Proud of Your Boy

Last night my brother came to my room and checked his phone. "Alhamdulillah I got 60 for my disertation". I can see how happy he was through his eyes, but what? 60? Hey boy, this sister is locally breed, if you get 60 it means you're in trouble. "60 in UK scoring means blablablabla" No no, I'll tell you what it is in case you wondering.

UK scoring system is categorized based on the score for final essay submitted on each subject.

• First-class honours (1st, 1 or I) – typically 70% or higher
• Second-class honours, upper division (2:1, 2i or II-1) – typically 60–69%
• Second-class honours, lower division (2:2, 2ii or II-2) – typically 50–59%
• Third-class honours (3rd, 3 or III) – typically 40–49%

My brother got in upper 2nd class honours category for his disertation and one other subject. 3 subject to go until he get his final score generated from all subject scores without any weighted percentage. Different than Indonesia system that calculated based on total SKS earned so major subject and disertation usually has more weight on the calculation.

This post wouldn't talking about UK scoring system (obviously🙄). I want to share a proof of how a hard work really paid off. My brother weren't a top student himself. His score is always average and sometimes below that. Last year when he said he need another 1 year to finish his study, I can feel his deep disappoinment. He is not a talker or extrovert like I am, he keep his problem to himself which somehow scares me how if he cannot handle the burden himself. I try my best to respect his space and privacy but always remind him that I will always be there to hear.

Until he called me earlier this year talking about how he can improved his final score because UK scoring only take the score in final year. He was beyond happy. He rented a small apartment near his uni (He lived in a home with other 2 friends quite far from uni before) and practically moving to library. His professors one by one reminding him not to expect much because his past score was far below lower 2nd class. But he doesn't sway, his mind is set for better score. He want to prove that everthing is possible and even aimed for First Class. Don't get me wrong, his professors are very supportive to my brother and they just trying to be more realistic. Well, when he said "first class" even I, his biggest supporter, doubting it😜.

Yesterday was proofed that he really is serious with his words.

I know it is nothing to celebrate until the final score is out. But for me, I am beyond proud of him.
Not because his score, but how he can handled his low and fight back to safe himself. Yes, it is about himself. Not me, not his parents or his family. We leave him alone to survive and stands on himself. To be a better man and person, to accomplishing his dream and achiving his goals.

I write this right after listening to proud of your boys that shuffled on my apple music. A song that always reminds me of him.

"Proud of Your Boy"

Proud of your boy
I'll make you proud of your boy
Believe me, bad as I've been, Ma
You're in for a pleasant surprise

I've wasted time
I've wasted me
So say I'm slow for my age
A late bloomer, Okay, I agree

That I've been one rotten kid
Some son, some pride and some joy
But I'll get over these lousin' up
Messin' up, screwin' up times

You'll see, Ma, now comes the better part
Someone's gonna make good
Cross his stupid heart
Make good and finally make you
Proud of your boy

Tell me that I've been a louse and loafer
You won't get a fight here, no ma'am
Say I'm a goldbrick, a goof-off, no good
But that couldn't be all that I am

Water flows under the bridge
Let it pass, let it go
There's no good reason that you should believe me
Not yet, I know, but

Someday and soon
I'll make you proud of your boy
Though I can't make myself taller
Or smarter or handsome or wise

I'll do my best, what else can I do ?
Since I wasn't born perfect like Dad or you
Mom, I will try to
Try hard to make you
Proud of your boy