FROM VILLAGE ROOTS TO SCIENCE GRADUATE

Adrian’s Journey of Faith, Family and Determination

BY SHARON AGAVI

ADRIAN Karis achieved a milestone at age 23 reflecting not only personal determination, but the collective sacrifice of a family bound by faith and resilience.

Hailing from Baimuru Village in the Yangoru-Saussia District of East Sepik Province, Adrian graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the School of Natural and Physical Sciences at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), marking a proud moment for his family and community.

The third of five siblings, Adrian was raised by parents who are subsistence farmers. Despite limited resources, they instilled in their children the value of education, discipline and faith.

Their simple yet powerful guidance shaped Adrian’s journey. His father often reminded him to stay focused and avoid distractions, while his mother emphasized the importance of prayer, education and striving for opportunities beyond their village.

Adrian’s success story is deeply intertwined with the unwavering support of his siblings, particularly his elder sister, Delailah Karis.

Delailah, who is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Japan, played a pivotal role in ensuring Adrian’s education continued despite financial hardship.

Recalling the early days, she said Adrian arrived in Port Moresby with only a suitcase and a one-way ticket, with no certainty of how his tuition fees would be paid.

“I took out a loan to pay his fees while I was still unemployed and repaid it by selling food packs,” she said.

“Six months into his studies, I was blessed with a well-paying job, and things became easier.”

She described Adrian as a sibling she helped raise from childhood, expressing pride not only in his academic achievement but in seeing their parents present to witness his graduation—something she herself did not experience due to financial constraints.

“When I graduated, I was alone. That experience motivated me to ensure my siblings would never go through the same,” she said.

Adrian’s journey through university was far from easy.

“It feels surreal and deeply rewarding,” he said of his graduation day.

“There were many days when the finish line felt out of reach, but standing here now, I feel immense pride and relief.”

He described his academic journey as one defined by resilience, hard work and determination. In his first semester, he faced significant challenges, including not owning a phone or laptop and struggling to afford basic academic needs.

“The financial strain was the hardest part. Balancing the demands of a science degree while worrying about fees and daily needs was both mentally and physically exhausting,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Adrian remained focused, driven by a vision of a better future for his family.

“Education was the most powerful tool I had to change our circumstances. Whenever I felt like giving up, I thought about my parents’ sacrifices.”

He credits his family, extended relatives and his church community for keeping him grounded throughout his studies.

“My proudest moment was completing my final year research project. It made me realise I was no longer just a student, but a scientist,” he added.

Beyond academics, Adrian said he will miss the “Waigani spirit” at UPNG as a Seventh Day Adventist Church goer, the UPNG Adventist Students Association fellowships and choir practices, the friendships and late night study sessions that helped shape his university experience.

Looking ahead, Adrian hopes to secure a role in the environmental or health sector, applying his knowledge in biology to contribute meaningfully to Papua New Guinea.

“PNG is rich in biodiversity. I want to be part of efforts to manage our natural resources sustainably or improve public health in our communities,” he said.

He encouraged current students to remain focused on their purpose.

“Your ‘why’ must be bigger than your struggle. Don’t let your situation hold you back—let it push you forward.”

For Adrian and his family, this achievement represents more than a degree.

“This is not just my success. It belongs to my family, my church and to God,” he said.

“It shows that even from humble beginnings, we can achieve great things,” Adrian concluded.