NEWS




7March

Tawi-Tawi's Daughter Shines: Shareema Abduraji Achieves Top 9 in Respiratory Therapist Licensure Exam

A young woman from the island province of Tawi-Tawi has brought immense pride to her community, securing the 9th spot in the recently concluded Licensure Examination for Respiratory Therapists.
Shareema Abduraji, a 22-year-old lass who graduated from the Universidad de Zamboanga in Zamboanga City with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) as Cum Laude in 2024, has become a shining example of resilience, determination, and a pursuit of excellence.
 
From Humble Beginnings to Topnotcher Status
 
Born in Sitangkai, the second of ten siblings, Shareema understood the value of education from a young age. Despite facing financial constraints, she worked hard to secure a scholarship, maintaining high grades to keep her dreams alive.
 
“I had to excel in Senior High School to get a scholarship in college to lessen the financial burden of my parents,” she shared. 

“I have a bigger vision for a great future for my family. So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and set out to face the world, here in the bigger city,” she recounted, describing her journey from Tawi-Tawi to Zamboanga City.
 
Dedication and Perseverance Fuel Success
 
Shareema’s path to success was not without challenges. She faced the pressure of high expectations and a demanding curriculum, navigating the complexities of medical jargon and the pressure of maintaining her scholarship.
 
“I use the Pomodoro Technique, and I think that’s also one of the reasons why I usually top the exam,” she said, attributing her success, in part, to her effective study methods.
 
Despite moments of self-doubt, Shareema persevered, drawing strength from her faith and a firm belief in the Divine Plan. 

“Everything happens for a reason. I learned to clap for someone’s success and wait for mine. If this thing is for me, at the right time, it will find me,” Shareema emphasized.
 
A Proud Moment for the Bangsamoro Community
 
Shareema’s achievement has resonated across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), serving as a powerful testament to the potential within the region. Leaders