FOR Beth Ledua Lakepa, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws is more than a personal achievement — it is an example she hopes her younger siblings will follow.
Lakepa, 24, from Vanuabalavu in Lau, said her interest in law began while she was in primary school, with family law becoming an area she hopes to pursue professionally.
“I always took an interest in law, especially family law, so I want to pursue that in the future,” she said.
Her journey through university, however, was not without challenges.
Lakepa said her first year was particularly difficult as she adjusted to university life without much guidance and dealt with the expectations placed on her.
“The expectations that was on me … it was quite hard to live up to that expectation,” she said.
As the eldest of four siblings, Lakepa said graduating was particularly meaningful because she could show her three younger siblings what was possible through perseverance.
“To stand here today and to show them that their big sister can do it, I’m pretty sure they can also do it,” she said.
Lakepa is now undertaking her Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP), where studying the family law module has strengthened her desire to enter the field.
She credited her parents and friends for supporting her throughout her studies, saying her parents continually encouraged her to do her best.
Seeing and hearing her friends cheer as she crossed the graduation stage made the occasion even more memorable.
Lakepa also drew strength from her Christian faith during difficult periods of her studies.
She encouraged other young people pursuing their ambitions to remain committed to their goals despite the challenges they may encounter.
“If you’ve dreamt it, I know the Lord has put it into you and then I know He will guide you through,” she said.
Lakepa said Romans 8:18 had been a source of encouragement throughout her journey, reminding her that present struggles could not compare with the joy ahead.
