Graduating as the son of a late farmer from Nawamagi Village in Nadroga is a testament to the idea that regardless of your socio-economic background, nationality or where you come from, you can still dream high.
Mikaele Tagicakiverata Finau graduated from the University of the South Pacific with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science last Friday, exemplifying this belief.
Finau says when you have a dream, you also need the determination to achieve it.
He shares that whenever he felt like giving up during his studies, he would always think of his parents and their sacrifices, which kept him going.
Finau’s father passed away when he was in Year 12, and from then on, his mother took on the dual role of both father and mother in their home.
He acknowledged the sacrifices his mother had made to help him achieve his degree.
The 21-year-old says during his time at USP, he rented around in Suva and often walked from home to school due to financial challenges, but this never deterred him from focusing on his goal.
He also emphasized that “it takes a village to raise a child,” and he is grateful for the unwavering support from his family and his village.
Finau encourages students who are still burning the midnight oil to continue their hard work and sacrifices, reminding them that studying at USP is an investment made by their parents and an investment that should not go to waste.
Finau is currently employed at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
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