Despite her challenges, Maja Raonić earned the Luča Diploma: With hard work and love, we can overcome anything

Maja Raonić, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, successfully completed primary school this year and earned the prestigious Luča diploma (*This diploma is a Montenegrin academic award granted to primary and secondary school students who achieve outstanding results throughout their schooling). As she explained, she plans to continue her education by enrolling in the Legal and Administrative Studies programme at the Secondary Vocational School in Pljevlja.

Raonić, who attended „Ristan Pavlović“ Primary School, said that academic success means much more to her than good grades.

- The Luča diploma is proof that I was diligent and hardworking and that I overcame every obstacle in my path. It also showed everyone who doubted that both I and all my friends who face difficulties can overcome anything through hard work and love - Raonić told the MINA News Agency.

She said it was not easy, as some subjects came more naturally to her than others, while certain subjects required much more effort and study.

Raonić explained that earning the Luča diploma demanded a great deal of hard work, patience, and sacrifice, noting that alongside her school responsibilities she faced daily challenges that her peers did not have to deal with.

Despite all the obstacles she encounters in everyday life, she devoted a great deal of time to studying.

According to Raonić, the greatest challenge was not tests or oral examinations, but the stairs that her mother had to carry her down every day in order for her to leave the house and get to school.

She pointed out that although the school had a ramp at the entrance, it did not have an elevator. As a result, she could not attend classes on the upper floors, and her class was therefore held on the ground floor.

Speaking about the support she received, Raonić said that her family had been her greatest source of strength and assistance, adding that her grandmother studied with her every day.

- My family was my greatest support. They always believed in me. I also received tremendous support from my teachers and from my classmates, who made me feel equal and included - she said.

She gave special mention to her classmate Božo, who was an especially important source of support.

- He used to say that, like Heidi, he would take me to the same mountain and that I would learn to walk there. I always kept my fingers crossed for him when he was answering questions in class - Raonić said.

Addressing her peers who face obstacles in their daily lives, Raonić encouraged them to be brave, as she has been, and never give up.

She said she is looking forward to secondary school and wants to continue learning and gaining new knowledge.

- I will enrol in the Legal and Administrative Studies programme - Raonić said.

Raonić added that her only wish now is to be healthy and accepted in her new school.

Maja's mother, Tanja, said that the boy Božo left a special mark on her daughter's school years, noting that he showed the greatest empathy and was Maja's protector.

- During history classes, she would cross her fingers for him so tightly that she would tense up completely, and the teacher would turn around and ask if everything was all right. She simply believed that the tighter she squeezed her fingers, the better grade Božo would receive - Tanja said.

She added that whenever a teacher had a complaint about Božo, Maja would immediately stand up for him.

- When the students were signing each other's T-shirts at the end of the school year, all the children handed their shirts to me so I could help Maja sign them. But Božo insisted that only Maja sign his. Even though it was just a simple line, he wanted that stroke to be made by her hand - Tanja said.