A Kenyan lawyer based in Finland, Faith Hakala, has celebrated a major milestone in her family after her son, Nicholas, graduated with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, marking the culmination of years of academic work and a journey she says she envisioned long before he was born.
Hakala shared her joy after Nicholas officially completed the IB programme in Finland, describing the achievement as another demonstration of what she considers God’s faithfulness to her family.
“When I first came to Finland and discovered the International Baccalaureate program, I held a vision in my heart: I knew I would have a son one day, and I knew he would take this path,” Hakala said.
She added: “Today, God has proven His goodness once again. Nicholas has officially graduated with his IB Diploma—and God added a sweet top-up to the blessing by awarding him a special stipend!”
Nicholas Receives Special Award
Alongside his graduation, Nicholas received a special stipend scholarship from Tampereen Lyseon Entiset Oppilaat Ry, the Tampere Lyseo Alumni Association.
According to his mother, the award recognised his contribution to the school community beyond his regular classroom responsibilities.
The recognition was described as being awarded for work done for the benefit of the school outside normal lesson hours, highlighting Nicholas’ commitment to activities and service within the school community.
Hakala said the additional award made the graduation celebrations even more meaningful, describing it as a “sweet top-up” to an already significant achievement.
Plans to Follow Family Legacy
As he prepares to leave school and begin the next phase of his education, Nicholas has his sights set on a career in economics.
His mother revealed that he intends to follow in the footsteps of his late grandfather, who she said inspired his interest in becoming an economist.
At the same time, Nicholas hopes to pursue public service, an ambition that mirrors his mother’s own professional path.
“He plans to follow in the footsteps of his late grandfather, working toward becoming an economist, while also pursuing public service like his mother,” Hakala said.
The lawyer described her son as the “male version” of herself, drawing parallels between Nicholas and her late father, whom she said he resembles in his aspirations and values.
“He truly is the male version of me, just as I am the female version of my father Nicholas before me,” she said.
For the lawyer, seeing the family legacy continue through her son has been a deeply significant moment.
“Seeing the legacy continue through him leaves me filled with awe. I simply cannot keep calm!” Hakala added.
Family Celebrates Milestone
Hakala also shared a lighter side of the graduation celebrations, revealing that she had previously agreed with her best friend and in-law that they would not make a major fuss when their children graduated.
However, when Nicholas’ graduation arrived, she admitted to breaking that agreement by inviting the family to celebrate with them.
“Instead of calling out my broken promise, they reacted with pure love,” Hakala said, explaining that her in-law immediately offered to help with the celebrations.
“My in-law didn't judge for a second—she immediately reached out asking how they could help prepare and celebrate,” she added.
Hakala said the reaction reflected the love and grace surrounding her family.
She concluded her message by thanking God for guiding Nicholas throughout his journey, while jokingly looking ahead to another major family milestone.
“God has been merciful through every step of this journey. Now, bring on the celebrations... and let’s wait for the bride price next!” she said.