Mom accepts UTT degree after COVID claims her son

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Graduation day brought a mixture of mourning and celebration for one class at the University of T&T (UTT) which lost one of its top and ambitious students to the COVID-19 virus.

But as 30 students of the university’s mechanical engineering class grieved for 20-year-old Abdullah Hassim, who died suddenly of the disease, they also paid glowing tribute to his weeping mother Nabilah Juman, who accepted her son’s diploma posthumously at its O’Meara campus in Arima.

The November 30 graduation brought bittersweet feelings for both mom and students at a virtual presentation of graduates.

Thousands of viewers witnessed an emotional Juman accept Hassim’s certificate from UTT president Prof Prakash Persad for his academic achievements.

Hassim, who obtained first-class honours, was Juman’s only child­—her pride and joy.

“I just could not contain my tears knowing that Abdullah worked relentlessly to obtain his diploma and he did not live to graduate,” an emotional Juman told the Sunday Guardian during an interview on Thursday.

Juman, 40, said for three years her son studied religiously to obtain his diploma and make his 56-year-old stepfather, Intaff Juman, proud.

“Intaff always pushed and motivated Abdullah to strive for excellence. He treated Abdullah as his own son and wanted the best for him.”

However, Juman said, God had other plans.

After Hassim wrote his final exams in May, the unexpected happened.

On June 5, Hassim, who worked at a printery, started to complain of severe chest pains at his David Toby Road, Cunupia home.

Laying his head on his mother’s chest as he sought the comfort and solace that only a mother can provide in times of distress, Hassim breathed his last, as he laid on his parents’ bed, nestled in their arms.

Initially believing Hassim died as a result of a heart attack, four days later, his family was informed by health officials that he died due to complications related to the COVID-19 virus.

Prior to his death, Juman said, Hassim had expressed concern that he may not have done well in one of his exams.

“Abdullah kept saying that the exam was difficult and wondered if he had passed. I told him not to stress out and assured him all would be well. There were times he was unsure of himself and pulled through, so I was not worried.”

Juman said her reassurance put her son’s mind at rest and he looked forward to graduating.

Hassim was also eager to register at the University of the West Indies’ St Augustine campus to pursue his degree in mechanical engineering, as he had a passion for designing and repairing machines.

Recalling her son’s final hours, Juman said her son came home from work like any other day.

“Abdullah was normal. He never displayed any signs of having the virus. By late evening, Abdullah started to clutch his chest saying he was not feeling well. Then he started to cold sweat…as the pains became unbearable.”

Within two hours, Juman said her son suddenly passed away in her arms.

Hassim was not vaccinated.

PCR tests conducted on the Jumans came back negative.

“Abdullah’s death was so sudden it ripped our family apart. COVID took what we loved the most. I could not have asked God for a better child,” Juman said, choked with emotions.

What further shattered Juman’s heart was not being able to bid her son farewell.

“Intaff and I had to be quarantined.”

Juman said she had no idea where Hassim could have possibly picked up the virus because he was not the partying type or in the habit of going out.

Through sobs, Juman said her Hassim worked tirelessly and made numerous sacrifices to achieve his academic goals.

“He always spoke of becoming a mechanical engineer and decided to go after his dream by registering at UTT for his diploma. He loved school and took great pride in his work.”

Juman spoke about Hassim juggling work, school and training in youth development, which drained him mentally and physically.

“Many nights I watched him beat his books without putting anything in his stomach. There were times he struggled to finish a project or deliver a paper but never gave up.”

Driven by ambition, Hassim fell within the ten per cent of top achievers in his class, which made the Jumans proud.

Hassim was the youngest in his class.

When Juman was invited to UTT’s graduation ceremony, she was initially reluctant to go.

“I didn’t have the strength and courage to collect his certificate. Intaff told me I had to be there for our son because this is what he worked hard for and would have wanted…his certificate. So, I decided to attend.”

However, the ceremony turned out to be an emotional moment for Juman when she was presented with her son’s certificate.

“To be honest, I could not stop crying just hearing from Mr Persad that Abdullah was a good student, his lecturers spoke highly about him and that UTT was happy to have a student like him. There were many proud moments I shared with my son…but collecting this certificate was my proudest…even though he was not there.”

Juman, who was a member of the T&T Cadet Force, will also receive a posthumous Duke of Edinburgh gold award, also known as the President’s Award, for her son’s contribution to youth development. Adolescents and young adults receive this international award for completing a series of self-improvement exercises. This award programme founded by the late Prince Phillip in 1956 has now expanded to 144 nations. To obtain the gold medal, participants must undertake five categories of training.

Hassim only completed four but due to his perseverance and commitment, the committee of the President Award Programme of T&T will honour him at a date to be announced.