Amie Frain | Creative Media Professional

In the final leg of my final semester of my university journey, I anticipated a whirlwind of projects, deadlines, assignments, and bittersweet farewells. Little did I know that the universe had a different plot twist in store for me—a tumultuous upheaval that would test my resilience and determination to the core.

The news was dire—I was being evicted from my home, plunging me into the harrowing reality of homelessness. Suddenly, the comforting routines of academia and motherhood were overshadowed by the daunting prospect of finding shelter amidst the chaos of impending deadlines and the weight of final-year responsibilities.

Amidst the chaos, the logistical nightmare of moving house loomed large. With deadlines looming like dark storm clouds on the horizon, I found myself grappling with the Herculean task of packing my life into cardboard boxes while simultaneously striving to stay afloat in the tumultuous sea of parenthood and university.

Long hours were spent in a frenzy of activity, as I navigated the labyrinth of paperwork, coordinated with movers, and bid farewell to the familiar comforts of home. Each item packed carried with it a bittersweet memory—a poignant reminder of the life I was leaving behind and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

As the dust settled and the final boxes were loaded onto the moving van, I found myself standing amidst the wreckage of my former life, grappling with a potent cocktail of emotions—fear, uncertainty, and a glimmer of hope flickering like a solitary candle in the darkness.

But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remained constant—the unwavering resolve to continue my education against all odds. In the midst of the upheaval, I frantically scrambled to secure a stable internet connection.

The days blurred into nights as I juggled the demands of packing, moving, and studying—a delicate balancing act that required Herculean effort and unwavering determination. But with each passing day, I drew strength from the knowledge that adversity was simply another chapter in the story of my resilience—a narrative thread that wove through the tapestry of my life, imbuing it with depth and meaning.

As the final semester unfolded, I found myself weathering the storm with a newfound sense of purpose and resilience. The challenges of homelessness and moving house had tested my metal, but they had also forged me into a stronger, more resilient version of myself—a survivor who refused to be defined by circumstances beyond my control.

And as I get ready to walk across the stage on graduation day, diploma in hand, I know that the trials and tribulations of the final semester only serve to sharpen my resolve and deepen my appreciation for the journey that brings me to this moment—a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart in the face of adversity.

Here’s to class of 2024.