Graduate shocks with top marks

By MAJELEEN YANEI
A Graduate, Makambe Jemimah, surprised everyone including herself when she topped the mathematics and computer science class, a great achievement at the University of PNG.
Jemimah topped mathematics and computer science with a grade point average of 4.78 under the School of Natural and Physical Science (SNPS) at the university, an achievement that genuinely surprised her.
“I never knew I would be the top student in my division as well as the school because I am not good in computer science and mathematics since primary,” she said.
“My aim was to become a doctor as my mother is a nurse attached with Santos Limited.”
Makambe, 24, from Hela, was also awarded the Chancellor’s Mathematics Award yesterday during the 69th graduation.
She said after completing her science foundation in 2019, she would be streamed to the School of Medicine and Health Sciences but was selected to SNPS instead.
“I wanted to quit but thought to give it a try and see what unfolds,” she said.
Mathematics and computer science divisional head Henrietta Simon said: “As a female head, I am proud a female student has topped the division.
“Makambe was my student during her third year and such achievement reflects the division and the school as a whole,” she said.
Simon said the division had been producing many top students over the years.
Makambe said: “Growing up with a single parent, this achievement is dedicated to my mother who was courageous and stood with me every step of the way, ensuring I completed my studies.
“My parents divorced when I was a year old, my father remarried and never turned back to support my elder sister and I.
“I am who I am today because of my mother.
“My first year of study was very challenging, using computer to solve mathematical problems and statistics was never an easy task for a satisfactory student in that programme but I did my best.
“I wanted my father to attend my graduation, despite everything that has happened, I wanted this graduation to unite us but unfortunately he fell ill and was hospitalised,” she said.
“I thank my family for their support.
“I have been offered a tutoring role by the university but I have yet to make a decision on this matter.
“I am not a good public speaker, however, I am working on improving this,” she said.