By Blessing Twiine
Mary Baci, a mother who navigated the demands of family and a long-distance marriage to achieve academic excellence, graduates from Uganda Christian University (UCU) with a Bachelor of Divinity degree and a first class degree of 4.42.
When asked how she succeeded, Mary credited her success to trusting God to keep her family safe, allowing her to concentrate on her studies. With her children in Arua and her husband in Kalangala. “It wasn’t an easy journey for me having a family behind. I left the children in the hands of the maid. And they were really also facing it rough as I was facing it rough.” The children were there. God was taking care of them, we were connected. We were talking, checking each other on the phone. My only advice is we should trust God for everything.
She also highlighted academic diligence, specifically her commitment to active participation in both class and group discussions, alongside focused private study. “I was really concentrating both in class and my private study”
Baci greatly valued the study environment at UCU, describing it as the “coolest place“ she had ever seen. She mentioned that the “green pasture” is what she will miss most about being on campus. noting that “everywhere is just green,”
Mary encouraged mothers considering the return to school with advice centered on the faith. “They should trust God to keep their family,” she urged, citing a Bible verse about God being the true watchman. She credits this trust for allowing her to focus on her studies while God took care of her children. “The children were there and God took care of them.”
Her graduation marks a significant milestone, setting the stage for her future ministry. Mary’s post graduation plans are clear, she will be ordained in December and intends to proceed to priesthood to become a full reverend.
Mary Baci’s story is a testament to the power of faith and diligence in overcoming significant personal and familial hurdles to achieve academic excellence.