As the November graduation season draws to an end, one story stands out for its profound strength and humanity: Nicki Farrugia Mangion’s journey through unimaginable loss and unwavering determination.

Earlier this year, during what should have been an exciting final stretch of her Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Community Studies, Nicoletta faced the devastating loss of her son. The grief that followed reshaped her world. It was a period marked by stillness and shock, when each step forward felt impossibly heavy and the future seemed dimmed by heartbreak.

For Nicki, returning to her studies was not an easy decision. Yet she chose to continue, not because the pain lessened, but because she refused to let it take away the work she had poured herself into. She completed her final year, submitted her dissertation, and walked into her graduation ceremony holding both her achievement and her grief.

When the department’s academics were asked to nominate an inspiring graduate, Prof. Maria Pisani, Head of the Department of Youth & Community Studies, said this year’s choice was clear. Nicki had shown not only academic dedication but profound human resilience.