Mag. Bojan Tomc: My illness did not define my life, but it encouraged me to learn

Mag. Bojan Tomc has spent nearly six decades living with persistent ringing in his ears, yet he has never allowed this condition to dictate his life or limit his work and interests. In an interview for the program Naš gost, he spoke about his life’s journey marked by perseverance, continuous learning and a desire to help others. His story serves as proof that even difficult challenges can become a catalyst for personal growth and community service. Tomc has dealt with tinnitus, the constant buzzing or whistling in the ears, since his youth. Instead of letting the illness define his life, he transformed it into motivation for development. During the interview, he emphasized that for him, learning was always more than just obtaining formal education, it became a means of overcoming obstacles and seeking new opportunities. His professional path began as a mechanic, and throughout regular work, he continuously pursued further education. Without special concessions, he advanced all the way through to a master's degree. The path was not easy, he faced both health limitations and administrative complications in recognizing professional exams. There were also doubts from his surroundings regarding the relevance of studying later in life. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast and proved that it is never too late to learn. Once completing his studies, Tomc did not direct his energy solely toward personal development. He focused primarily on contributing to the well-being of others. He believes knowledge gains true value when shared with others. Today, he volunteers as a driver for the Prostofer program, helping elderly individuals and others who struggle to reach medical care or obtain assistance. At the same time, he considers broader developmental initiatives and sustainable solutions that could strengthen local self-care in the Trst region and contribute to greater community connectivity. In the interview, Tomc repeatedly stressed that people are not defined by their limitations, but rather by how they respond to them. Although health issues have accompanied him throughout much of his life, he refused to let them stop him from working, studying or volunteering. His life story is thus above all a story of responsibility, to himself and to others. It demonstrates that even in demanding circumstances, one can maintain openness to new knowledge, personal growth and willingness to serve the community. Tomc’s experience sends a message to listeners: no life challenge is necessarily the final word. Perseverance, readiness to learn and openness to helping neighbors can turn even the hardest experiences into something positive. His journey from mechanic to master’s graduate and devoted volunteer stands as a reminder that with will, effort and trust in oneself, one can move beyond perceived limits.