Pregnant woman graduates from Nanyang Poly to massive applause from audience -- and she's not stopping here
Despite her pregnancy, one woman was determined to overcome all the challenges and graduate.
Stomper Jenkins was so inspired by his friend's resilience and strength that he wanted to share her story.
Renuga Naidu, 33, was near the end of her first pregnancy when she graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic with an Advanced Diploma in Nursing on May 6.
Since then, she has started a new degree at the Singapore Institute of Management and is on her final lap of a Bachelor of Nursing.
Stomp reached out to Renu, who shared the challenges she faced as a pregnant woman studying.
"I had a hard time focusing, and would get hungry and tired very easily," she said.
"But I always remembered the light at the end of the tunnel: a better future for my child."
Renu expressed her gratitude towards the people who supported her throughout.
"My colleagues at the hospital would share the load with me. If there was long-distance walking, they counted me out and did it instead, and they always offered for me to sit down.
"My husband or sister would always pick me up from school, as they know I always have a long day."
On graduation day, Renu felt overwhelmed with emotions.
"I did not expect so much support from the audience walking up on stage. I felt really relieved that I had achieved something," she explained.
"I was very proud, my baby and I walked together."
Speaking to other women in similar situations, Renu advised: "Just look at the end of the tunnel."
"There are many women who will just focus on their pregnancy instead of studies, but I say, go for it."
Stomper Jenkins penned a touching tribute to his friend:
"In a world where challenges often seem insurmountable, there are those rare moments when the human spirit shines the brightest.
"Today, a remarkable woman stood proudly on stage to receive her graduation certificate. What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is that she was so pregnant, a testament to her unwavering strength.
"Her journey is a powerful reminder that, with determination, love, and a supportive spirit, we can overcome any obstacle."
