Tanya fulfills father’s wish and receives special award

By MICHAEL LAI
TANYA Oveai, pictured, fulfilled her father’s wish to achieve a qualification with substance on Friday.
The 25-year-old from Gulf and Madang not only graduated from the International Education Agency college of TAFE with a Diploma in IT networking but walked down the podium with a special award as the top student in that programme.
“My father often advised me to earn a qualification that is not only a glossy looking paper but has substance in it.”
She says the course was tough and dominated by males.
Tanya’s father, Christopher, says it has been through sheer hard work that resulted in Tanya winning the special award.
“She is the fourth in the family and only daughter among four brothers,” he said.
He father impressed upon his children to be honest in their studies because better qualification comes through hard work.
“I always encourage my children not to worry about what other people have.
“You see yourself as you are and do your best to your ability with honesty in your studies and maintain respect for others.”
Tanya graduated with 262 other students.
She was given the award for distinction, a top student in advanced diploma in IT networking.
Tanya will continue into diploma in network setting in another six months at IEA. She said she planned to go to James Cook University for a bachelor’s degree in networking and network set-up after completing there.
Paul Saefo’oa, 25, from Solomon Islands, also received a special award in thetourism and hospitality management strand.
He was given a two-year contract to work at Ela Beach Hotel.
He is happy to find his first job in Papua New Guinea.