Hard work pays off

Youth & Careers

COMMITMENT and dedication paid off at the end for Jessica Kum, a young woman of mixed Jiwaka and West Sepik parentage who graduated on Friday at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.
Kum graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in chemistry and minor in environmental science during the university’s 62nd graduation.
The 27-year-old is the first from her family to graduate at UPNG.
Her younger sister, Jelilah, is doing her final year in journalism, also at UPNG.
Kum’s dad is from Jiwaka and mum is from Vanimo. She is the third born in a family of six children.
Her elder brother and sister graduated from Divine Word University with a Bachelor of Health Management and Rural Health respectively.
“I started my first year in 2010 but unfortunately I had gone through a lot of struggles and complications until I finally completed my education last year,” Kum said.
She could have graduated in 2014 if it had not been for circumstances that affected her studies.
“I never gave up even when it felt like giving up. I committed myself.
“It’s very sweet to be in this graduation gown and getting this ‘bamboo’ (degree) and having my family here witnessing my special day.
“I’m proud of my achievement. I thank God first and my family for being on my side.”
Kum’s message is: “It doesn’t matter how many times you fail. If you know what you want, you can achieve it.”