Beauty queen Tyla graduates with degree

By JACINTA COHLEE
MISS Bird of Paradise PNG Tyla Krystal Singirok has been described by her parents as a “phenomenal woman” who is determined to serve marginalised women.
Dad Jerry Singirok, after witnessing Tyla graduate with a Bachelor in Mining Engineering degree at the University of Technology in Lae, characterised her as “a good child” who “loves reading, is self-educated, and committed to the church”.
“It’s a dream of every parent for their children to be successful, particularly women, because in PNG they are marginalised due to traditions and customs.”
Tyla is the second eldest in a family of four born to (retired senior military officer) Jerry and Vasity. They are from East Sepik, Madang and Central.
Her parents are proud not only of her academic achievement but also that when she was crowned Miss PNG in December, she accepted it with “a lot of humility as she wants to serve marginalised women, and work for charity”.
“So, as parents, we are absolutely blessed, happy, and thank God for blessing us with such a child who can create her own career path.”

“ That’s what Mahatma Gandhi and others said. We really need to invest in our education and take our education seriously, especially our young boys and girls.”

Tyla, 21, graduated with a Bachelor of Mining Engineering degree, apart from a Council Medal and Upper Second Class Honours with Merit.
Her schooling began at the Salvation Army Primary School in Lae, before she attended the Port Moresby International School and Port Moresby National High School.
Tyla was passionate about the extractive industry, especially the big impact it has on the national economy.
So she decided to enroll at Unitech, expecting the challenges ahead.
“There were only four of us (girls) in a classroom full of 20-plus boys. That really was a challenge, when you walk into a classroom and see a male-dominated environment.
“And to overcome the challenge, you have to believe in yourself.”
Tyla dedicated her achievements to her family, saying that it was their prayers that really kept her going to overcome the sleepless nights of study and other commitments in life.
“It really was a testament of who I grew up to be. My parents’ love and success has bought back into my life. This win is not only for myself, but also for my family, tribe, community, province and country.”
She plans to invest and add value to herself so she can add value back to the country with the degree she has.
Tyla is currently engaged with the K92 Mining, where she is attached with the mine technical services department under its graduate development programme.
She plans to pursue a post-graduate degree in petroleum engineering (oil and gas industry), so she can be well-versed in the industry and contribute more to the economy.
Her advice to girls is: “Please don’t be hesitant and scared to pursue a career in a male-dominated industry because you can, you are capable, and you have the ability to thrive and to succeed.”
Her general advice to people is to view education as “our ticket to a better life”.
“That’s what Mahatma Gandhi and others said. We really need to invest in our education and take our education seriously, especially our young boys and girls.”