Tribute to Nina
In December 2023, we posted this Old Girls Story: Nina (Class of 2000) feels her story isn’t a classic success story at all. In fact, she feels it might look like a story of complete failure. But it’s a story of how having faith gives you hope, even in times of severe hardship and a story of finding the strength to face each new day as a miracle, despite severe pain and a grim prognosis, with God as her rock and refuge. Nina is a 41-year-old wife and mother of a 7-year-old son and is battling stage 4 breast cancer. Her proudest roles are those of wife and mother.Nina is currently writing a daily devotional book called “A Quiet Life for Christ” Her illness has taught her not to take anything for granted but to use the beautiful, healthy body God gave you to do all the things you’ve dreamed of doing - don’t wait to try surfing, join a yoga class or climb that mountain. Even though it is difficult for her to walk far right now with a little help she can still enjoy sea swims - one of her favourite things to do!Nina’s story deserves to be mentioned as a success story, as she overcomes so many hurdles each and every day. She would like to remind people that everyone’s story is beautiful and important. The definition of success doesn’t need to mean wealthy or heavily accomplished in the traditional sense of having won awards or becoming famous. Nina’s faith is her anchor and her shining light. Nina’s favourite memories of Collegiate are her friends. She is still really close to her best High School friends, 23 years after leaving school!Mrs Halbert was her favourite teacher as she was so kind and motherly. She loved Home Economics because the class had such fun! She remembers so many funny stories - learning to bake and cook complicated dishes like a soufflé and laughing so hard in those classes.Collegiate instilled a strong belief in herself - that she had been given a solid foundation and her wings were strong and she was ready to fly.She would want her younger self to know that ‘Life is beautiful AND hard. Faith is what will see you through the good times and the bad times. Tell the people you love you love them and don’t put off your dreams. Go grab life!’
In February 2024, we published this: It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Nina. We recently featured Nina as part of our Old Girl stories and many were touched and inspired by her positive approach to life. Our condolences to her loved ones who wrote this tribute: A gentle breeze whispered softly 'Nina' and a host of heavenly angels descended and cradled a special treasure into their care. A bright, exceptional star was born. Loved and cherished beyond measure.
In March 2025, we viewed the new bookshelf in the Resource Centre with pride and nostalgia and we thank the Bok family for this donation.
