A father of five was overcome with emotion yesterday after witnessing the remarkable achievements of his oldest son during the graduation ceremony at Fiji National University. Alipate Moli, who has devoted himself as the sole provider for his family, proudly attended the event with his family to celebrate Sakaraia Qilu, 22, as he received two prestigious awards: the Outstanding Academic Achievement Graduate in Nursing and the Certificate of Excellence and Dean’s Honors.

“It was the proudest moment for any father who has worked tirelessly to make sure his children succeed,” Mr. Moli expressed. His job in the hotel industry requires him to spend 11 days away on an island resort, leaving him with only three days at home each week. Despite the limited time with his children, he remains dedicated, frequently calling to inquire about their academic progress.

Mr. Qilu’s accomplishments in academia did not come as a surprise. He consistently excelled in his studies, finishing third overall in his class from Year Nine to Eleven at Saint Peter Chanel School in Korolevu, Nadroga, and was named the best Biology student during his final two years.

“My desire to pursue nursing stems from my love of caring for people,” said Mr. Qilu, who is hopeful about his future career. He aims to further his education by enrolling in a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery program, with aspirations of obtaining a doctorate afterwards.

As the second nurse in his family, Mr. Qilu emphasized the importance of education to his younger siblings, urging them to stay in school and pursue their dreams rather than getting involved in negative activities. He expressed his gratitude to his mother for her constant reminders about life’s realities that have helped guide him to his current success.

Mr. Qilu also had some advice for fellow students: “Surround yourself with positive friends! Having a supportive circle can propel you toward your goals.”

This inspiring story of dedication, hard work, and family support demonstrates that commitment to education and strong community ties can lead to remarkable achievements. As Mr. Qilu steps into his bright future, he exemplifies the impact of perseverance and the power of a loving family, serving as a beacon of hope for others in his community.