Lorrain, a bundle of determination

By JACINTA COHLEE
A MOTHER of two working as a guard for three years saw the fruits of her sacrifice when she graduated with a diploma in primary teaching at Balob Teachers’ College in Lae, Morobe on Dec 1.
Lorrain Nicko, from Winge in East Sepik, is an example of “Success comes with a great challenge.”
Lorrain, heading into her 30s now, was selected to study Bachelor in Agriculture Science in 2020 at the PNG University of Technology, but for personal reasons she discontinued and stayed at home.
In 2021, she applied to Balob Teachers’ College and at the same time she applied to Executive Security Services (ESS) to work as a static guard.
“I was working and studying at the same time for those three years,” she said.

“ I worked at night and many times went to class late, and my friends were always there for me. They were the ones who supported me and because of them I got good marks and graduated today.”

It was not easy for Lorrain as she worked her 6pm-6am and then, in the morning, she changed into her student uniform and went to class.
“After class, I went back to my shift and have been doing it for three years. It was tiring and exhausting because instead of resting after my night shift, I went to class and I did not give up along the way until I graduated today.
“I am always worn out, but the idea of achieving my dreams always pushes me to continue my journey.”
When asked about her motovation, she said: “I have a thought that no matter what or despite any situation in life, I have a dream that I will still make it and bring my success this far.”
The mother of two shared that she was supposed to study Bachelor in Agriculture Science, but instead, her dream was diverted into choosing teaching as a career due to the situation (confidential) she went through in life.
“I wanted to be a teacher because I came from a challenging and struggling situation and I know how it feels.
“Seeing what people are going through, I feel that I have a role to play in society, I have to be a teacher in order to educate the upcoming generation – to contribute towards society through education and my teaching career.”
During her first year, she paid for her own school fees with the money she earned as a guard, and during the rest of her college years, it was her mother-in-law who always stepped into support her.
Working as a guard was an experience that made her feel and know how tough the situation in life could be, especially with her husband still studying and two children at home, as well as no support from any family or relatives.

“There was no one to help.
“My husband was also studying, but my mother-in-law and mother never gave up on us.
“Also, my friends (Jamalia, Wendy, Bina and Priscilla) at college.
“I worked at night and many times went to class late, and my friends were always there for me.
“They were the ones who supported me and because of them I got good marks and graduated today.”
From her experience as a guard, she shifted her ambition to teaching. Now she is planning on furthering her studies into obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education.
“Being a static guard was a motivation that inspired me to keep moving despite the mountains being high.”
She was understandably emotional when she thanked her mother-in-law, mother, friends, the ESS management and others for supporting her one way or another.
Her encouragement to readers: “Whatever you are going through in life is temporary, but don’t make it permanent because there’s always a way through.
“If some of us can do it, then you can do it too.
“Don’t be ashamed to do what you think will help you, as long as you have something to sustain you.”