Stark turns challenges into triumph at USP

Growing up in a quaint village in Yasawa for the first two years, Kelevi Stark could never have envisioned the extraordinary journey that awaits him and his family: one of struggle, hope and resilience.

At the age of three, Stark’s family relocated to Suva, as his mom was promised work in Fiji’s capital. The move to Suva came with challenges. His mother secured work as a caregiver, earning a modest $100 a week to support the family of five. Life was tough – strict budgets meant sacrifices, including skipping lunches during primary school.

“From Class 1 to Class 6, I didn’t bring lunch to school. I would sit and study instead,” Stark recalls. Despite these hardships, his dedication to education never wavered, even as he wore the same uniform for an entire school year.

The family’s financial constraints often meant that social activities, such as attending community events, were not an option. Yet, this period laid the foundation for his perseverance and gratitude.

Being the youngest of three siblings, primary school posed challenges, but transitioning to high school at Rishikul Sanatan College opened new doors. He excelled academically, developing a keen interest in social sciences and dreamt of a career in teaching.

After receiving his examination results after high school, Stark knew he was eligible for a top awards scholarship offered by the government. After careful financial consideration, he decided to pursue a programme at The University of the South Pacific (USP), supported by a national scholarship, to help ease the financial burden off his parents.

The family’s circumstances improved slightly over the years, with his elder sister securing a teaching job after completing her studies at USP and his father finding employment as a security officer. These changes offered much-needed stability and further fueled his academic aspirations.

In 2020, Stark enrolled at USP, a significant and challenging milestone. He navigated the campus independently without attending orientation week, often asking strangers for directions.

Despite these initial hurdles, he quickly adapted to university life, earning a reputation for his stellar presentations and academic excellence with his outstanding grades to back it up.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my first year at USP. There was a newfound freedom, and I got to learn at my own pace, and it was an exciting journey, especially when you’re straight out of high school. So much so, I never missed a lecture or tutorial for all my units,” he recalls smiling.

However, success came with its challenges. “There were stereotypes,” he shares. “People would say I was showing off just because I performed well. It made me question myself, but I eventually realised my hard work and achievements didn’t need validation from others.”

As his study at USP progressed, Stark decided to join the USP Buddy Programme in 2022, allowing him to transform his challenges into opportunities to help others. From guiding new students through campus tours to offering advice on timetables and academics, he found fulfilment in easing the journey for others. “Helping students is the highlight of my time in the programme,” he says, reflecting on the sense of community it fostered.

“We as buddies play a critical role in helping new students transition from high school to university life or in finding their rhythm as they get used to the type of learning at USP.”

After outstanding work as a buddy in 2023, Stark fell just a few points short of winning the Buddy of the Year award, often organized by the USP Campus Life team.

However, with determination and a winning attitude, Stark elevated his Buddy services to a new level in 2024 – participating in USP Orientation Week, an annual event that helps new students familiarize themselves with USP, its facilities and services.

Stark also hosted multiple high school tours at the Laucala Campus, participated in the USP annual Open Day, and hosted special tours for regional students new to the Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji. In the midst of these, he maintained a delicate balance between his work, studies and personal life.

USP Campus Life recognised his remarkable performance, dedication to delivering excellent services, and willingness to help others last month as he scooped the 2024 Buddy of the Year Award.

“I was shocked. I went to the event to enjoy it with friends,” he says, reflecting on the honour as a testament to his dedication and commitment to helping others. With his undergraduate studies nearing completion, he plans to pursue postgraduate studies while contributing to USP as a teaching assistant. He hopes to secure a long-term career at the regional university to continue inspiring and supporting others.

Reflecting on his journey, he credits his parents, church community, and faith for keeping him grounded and motivated. “When the world wasn’t communicating well with me, I was communicating with God,” he says.

Set to graduate next year, Stark offers heartfelt advice to current and prospective students: “Know why you’re here. Focus on your studies and make sacrifices if needed. Choose friends wisely—they can either uplift or derail you. Most importantly, strive to put a smile on your parents’ faces.” The University of the South Pacific is now 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 programs from our six schools and two centers.

Apply Now at www.usp.ac.fj/apply