Proud moment for Irene

By ROSELYN ELLISON
IT was a proud moment for a young woman from one of East New Britain’s remotest areas to be awarded the top mathematics student last Friday.
Irene Kulap, 21, from Lan village in Lassul-Baining of Gazelle, was among a group of 64 students who graduated with a bachelor of education, specialising in secondary teaching at the St Peter Chanel Catholic College in Kokopo.
Kulap said she achieved a goal in graduating with a degree in teaching and being awarded the best student in mathematics was a bonus.
She said Baining was a remote area in the province and did not get much recognition but she was proud of representing her people.
Kulap’s parents have always been supportive of their daughter’s education.
“I would not have made it to where I am now without the support of my parents and for that reason, I am thankful to both of them,” she said.
Kulap paid special tribute to her mother Bernadette who was “the person behind my struggles, no matter what, she was always at my back”.
Kulap completed her grade 10 at Utmei Secondary School in 2014, continued on to grade 11 at the Kerevat National High School in 2015 and graduated year 12 in 2016.
She was selected to go to Mt Hagen Technical College in Western Highlands but declined and instead, chose to enrol closer to home at the St Peter Channel Catholic College.
Kulap said she planned to return to her district and teach at Utmei Secondary to give back to her people.
“My encouragement to other Baining students is to work hard and don’t waste your time; aim high and focus,” she said.
“I didn’t waste my time here in the past four years.
“I came here for business and here I am, a happy person, that is why I want you to be like me.”