Life seemed dull as all hopes were shattered and I was left in a state of desolation. My strength was all gone as feeling of incompetency, fear and shame took the best in me. My self-esteem was at its lowest and the fear of failing again and not having my dream unveiled stood tall like Mt Everest. I was seen as an insane person, doing the same mistakes and expecting different results. Until one afternoon I was on my knees, broke down in tears and repented and found Christ. I said God I’m equally smart and competent as others but why am I always stagnant and failing all the time. – by Emmanuel Mong of Papua New Guinea.

LEARN TO RISE ABOVE EVERY FALL - True Story to Reflect on Failures and Successes as a Student in Papua New Guinea.

by Emmanuel Mong | Solomon Aplas’ Motivation Share inspiring stories of Papua New Guinea to inspire you.

I was always a dux, ranked a top student in my primary school days back in the village, even into junior high school in Mt Hagen Secondary finishing off with all Distinctions and continued to senior secondary. With exceptional grades, it enabled me to enter into the only block science class (11A-12A) of Mt Hagen Secondary. We were labeled as the top brains - cream of the school. A best class of 2013- 2014 era, most made it to various tertiary institutions around the country, so did I got accepted at University of Technology (Unitech).

It was a sigh of relieve yet a dream come true for me since Unitech was a childhood dream place. Just a naïve freshman, I entered the prestigious institution in 2015 with little known off how things will completely change. I was overwhelmed entering a new environment, and meeting new friends.

I had good privileges at first like any other first year student. I was given a room for my own, accessing mess, enjoying comfort of free internet and having a good amount of lunch money. These luxuries were not only enjoyed, but also made me to think that I was already on top of the world.

This is the story of Emmanuel Mong.

However, as time went on, things gradually changed.

My study habits changed remarkably, my marks and performance started to dwindled way down. I couldn't manage to get simple quiz and assignments correct, let alone tests and exams.

I was left behind in most of my work and in class as well. Nevertheless, I scraped through and completed my first year and found myself in the below average category.

As it was, unfortunately in the following year (2nd yr.), I missed out on the government scholarship (TESAS) and lost my privileges ended up being a self-sponsored student or Somalian (Soms) as we used to call.

Things changed a lot. Life was getting tougher and tougher every single day. Going without breakfast and lunch became part of life.

To make things even the worse, my marks dropped way below average and resultantly I failed two subjects of my first semester exams.

I stood no chance but only to pack up and leave and stayed home for the remaining of the year 2016. In the following year, I was readmitted to repeat first semester.

My status remained, I was a Somalian; life was hitting hard on me and this time it was much bitter.

Yet again going through a lot, I failed another subject in the second semester of second year. In the following year 2018, I repeated second semester of second year for the third time.

As you may guess, nothing good was seen in me anymore as all trust and confidence were withdrawn by my friends, lecturers and even parents. Parents and sponsors started getting hard on me thereon.

Life seemed dull as all hopes were shattered and I was left in a state of desolation. My strength was all gone as feeling of incompetency, fear and shame took the best in me.

My self-esteem was at its lowest and the fear of failing again and not having my dream unveiled stood tall like Mt Everest. I was seen as an insane person, doing the same mistakes and expecting different results.

Until one afternoon I was on my knees, broke down in tears and repented and found Christ. I said God I’m equally smart and competent as others but why am I always stagnant and failing all the time.

God spoke to me in my heart, ‘you have to come down and seek me with your whole heart and I'll show you the way forward’. From that moment, my life changed forever.

I slowly improved, managed to pass all the exams and continued to 3rd year as I took hold of God’s hands. Ended the first semester successfully, I was picked by New Britain Palm Oil for my Second Semester Industrial training at Kimbe, WNBP.

I dreamt a new reality. My hope revived, enthusiasm was at its best and motivation grew deeper each day. Field experience was fun and motivating.

My attitude and behavior spoke a lot for me. My bosses and supervisors tend to like and compliment my personality.

I successfully completed my industrial training with fitting record as the Top Research Project Presenter among our batch with the company. And at last, I completed my final year (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Science) successfully through God's grace in 2020.

After the graduation (8/04/22), this is what told my hard working parents and sponsors:

"It is unusual for completing a 4 yrs. Degree program for 6 yrs. However it's still unique in its own story. Failing 2nd yr for 3 consecutive semesters in two years seems insanity but it's still wonderful."

"Over these tough yet struggling years it built my character, imparted moral values, shaped my behavior, molded my emotional intelligence and equipped my spiritual well-being.

I will never regret of the past as I not only graduated with a degree but also as a complete man with the art of being Resilient and Independent in facing the real world' ?

One word I can say is, NEVER give up, NEVER quit, and keep believing in yourself no matter what others think. In all you do, seek God’s Divine Will first. Let GOD be the center of your life.

Story supplied to be published by Emmanuel Mong.

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