were also asked about who else is eligible to be head boy among the other candidates; you mentioned your closest friend, 'Affan Jazari, whose ambition is to become an ustaz. 

I am convinced that you hold the correct viewpoint. Regarding the demerit system implemented for prefects, you observed that it is both beneficial and essential for cultivating a group of competent prefects. Furthermore, you conveyed the view that the demerit system ought to be implemented for all students, thus encouraging them to engage more actively in their learning. 

When asked if the prefects are performing their duties correctly, your comments are critical. You mentioned that, on the whole, prefects are fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and showing respect towards the teachers; nevertheless, there are some who do not take their duties seriously. 

I am of the opinion that you had exhibited assertiveness during the interview. Regarding the advantages you possess, you consider yourself intelligent, hardworking and charismatic. When enquired about your academic performance from the previous year, you stated that you had achieved excellence in all subjects. You expressed that your potential role as head boy would be to encourage students to follow disciplinary rules, which include respecting teachers, greeting them politely, being punctual, and completing schoolwork on time. Furthermore, you wish for fellow students to honour the school motto: ‘Knowledgeable, Charismatic.’ 

You introduced your family members by stating the names and occupations of your parents, and not forgetting to mention your sister, who studies at the same school. Regarding hobbies, you said that reading is your preference. As for your ambitions, you stated that you might pursue a career as a historian or an engineer—your favourite subjects being history and mathematics. 

I should have had a better understanding of your character as it appeared in the school environment. I ought not to have dismissed your commendable conduct and the stories shared about you during school—as sometimes mentioned by your mother—as mere hearsay. It is said that you exhibit good behaviour in class, show respect to your teachers, maintain friendly relations with your peers, and demonstrate empathy towards younger students. On top of that, teachers generally acknowledge you as a hardworking student whose schoolwork is top-notch, and above all, you excel in every subject. Once, your mother informed me that a group of teachers surprised you with birthday wishes in the staff room. 

I need not illustrate any further. Admittedly, I have failed to appreciate your resolve to be the best after your idol, Dzakirin Darwisy. The highlight of your selection as head boy occurred on February 9—your mother sent me a photograph of you leading the school prefects’ pledge on that day. We are happy for you that you are learning to discover your personal purpose in school life. We recognise that you are beginning to understand what matters most to you in a school environment. You have decided on a course that seems appropriate for you. We are certain that the time you spend in school will equip you to successfully face real-world challenges later in life.