983 University of the South Pacific students graduated and among them was 25-year-old Ratu Tevita Rarokolutu from Naitasiri who says he would walk to school due to financial difficulties.
Rarokolutu who won two Gold medals for being the most outstanding graduate with a major in History and Education says there were moments that were challenging during his four-year journey as his father was the only sole breadwinner and was earning just above the poverty line.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Graduate Certificate in Education.
He was under the Tertiary Educations Loan Scheme and is currently pursuing his Master's scholarship that was offered to him by USP.
Also graduated was 22-year old Muzammil Ali who graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering and is also the Gold Medalist recipient for the program.
Ali who is from Nadi shared how difficult the four years was for him as he was away from his family and he was also boarding at USP.
He has been given a scholarship by USP to complete his Master's Degree.
Ali says he would not have been able to pursue his studies in USP if it wasn’t for the National Toppers Scholarship as he faced a lot of financial problems growing up.
He says engineering is a tough course and the late nights were tough for him due to the number of projects and assignments he received.
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