Holding on to the wisdom her father passed on to her, Bowi Courtney Agiru overcame the challenges life threw at her and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). Bowi expressed an over whelming emotion for her loved ones who were not present to witness her achievement but also appreciated her family and friends who showed up for this special occasion. “It’s very over whelming and mixed feelings. A little bit of sadness for the people who couldn’t be here, but overall, just happy that I’ve passed a mile stone and another chapter and looking forward to the next. ” Bowi is the only daughter of the former Hela Governor Anderson Pawa Agiru who passed away in 2016. She said, moments like this when you expect to see and hear from them but are not present. These are the hardest, especially during her schooling years. “His done his bit and taught me what I needed to know and I’ve come this far. It kind of hurts more but it makes you embrace that moment and appreciate everything and everyone around you.” Coming from a back ground where her father was associated in the political area, Bowi said she was always encouraged by her father to always encourage her to do want she wanted to do in life where she made sure of that when she got degreed. “He always encouraged me to do what I want with my life and he never really liked me in the political eye. He always encouraged me to do want I want and to never let other people’s expectations get in your way or cloud your judgement.” After four years of studying at the university, perseverance and independence are two of the most profound virtues that she learnt while studying. “It’s not real life, it’s still a bubble but it teaches you how to look after yourself. To network, what to expect out there. It’s basically, like a trial face before you get out there.” She also uttered a very strong message to fellow students who are still in school to make education the most important priority in their lives and everything else falls behind. “One important thing I’ve really learnt is education and I’ve made it this far, and I’ve seen the power of education and independence for young people. As early as you can know what you want to do in life.” She also encouraged other young individuals out there to never let other people’s expectations and judgments cloud their own but to be themselves as they are the best versions of themselves. Bowi was among the 200 School of Law students that graduated at the UPNG 68th Graduation Ceremony, which was held at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium at Port Moresby on Thursday 27th April.