Hope is the theme for 2025 at La Salle Technical Secondary, and for 17-year-old Ardasha Yehresase, hope is more than just a word, it is the force that drives her forward through life’s most difficult circumstances. Born into a family where both parents have been absent from her everyday life, Ardasha has found strength in hope, using it as a foundation to build her dreams and despite all these challenges, she perseveres, determined to create a future defined by success rather than struggle. A shining academic star, Ardasha was part of last year’s La Salle Tec Sec Grade 10’s that came first in the country National Examination which is a testament to her dedication and resilience. She is the eldest of four siblings, with a mother from Gulf and a father from Sepik. When her parents separated during her primary school years, neither had employment, making it difficult to provide for her. To ease her mother’s burden, she moved in with her grandmother, who became her primary caretaker and the family’s sole provider, relying on a pension inherited from Ardasha’s late grandfather, a former police officer. Despite these circumstances, Ardasha plays an active role in her household, assisting with daily chores and even contributing financially through market-selling and during school holidays, she takes on extra responsibilities to help cover her educational expenses, showing an unwavering commitment to her future. Her dream has always been to become an Accountant. However, recent changes in the school curriculum altered the subject options available to her. Rather than letting this deter her, Ardasha adapted, shifting her focus to the business stream. Now studying History, Economics, and Advanced Math, she remains determined to excel, embracing the evolving academic landscape with resilience. Ardasha’s journey took an unexpected turn when a chance encounter during an exclusive PNG HAUSBUNG Back-to-School interview with La Salle’s principal, Br. Antony. As the journalist was capturing images around the school, Ardasha’s warm and welcoming smile caught his attention. This led to an impromptu conversation, where she shared her story, passion for business studies, and aspirations for the future. When asked about her goals, Ardasha spoke with confidence, declaring her ambition to achieve distinction this term. As academic excellence is a long-standing tradition at La Salle, and she is determined to uphold that legacy and not just for herself, but for her grandmother, who has sacrificed so much for her education. "As long as I have hope and the will to push forward, I know I can make it," she shared with quiet determination. For Ardasha, education is not just a pathway to personal success, but it is the key to securing a better future for her family. She dreams of becoming an accountant, not just for her own fulfillment, but to provide for those who have stood by her side. Through her hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering love of her grandmother, Ardasha is paving the way to becoming a role model for her siblings. Her story is a powerful reminder that challenges can be transformed into opportunities with the right mindset. By staying focused and working tirelessly toward her goals, she embodies the power of HOPE and proving that even in the face of adversity, success is possible. Ardasha Yehresase’s journey is a living testament to La Salle Technical Secondary’s 2025 theme. As she continues to rise above her hardships, her future remains bright. She is proof that no matter the obstacles, hope is never in vain, and God sees every tear of determination, every moment of struggle, and rewards the perseverance of those who dare to keep believing. With each step she takes, Ardasha shows that hope is not just a word but a way of life.