The University of the South Pacific’s campuses across Fiji and the region was filled with vibrant colours of eager students from across the region attending the 2026 Orientation Programme.
As someone who has lived his entire life in the western part of Viti Levu the event marked the first time Isaia Goneca stepped onto the Laucala Campus in Suva.
From Vanuakula, Nalawa, in the province of Ra, the Bachelor of Commerce student praised the staff and student buddies involved in the programme for making his transition a seamless one.
“The orientation has been exciting yet daunting, I’ve also met a lot of students from other Pacific Island countries. It is such a huge university. Coming here and seeing it for the first time was really overwhelming,” he said.
“But I am glad I made it, and I am here to build a better life for my family and I. The ultimate goal is to work hard and help my mother at home.”
“I am looking forward to what’s ahead, and I aim to take part in as many school activities as I can and make the most of every opportunity.”
As hundreds of new faces gathered for the various sessions, 21-year-old Naomi Lunabek stood out as a young woman on a mission to transform the financial landscape of her home nation.
Originally from Malekula Island in Vanuatu, Lunabek is a Bachelor of Commerce student specialising in Professional Accounting.
An Australian Award recipient, she spent her previous year at the Emalus Campus in Port Vila. Today marked her first time stepping onto the main campus in Fiji, a place she will call home for the next two years.
Despite the initial nerves of moving across the ocean, Lunabek said that the transition has been unexpectedly smooth.
“The experience has been great. The staff have been very friendly. I am really happy to meet new people and make more memories and experiences while learning,” she shared.
“We all have similar ways of living, and it feels like I am still back at home.”
Her drive is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Port Vila, where she attended the Child Care Centre and Malapoa College.
“Growing up with a father who is an internal auditor at the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu, I have always been fascinated by money and the importance of saving,” she added.
“When I return home, I want to help my country improve its current economic status. I hope to provide financial advice and assist in any way I can.”
Addressing her fellow ni-Vanuatu peers who may be hesitant about studying abroad, Lunabek offered a stirring piece of advice.
“Don’t be scared to open up to new things, cultures, and experiences. Make friends with people from all across the Pacific. Don’t be afraid to chase new opportunities.”
USP Discipline of Mechanical Engineering Senior Fellow, Dr Michael Wood – in his opening address to all first-year students – urged students to remain disciplined in an era of digital distraction.
“For more than 55 years, USP has been the region’s premier institution for higher learning empowering Pacific people and shaping the future of our island nations,” Dr Wood said.
“The world around us is fast-paced, loud, and full of diversions. Social media, social pressures, and the fear of missing out can easily pull you off course. But remember, you are here for a purpose.”
“You will not only receive a world-class education, you will gain a community, a network, and an identity grounded in Pacific values.”
As Goneca, Lunabek and their peers begin their academic journey, the message was clear: the future of the Pacific starts with the focus they bring to their classrooms today.
The Orientation continues throughout this week at USP campuses across the region, with campus tours, academic units meet & greet and one-on-one academic advising and programme planning activities.
Students can view the Orientation programme details online via https://www.usp.ac.fj/campus/orientation-programme/
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