By : JD staff writer
Jordan Daily – At 72, most people are deep into their retirement years, reflecting on a lifetime of achievements and experiences. For Saleh Hajazin, however, life’s journey was far from complete. This year, he achieved something many might consider improbable- a high school certificate.
Saleh’s story is one of remarkable perseverance. His quest for education began over 25 years ago, motivated by a promise to his late father and a desire to demonstrate that age is no barrier to learning. “My father always wanted me to get my high school certificate,” Saleh recalls, with a mix of pride and nostalgia. “I couldn’t let him down, even if it took me until now to achieve it.”
Saleh first took the Tawjihi, Jordan’s challenging General Secondary Education Certificate Examination, in 1997. He faced setbacks, failing the exam that year and again two years later. Yet, his determination was unshaken. Over the following decades, he attempted the Tawjihi six more times.
In 2023, he succeeded, but his initial score of 51% did not meet his expectations. Unwilling to settle, Saleh decided to retake several subjects. His tenacity led him to improve his average to 61.5%, marking a significant milestone in his lifelong educational journey.
“I wasn’t just doing it for myself,” Saleh explains. “I wanted to feel on par with my children, who had all completed their education. I wanted to show them that it’s never too late to achieve your goals.”
Inspired by his success, Saleh also motivated his wife to take the Tawjihi with him, proving that the pursuit of education can be a shared endeavor. “The key to achieving any goal is persistence,” he says, a belief that has guided him throughout his journey. “I’m not finished yet—I plan to continue my studies at university.”
Saleh Hajazin’s path to education has been long and challenging, but his story stands as a demonstration to the power of persistence, the fulfillment of a father’s wish, and the notion that no dream is too distant, regardless of age.
As he prepares to embark on his university studies, Saleh’s journey offers inspiration to anyone who believes that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
