Overcoming Adversity: Junior Wafi’s Journey to Graduation
By Delma MANUKI
Hard Work, commitment, and dedication paid off for the School of Communication and Development Studies (SCDS)Council Medal and Degree with Merit Awardee Junior Wafi, as he graduated with more than 700 others on April 12th. Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) graduated with the Council Medal and Degree with Merit.
While others have their own inspiring stories, Junior Wafi proudly reflected on his story of self-reliance and a strong will to make things happen.
During the four years of study, Junior Wafi was faced with the challenge of paying for his own school fees. He managed to work during the holidays, and budgeted his income and cut on unnecessary spending.
“It was really tough, but I had to find a way to pay for my own education,” he said.
He also fell ill during final year, and was admitted to the hospital for severe Malaria. When he was transported home, he considered withdrawing but recovered and continued studying. “I knew I had to keep going, and I had to fight for my dreams,” he said.
Wafi’s biggest source of support during his time at PNGUoT was his single mother and his brothers, and others who motivated and supported him during the four years.
He also got help from campus resources such as counselling services and academic advisors. One person who motivated him as well was Mr. Nagiob Jesse, who encouraged him to be persistent and to never-give-up . “He told me to continue from there and always pray to God Almighty, who is the source of everything… I did, and now I am able to graduate with merit.”
Overcoming these challenges has changed a lot of Wafi’s perspective on education and life in general. He believes that the power is upon ourselves, and that nothing is hard. He added that it depends on us as individuals, because we attract what we think.
“Life is God Almighty, and when we think and start to embrace and acknowledge our maker, life comes to its abundance.”
As Wafi prepares for his future endeavors, he hopes to be a public servant and later pursue his Masters in Business Administration.
“I want to give back to my community and make a difference in the world,” he said.