“Pressure is uncomfortable, but if you let it refine you instead of break you, it can change your life.”

As the quote denotes, Viishnu Thambiraja’s journey to medicine is not defined by perfect results, but by perseverance shaped through disappointment, responsibility and quiet determination.

A former student of SMJK Sin Min in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Viishnu had set his heart on achieving 9A+ in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), a goal that would have secured him a full government scholarship and eased his parents’ financial burden. When the results were released, he scored 7A+, 2A and 1B+, the same outcome as his trial examination. For a student who had tied his self-worth to a single target, the moment was devastating.

At the time, the results felt like a personal failure. In hindsight, Viishnu now describes it as a turning point that reshaped his outlook on life. The disappointment forced him to confront an uncomfortable truth, that progress matters more than perfection. Instead of giving up, he redirected his frustration into discipline and consistency, choosing to move forward even when the path became harder.

Being the only member of his family to study in a Chinese school had already taught him independence at a young age. Language barriers and academic pressure became daily challenges, but they also instilled resilience. More importantly, the sacrifices made by his parents stayed at the centre of his motivation. Every late night of studying was driven by a single purpose, to one day lift the financial weight from their shoulders.

Viishnu entered foundation studies knowing that his only chance at a merit-based scholarship was a perfect 4.0 CGPA. The months that followed tested him both mentally and physically. There were nights when exhaustion overwhelmed him and doubt crept in, but he refused to stop. Whenever he felt close to breaking, he reminded himself why he had started and whom he was doing it for. Rest, he believed, would come at the end of the journey, not in the middle.

That determination paid off. Viishnu achieved a perfect CGPA, securing his place in medical school and moving one step closer to becoming a doctor.

Beyond academics, he chose to build a well-rounded life. He balanced his studies with athletics, volunteering and student leadership, experiences that shaped his understanding of what it truly means to practise medicine. Sports taught him discipline and emotional control. Volunteering strengthened his empathy and reminded him that medicine is, at its core, about service. Leadership roles developed his sense of responsibility and teamwork; qualities he believes are essential for any healthcare professional.

His interest in medicine began as childhood curiosity, but it evolved into a calling during his secondary school years, when compassion began to accompany knowledge. Exposure to medical outreach and community service reinforced his belief that helping others was not just fulfilling, but necessary.

A defining moment came when he met Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Malaysia’s former Director-General of Health. Having grown up watching Dr Noor Hisham lead the nation through the COVID-19 crisis with calm and integrity, meeting him in person and emceeing an event where he was a guest speaker left a lasting impression. It broadened Viishnu’s understanding of medicine beyond the clinic, showing him, how leadership, communication and public health advocacy can shape entire communities.

Today, as a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student, Viishnu sees his journey as proof that setbacks do not end dreams, they refine them. He firmly believes that pressure, when faced with resilience, creates strength.

“I didn’t study just for grades. I studied with purpose, to one day ease my parents’ worries.”

To students who feel defeated by results that fall short of expectations, Viishnu offers a simple message: results are a moment in time, not a life sentence. Dreams may change shape, but they remain alive as long as one refuse to give up.