Biggest lesson in Uni is not about GPA alone; ‘Attitude’

When Peter William left Kerowagi district in Simbu for the University of Papua New Guinea, he went with a lot of questions and very little guidance.

This week, he came back, not alone to make sure the next lot of Kerowagi kids don't have to struggle like he did.

No one had told him what GPA he needed. No one had explained which subjects matched which course. He had to learn it all on his own.

Peter, now President of the UPNG Kerowagi Students Association, led a team of UPNG students back to Kerowagi District to launch an Educational Awareness Program for high school students.

Their first stops yesterday were Moroma Adventist High School and Kunabau EBC High School.

And the message was simple: 'You can do it too, but you need to start now'.

"We want our younger brothers and sisters in Kerowagi to know what is required to enter UPNG. We shared the entry GPAs, the subject combinations for each course, and the new programs that have been introduced at UPNG" Peter said.

Instead of just handing out pamphlets, the team stood in front of the students, one student for each of UPNG's five schools and talked to them like big brothers and sisters.

They talked about what subjects to pick, what grades to aim for, and what university life is really like.

But Peter said the biggest lesson was not about GPA. It was about attitude.

"We encouraged them to believe in themselves, to put God first in everything they do, to set their priorities right, and to work hard towards achieving their goals. We reminded them to read a lot of books and to write as much as they can, because knowledge truly is power."

For many of the high school students listening, it was the first time someone from their own district, who sits in the same classrooms they dream about, had come back to explain it to them in their own language.

The team was welcomed warmly by school administrations, teachers and communities.

The program was supported by Simbu Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang and Senior Sergeant Julie Gale, who assisted with security and transport on Day One.

Peter thanked the sponsors, the two schools, teachers, communities and all who made the first day possible.

The team will now visit the remaining high and secondary schools across Kerowagi District in the coming days.

He said It is a small idea with a big heart: If you have made it out, go back and pull the next one up.

"Put God first. Dream big. Work hard. Stay focused." Said Peter William