There are stories that are not imposed by noise, but by silence. They do not seek applause, but they deserve it. One such story comes from Rožaje - from a house where knowledge was not an added value, but the foundation of life.
The three Honsić brothers - Reho, Ramiz and Mirsad - honorable and honest people, workers and from working-class families, did not leave behind any material wealth, except for modest and honestly acquired wealth. They left behind something far more valuable: a legacy that lasts longer than anything tangible - nine children and nine doctors. Nine testimonies that even from humble circumstances, without privileges and shortcuts, one can reach far.
Nine doctors from one house sounds almost unreal. But behind that number are not connections, acquaintances, or a system that pushed someone forward. There are years of sacrifice, humble lives, and parents who chose books over comfort, and the future of their children over their own needs. Their victory was not quick - but it was fair.
The result of that journey are people with names and surnames, with knowledge and a deep responsibility towards the community: Jasmin, Elvisa, Alida, Elza, Almir, Selvija, Lejla, Almira and Šejla Honsić - nine children, nine medical doctors, nine professional destinies, one family legacy. All educated and formed at the Medical University of Montenegro.
What makes this story even more powerful is the fact that they stayed. That they decided to live and work in Rožaje and Montenegro, to treat their people - in their city, in their country. In a time when leaving is often presented as the only measure of success, their choice to stay carries special weight.
The roots of this story go much further than diplomas and titles. As Dr. Almir Honsić testifies, the decisive influence on their professional path was their uncle, primarius Dr. Abdulah Backo Kalač - the first doctor in the family and the man who showed that medicine is not a profession, but a calling.
He did not persuade or direct them by force. But through his example, his relationship with patients, and the trust he enjoyed in the community, he awakened respect for medicine. Through him, they learned that being a doctor means serving people, learning throughout life, and being ready to make sacrifices.
That's why medicine was not an imposed choice, but a natural consequence of growing up in a family where knowledge, work, and helping others were valued. Everyone made their own decision, but the family atmosphere made that decision sincere and close to the heart.
This column is not just a story about one family. It is a message to young people who are searching for their path today. A message that dreams are not built on privilege, but on perseverance. That humble beginnings are not an obstacle, but a foundation. And that knowledge remains the most honest legacy that parents can leave to their children.
Because when nine doctors emerge from one house, it's no coincidence.
That's value.
That's responsibility.
It is knowledge that wins.
It is the pride of their house, the pride of Rožaje and the pride of Montenegro.
Therefore, our dear future leaders of work and life in Montenegro - keep before you the example of the Honsić family. Stay in your country. With knowledge and work, repay at least part of the debt to those who believed in you and invested in you - your parents.
The author is a holder of the Order of Merit for the People of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz) and a recipient of the "30. September" Plaque, the highest award of the city of Rožaje.
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