Doreen overcomes challenges to be a lawyer

By BOURA GORU KILA
WHEN she had a baby during her first year in university, Doreen Simaka, giving up her pursuit of a law degree never crossed her mind.
“I did university while pregnant and had to double up some courses just to meet the Grade Point Average requirements to make it to the Legal Training Institute. And yeah, I pulled through and I was able to graduate with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2023.”
Doreen, 25, is the second eldest in a family of three girls and one boy.
Her dad Isaiah was a teacher by profession who went as far as being the district education coordinator before resigning to contest the 2012, 2017 and 2022 general elections. Her mum is a nurse by profession. They are from Enga and Western.
Doreen completed her elementary education at the Kompiam Elementary School in Enga, then went to Western for her primary and high school education. She completed Grade 12 at the Kiunga Secondary School in 2018.
She enrolled for law studies at the University of Papua New Guinea in 2019. She wanted to be a lawyer to serve people, in the footsteps of her public servants-parents.
Doreen was one of the 127 lawyers recently admitted to the bar.
She is the first female lawyer from her Beagua tribe in the Middle Fly District.
Her dad Isaiah was very proud of her achievement.

“ I did university while pregnant and had to double up some courses just to meet the Grade Point Average requirements to make it to the Legal Training Institute. And yeah, I pulled through and I was able to graduate with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2023.”

“In our tribe, there are not many educated or working class people. So (her being a lawyer) is the first for the tribe. We thank God for that.”
Dad Isaiah was on hand to congratulate her after her admission to the PNG bar.
Doreen came to Port Moresby for her graduation and went back home last year.
“I wasn’t sure about myself and the Legal Training Institute because the competition is high.”
Then she was contacted by the institute that she had been accepted to enroll for the one-year prerequisite legal training before she could be admitted to the PNG bar.
She found the one-year stint at the LTI a bit of a struggle.
“I was called by LTI to come back because I got accepted. At LTI, it was very stressful and mentally draining but despite all odds, I made it through. And here we are.”
She is currently considering job options. She has always had the interest in serving people growing up and now that she has been admitted to the bar, she aims to work with a government organisation first. Then when she is satisfied that she had served the people through the government network, she may consider a stint in private practice too.
Doreen is glad that she did not give up during first university year after having a baby. And she thanks God for guiding her through all challenges.
“Life is full of challenges, but you will pull through when you put God first in everything.”
The words of ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle ring true in Doreen’s story: “It is during one’s darkest moments that one must focus to see the light.”