All the hard work, efforts and sleepless nights have paid off for Fatima Ai’io when she finally received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) during the institution’s 68th graduation this week in Port Moresby. Ai’io graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in School of Business and Public Policy and was the top best performing female student in the School. Ai’io who comes from a mix parentage of Manus, Central and Western Province, has been under the care of a single parent for most of her life along with her five siblings. She shared with PNGHAUSBUNG the struggles her mother had to face whilst raising them. Despite having to face those struggles, Ai’io did everything she could as a child, sibling and student to make sure she juggled everything right. “Financial restraints was also a major challenge I had to endure due to the fact that I only had one parent taking care of my siblings and me. On top of that, I also had to juggle school work because the course itself was tough for me as I had to cope, do my own research.” Ai’io did her family proud especially her mother, when she received an award as one of the top performing students, something which she was so grateful for. “If it wasn’t for the support of my family and friends, I wouldn’t be where I am now and for that I am thankful, for they believed in me and that I could do it.” “My mother was my biggest inspiration to achieve my goals and excel in something I wouldn’t have ever imagined.” The 23 year old now shares her achievements with others and expressed her words to others to always turn to God as he is the source of all knowledge.