Life is often coloured by trials and achievements that reflect one’s strength, faith and perseverance. At just 18 years old, Joy Livia Susan Tinairaniunawa has faced some of life’s harshest challenges that have brought grief and loss.
While still in primary school, Tinairaniunawa’s life took a dramatic turn when she lost her mother in 2016. She found solace and a safe place to grieve in the home of her maternal grandparents, who took on the role of raising Tinairaniunawa and her two brothers.
“As you can imagine, it was hard losing my mum and I felt very helpless and afraid,” she shared.
“I am thankful that my grandparents took on the role of nurturing us. My grandfather became my biggest role model and a pillar of inspiration.”
“He would always tell me to chase my dreams and pursue something that I was passionate about – instead of following the expectations of others.”
As an introvert, Tinairaniunawa credited her grandfather as the person who helped build her confidence and self-esteem.
Last year, life dealt Tinairaniunawa another devastating blow when her grandfather passed away one week before her examinations.
“This was a tough period for me as I had to be brave enough for myself so that I could complete my exam,” she recalled.
“I was grieving the loss of someone influential in my upbringing.”
“Today and always, I am grateful to have my grandmother still with us, and the constant support of my father and brothers.”
“In everything I do now, I plan to always honour my grandfather’s teachings and pursue studies and build a life for myself that is based on my interests and aspirations.”
Tinairaniunawa completed Year 13 last year at Dilkusha Methodist High School and has enrolled for Semester 1 studies at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Laucala Campus in Suva.
From Naluwai village in Naitasiri, Fiji with maternal links to Sawani, Tinairaniunawa is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Tourism and Hospitality and said she was the first in her family to undertake studies at the regional institution.
“I always knew ever since I started high school in Year 9 that USP would be my university of choice,” she said.
“During the annual Open Day events, I would visit the Laucala Campus with my school and be inspired by the displays, student presentations, study opportunities and career pathways discussions we had with the university staff at the various booths.”
“Through these visits, I am already aware of key places like the lecture buildings, Library and Student Services Centre, so I am ready to begin classes,” she said with a laugh.
Tinairaniunawa said in addition to the lectures, tutorials and academic services available, she looks forward to making friends with students from around the region, experiencing diversity and regionalism and taking on new challenges.
“I will never forget the teachings of my grandfather and I plan to learn as much as I can on campus, graduate and build a career in the tourism and hospitality sector,” she said.
Tinairaniunawa encouraged other students to plan out their tertiary studies and be persistent in achieving their academic goals.
“I believe USP has a programme that is aligned with everyone’s passion and I encourage others to visit USP and find out how the University can help you achieve your dreams,” she said.
“There are students and people out there who have also lost their parents, please don’t let that hold you back. There are always better days ahead.”
The University of the South Pacific is accepting applications for Semester 1, 2025.
Interested students can visit our website at www.usp.ac.fj to explore our wide range of internationally accredited programmes from our six schools and two centres.
Apply Now at www.usp.ac.fj/apply
Continuing and new students must also register for courses via https://studentsols.usp.ac.fj/
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