Tears as twice-suspended Joshua graduates

By ZINA KOIM
THE tears of joy inevitably flowed as Joshua Irepo hugged his mother and relatives who stood by him after he graduated with a degree from university – after being suspended twice for two semesters each.
“On March 8, 2024 (after eight years), I graduated (with a Bachelor in Health Management and Systems degree). It was a moment filled with tears of joy as I reflected on the journey I had undertaken. It was indeed a tough one but giving up was not an option for me. So I made it. Though I was suspended twice, I kept on trying and fighting until the end.”
Being the second-born in a polygamy family background, Joshua was determined to be educated so he could look after his mother and two brothers. His father passed away in 2013 while he was in high school.
As one of the pioneer students of Mendi High School in 2015, he applied to take up the health management and systems programme at the Divine Word University. He was selected in 2016.
“University life introduced me to new experiences, including making friends with people from different provinces as well as international students.”
Despite being committed to his studies, he always struggled to follow the right path, so to speak.
He completed the first year in 2016, but in mid-2017 had to be suspended for two semesters for breaking university rules, something he blamed on peer influence.
“Regrettably, that resulted in a two semester suspension from my studies.”
He was out of school for the whole of 2018. He re-applied in 2019 and was accepted to continue his studies. But he was suspended again for two semesters for breaking the rules.
He spent 2020 at home, hoping to resume his studies in 2021. But he was not accepted back.
Despite that, he still had hope that he would be given another chance. That happened in 2022.
“I returned to university in 2022, determined to complete my education and support my single mother. It was a difficult journey. I even sought advice from the Madang court, and signed a statutory declaration to stay focused and avoid any misconduct that could jeopardise my studies.
“I was at the lowest point of my life. Life was tough that even family members had doubted my ability to succeed.”

“ It was a moment filled with tears of joy as I reflected on the journey I had undertaken. It was indeed a tough one but giving up was not an option for me. So I made it. Though I was suspended twice, I kept on trying and fighting until the end.”

It was during that time that two of his cousins who had not given up on him, decided to support him financially. It allowed him to complete the programme in 2023.
Joshua believed that his graduation was a testament of his faith and perseverance. The man from Tukupangi village, Imbonggu, Southern Highlands had to spend eight years instead of four to finally get the degree he wanted.
On the day of his graduation, he received a letter offering him a job as camp manager for Ramu Nickel Mining in Madang.
“That in itself is a testament to the reward for perseverance. I believe that God has a plan for everyone, and by setting goals and working towards them, we can fulfill our purpose in life.”
He thanks his cousins, mum, siblings, families, friends and course mates who played an important role in his education journey.
“I would like pass my heartfelt thank you to those who did not give up on me and stood by me.”
His advice to students in colleges and universities is to choose peers and friends wisely.
“Choose your peers wisely, set priorities right and surround yourselves with positive influencers to succeed. Life is short, and it’s essential to enjoy it while striving for success.
“To those who may been suspended and are at home, do not give and keep trying until you succeed in your education.”
Joshua can vouch for that.