Margaret Clarissa Tailau, a recent graduate of the Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science program, faced significant challenges this year, following the loss of her father. Hailing from Kocoma in Qamea, Tailau described how the grief from her father’s passing served as a motivation during her final and most demanding year of studies.
Reflecting on her experience, she stated, “It was my final year, but it was tough because I had lost my dad earlier this year.” Instead of allowing her grief to hinder her progress, she transformed her sorrow into resilience, declaring, “It actually motivated me. I had no other choice but to succeed.”
Tailau recognized the importance of honoring her father’s sacrifices through her academic achievements. “I think one of my biggest challenges was having to accept reality, how there are changes that come and go. It’s not always going to be up, there’s always going to be down as you go on,” she shared.
As she looks to the future, Tailau is eager to enter the workforce. She plans to work part-time at her uncle’s clinic while also applying to private laboratories and keeping an eye out for openings in the government sector.
Her decision to pursue a career in medical laboratory science was heavily influenced by her aunt, Taina Naivalu, a lab technician currently pursuing her PhD. Tailau credited her aunt as a vital source of inspiration for entering the field.
In a heartfelt tribute, she dedicated her accomplishments to her late father. In celebrating her graduation, she was joined by her mother, sister, and two aunts, marking the occasion with her family as a testament to their support throughout her academic journey. Tailau’s story is one of resilience and hope, reflecting the enduring bond between family and the pursuit of dreams even in the face of loss.
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