Following through with her dream of becoming a lawyer, 25 year old Shanice Paraka finally graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) School of Law (SOL) on Tuesday, 23rd April, 2024. In her speech as the Student respondent of SOL, she shared her life experience to remind inspire and encourage her fellow graduands. Ms. Paraka said that she had always wanted to be a lawyer like her father although she did not exactly know what a lawyer did except that lawyers wore black and white and went to court. She spoke of how the power of self-belief and the power of God were principle beliefs that had carried her through her four years in law school. “These principle beliefs have played a significant role in my life as foundations for my achievements and success in the past four years. You can only better yourselves if you face your fears head on.” She spoke of how she was never a student who would stand out in class or answer a question even when she knew the right answer. “I was fortunate to be born into a privileged life where I had opportunities at my finger-tips so I didn’t have to work so hard.” “I didn’t understand the value of failure, education, of knowledge and its application and this made me complacent in my academic performance. I didn’t want to be seen but I always knew deep down that I could do better and be better.” She was rather shy in her primary and secondary school days which had caused her to miss out on certain opportunities, but she expressed her happiness at finally achieving her dream of being a lawyer. “I am happy that I can proudly stand here today. I made sure to redeem myself from the wasted opportunities I once let slide through my fingers.” “Seize all the opportunities that this life has to offer.” She stated that she graduated high school in 2016 but due to issues that her family was facing in those years, she moved to Baiyer River Village in WHP and took a three-year gap year. It was then that she had realized the power of education and decided to pursue her dream of being a lawyer. “This time around, I was eager, determined and hungry to make my dream of becoming a lawyer, a reality.” “After seeing the humanitarian work that my father had done, I began to understand the true power of education and how impactful it can be. When knowledge is applied, it creates opportunities for yourself.” She highlighted that law school was a huge task and that they each had their personal struggles and sacrifices so she thanked the parents, guardians and families there for their support as she congratulated her cohort for making it this far and harvesting the fruits of their hard work. “Congratulations to all of us. We all come from different walks of life, with your own reasons for your desire to attain this law degree. Declare the Lord’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 on your lives.” Young Ms. Paraka also attributed her successes to her loving father and former prominent lawyer Mr. Paul Paraka, whom she said has supported her through her journey. “They say that behind every confident daughter, there is always a loving father and I can testify to that,” she proudly said. Meanwhile, Ms. Paraka was also awarded the Dean’s Award for the School of Law for her excellent performance.