Weaving Dreams: The Inspiring Story of Dr. Legisan Samtafsir, M.Ag
Born in the small village of Maniskidul in North Sumatra, Dr. Legisan Samtafsir, M.Ag was raised in a humble family. Although his parents did not receive a high level of education, they instilled in him the values of perseverance and resilience—principles that later became the foundation of his inspiring life journey.
From an early age, Legisan demonstrated a strong determination to pursue education. After finishing elementary school, he faced a major obstacle in continuing his studies. His family couldn’t afford further schooling, which forced Legisan to work on a palm oil plantation to save money. Amidst difficult conditions, he collected fallen palm fruit—grueling physical labor that demanded both physical strength and mental endurance.
Yet Legisan’s persistence knew no bounds. He used the money he earned to pay six months of tuition at his Islamic high school (madrasah aliyah). Every night, he taught Qur’anic recitation (ngaji) classes to earn a small fee, which he used to pay for his education. He also worked cleaning cemeteries to supplement his income. His tenacity and hard work paid off: he completed his high school education with outstanding achievements.
Legisan’s academic excellence began to gain recognition when he won various quiz and speech competitions at the village, sub-district, and district levels. His success culminated in securing second place at the provincial level, earning him the honor of representing North Sumatra at the national-level Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) in Yogyakarta. This milestone opened the door to a scholarship from the company where his father worked.
Continuing his studies at the Faculty of Da’wah at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra (UIN Sumatera Utara), Legisan again displayed exceptional perseverance. He was appointed an employee at a state-owned plantation company (PTP) and received a scholarship to pursue his master’s degree. Support from both the company and his family further motivated him to chase his dreams. After completing his postgraduate studies, he returned to work at the PTP while continuing to seek personal development opportunities.
His unwavering commitment to learning eventually led him to personal development training at the ESQ institute founded by Ary Ginanjar Agustian. After completing the program, Legisan returned to North Sumatra and began applying what he had learned by conducting training sessions for plantation foremen. His success in this role boosted his recognition and reputation in the field.
Ultimately, Legisan decided to fully dedicate himself to the world of training and personal development. He founded Greatness, an institution focused on inspiring and empowering individuals through education and training. With a strong vision and tireless dedication, Dr. Legisan Samtafsir, M.Ag is committed to living a meaningful life that benefits others.
Dr. Legisan Samtafsir’s life story is living proof that with determination, hard work, and prayer, anyone can achieve their dreams and bring about positive change in society. He continues to fill his life with meaningful “content,” hoping that every step he takes earns the pleasure of Allah and multiplies blessings for all.
