Several years of hard study is tough enough for most - Kawerau's Juanne Collier had even more to overcome to achieve her goal.
The 34-year-old graduated from a three-year Waiariki Institute of Technology Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree at the institute's Tangatarua Marae yesterday - not only as a graduatebut also as valedictorian.
In 2003, she also completed a Certificate in Community and Social Work.
What makes her feat even more impressive is the fact that during a total of four years of study, Ms Collier travelled every day from Kawerau to Rotorua in a vehicle she "hoped would make it most of the time". During that time she dealt with flooding, rising petrol costs, illness and major roadworks.
At the end of 2004 Ms Collier was struck down with septicemia - the presence of bacteria in the blood - and spent a few weeks in hospital.
%She contemplated giving up because she was so far behind but a determined effort saw her catch up and ultimately come out on top.
Coming from an administration background, Ms Collier took on the applied sciences programme for a different career path, to challenge herself, work with people and get a better understanding of people. She is now a probation officer in Whakatane and loves it.
"I'm starting off in a [new] career pathway," Ms Collier said.
As valedictorian for the Tangatarua Marae graduation ceremony, Ms Collier spoke on behalf of the 42 other graduates, which she felt "privileged' and "humbled" to do. She saw it as "a neat chance to savour" the day.
What she enjoyed most was meeting up with her old class mates again.
"It's just having that chance to catch up with them, just going back to the institute. It's like a good way of closure."
Nearly 150 former Waiariki Institute of Technology diploma or degree students were to graduate today at the Rotorua Convention Centre following a march through the central city.
Faye Johnson who graduated from the Bachelor of Tourism Management course was the valedictorian for the Convention Centre's ceremony.
