For many women, a university education means financial independence, a rewarding career and the ability to give back to their communities, But in the Pacific, many girls don’t even finish high school, and their access to tertiary education lags far behind the rest of the world. But more and more women are breaking through these barriers and going to university, and for many they’re the first in their family to do so. This can mean travelling away from home – either to the other side of your island, or to another country. Hilda Wayne finds out how going to university can change your life and shares advice on how to navigate the excitement and challenges of university.