Grim is Action4Diabetes' very first ASPIRE Scholarship student who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) when he was just over a year old.
Read about this remarkable young man in this article written by Kitti Meateepitukkul A4D's Programme Coordinator, Thailand.
On the bright and joyous morning of September 21st, 2024, I had the distinct honour of attending Grim’s graduation ceremony at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. This day was not only a personal triumph for Grim and his family, but it also served as a testament to the transformative power of A4D’s ASPIRE scholarship programme. Grim's journey, marked by determination, passion, and dedication, culminated in his earning First-Class Honours and being chosen as the representative of his graduating class to deliver the appreciation speech.
The ceremony, held in the early morning, was an inspiring event. Guests were not permitted inside the hall where Grim received his degree, so we waited outside, full of anticipation, from late morning until the afternoon. During this time, I had the privilege of speaking with Grim’s family—his father, mother, younger brother, and girlfriend—all of whom came to celebrate his remarkable achievement.
Grim’s father works as a residential juristic person, and his mother as a maid in a condominium. They both attended to witness this important milestone in their son’s life. His younger brother, who is currently in Grade 11, also shared in the family’s pride. They spoke of Grim’s dedication throughout his university years—how he would study tirelessly, pouring all of his energy into his passion for traditional Thai dance (Khon). His hard work paid off, not only with First-Class Honors but also the prestigious role of delivering the appreciation speech on behalf of the graduates—a role that reflects the respect and admiration he has earned from both his peers and professors.
In my conversations with his family, they recounted Grim’s journey to his dream job as a traditional Thai dance teacher (Khon) at Lertlah School, a private institution. Though he initially worked as a purchasing officer in a company—a job that did not fulfill him—Grim made the courageous decision to leave and pursue his true calling. His degree, and the support from A4D’s ASPIRE programme, allowed him to follow his passion for teaching and traditional Thai dance, a career that aligns with his heart’s desire.
When Grim finally emerged from the ceremony hall, diploma in hand, his face beamed with pride. We shared a heartfelt conversation, during which Grim expressed his deep gratitude for the ASPIRE scholarship. He spoke of how the financial support enabled him to focus on his studies without the overwhelming pressure of financial concerns. With the scholarship, Grim could wholeheartedly pursue his education and realise his dream of becoming a teacher, a profession he now holds dear.
As a representative of A4D, I had the pleasure of congratulating Grim on behalf of our organisation. I also presented him with two gifts—a personalised pen engraved with his name and a scented candle. The pen, symbolic of his role as a teacher, is a tool he can use every day as he imparts knowledge to his students. The scented candle holds deeper meaning, representing the light of education that has guided him through his studies and will continue to illuminate his path to future success.
His family was visibly moved by these gestures, and their pride in Grim's accomplishments was unmistakable. They marvelled at how far he had come—from a young boy with dreams to a man standing tall with a degree, honours, and a bright future ahead. This was not just a day of celebration but also a day of new beginnings for Grim, as he embarks on the next phase of his journey with the support of his family and the foundation laid by the ASPIRE scholarship.
Personal reflection:
Grim’s graduation is a story of perseverance, passion, and dedication. Grim was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) when he was just over 1 year old, throughout his life he did not allow his T1D to deter him from achieving his dreams. His academic success, including earning First-Class Honours and being chosen as the graduate representative to give the appreciation speech, is a reflection of the hard work he put in throughout his university years. Thanks to A4D’s ASPIRE programme, Grim has not only achieved his academic goals but is now thriving in his dream job as a traditional Thai dance teacher. His future shines bright, and all of us at A4D are proud to have been part of his journey.
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