Despite her struggles and medical condition, 22-year-old Sakshi Simran Raj successfully completed her studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management from the University of the South Pacific, dedicating her achievement to her parents.
Raj suffers from a medical condition, Rheumatic Heart Disease, which makes it difficult for her to cope with schoolwork while undergoing regular medical treatment.
However, she says seeing the sacrifices her parents made to support her education motivated her to keep going.
As the eldest of three siblings, she faced both health challenges and financial constraints but never gave up hope.
Insert: Simran Raj on her medical condition
Settling into life in Suva was challenging for Raj, who highlighted that the cost of living was high, and managing rent and daily expenses with limited financial support was a constant struggle.
However, she says through persistence and the support of her family and friends, she was able to overcome these challenges and achieve her goals.
Raj hails from Nalawa in Ra and moved to Suva three years ago, while her parents later relocated to Nadi.
Coming from a farming background, she recalls helping her parents on the farm every day after school in her hometown.
Raj says she once dreamed of becoming a lawyer, and she still plans to pursue that ambition in the future.
She adds that she chose to study Geography as she hopes to combine it with Law in her future career.
Her proudest moment was seeing the smiles on her parents’ faces and realizing how far she has come.
She says it is a true reflection of her hard work finally paid off.
