Graduating with his diploma in Business Management during the Port Moresby Business College 35th graduation ceremony held at the Sir John Guise Stadium last Friday, Hosea Manas said he wished his mother was there to witness his special day.
Hosea comes from a mixed parentage of East New Britain and East Sepik and is also a father to a beautiful little girl.
He said it was really tough especially coping with parent-life and schooling at the same time.
“Doing my studies and coming back home to being a father was quite a handful for me to deal with but it was all worth it and I am happy,” said the young father.
During his exams last year in the month of September, Hosea lost his beloved mother which was the toughest and most difficult experience during his college academic year.
It was in the week leading to the exams when he lost his mother and it was a very challenging time for him and his family.
During the graduation last week, Mr Manas wore all black to show that he was still mourning the loss of his mother.
“She was my firm foundation and my tower of strength. In fact, she was my everything. Her passing last year was really difficult for me during my studies but I managed to pull it off and graduate this year,” he said.
Present at his graduation were his big sister Laisani Manas, his wife, daughter and aunt (mother’s small sister).
Laisani said, “It was very challenging for the family especially with him welcoming a child and losing our mother at the same time but we all managed to pull this off and for that I am grateful.”
“It’s very emotional to not have our mum here but we know that she’s up in heaven watching over us and witnessing his achievement,” Laisani said.
Hosea is currently working as a temporary election worker specifically as a data processing officer and said with his experience and his diploma, he is planning to look for a more suitable full-time job which he can use to build his professional career as a college graduate.