No Dream is Too big for Dr Tania of PNG

Dr Tania Of PNG

​By Solomon Aplas

Tania Areori, is the first Papua New Guinea (PNG) female Vertiranian to be graduated this year at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia. Thanks to Australian Awards Scholarships. 

Tania grew up in Madang Province, where she did both her primary and secondary education.

"I attended Tusbab Secondary High School and then went to University of Papua New Guinea- Bachelors of Science in Animal Biology from 2007- 2010. "

After graduated she worked as an Intern biologist with the PNG Institute of BIological Research in Goroka.

It took her six years studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Science until she graduated this year.

"I started a Degree in Veterinary Biology/ Veterinary Science (Honours) at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, NSW in 2015 and have just finished the program."

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Tania hails from mix parentage of Madang and Gulf Province, Biranis and Karama village respectively.

"When I started out, I didn’t know that I was going to be the first female vet. in Papua New Guinea. When I started out, I didn’t know that I was just a young woman going after my dreams."

The challenges every parent faces is putting their children to school.

"But our parents always made sure my siblings and I went to school and we had food on the table and a roof over our heads, and because of their sacrifice I am who I am today." Tania said.

"Now as a parent myself, I realize and appreciate their sacrifices. Because of how hard they worked, I always wanted to make them proud and happy and personally, I've had to come a long way to study Vet Science,"

The course is only offered overseas, so initially she had to get accepted into vet school and then find financial support to get through which she was privileged enough to get an Australian Award Scholarship in 2014 and graduated this year, 2020.

Moving away from home and my family was also challenging, but eventually I got used to it and my son was with me so I was happy and content."

I did not know any vets growing up. So I think my motivation began with my love for animals and my parents worked in Agriculture and Health care, so I think their professions may have had a part to play in motivating me down that career path.

"God has always been an important part of my life. My favourite bible quote growing up was Phil 4:13 I can do all things through christ who strengthens me. I live by it! Much of who I am, is not solely on my own strength, but His."

It took Tania 13 years of tertiary studies to get to where she is now.

"My advice to our young people is that no dream is too big and impossible. Keep searching and pursuing, because your passion and commitment will get you to where you want to go."

To anyone interested in studying Veterinary Science and needs advice or contacts, just send her an email on [email protected].

Image Credit: Charles Sturt University.

Next : The Story Of Dr. Yalinu Poya Of Papua New Guinea