Kitti-Talei Darlene Drodrolagi, a 27-year-old graduate of the University of the South Pacific (USP), exemplifies the impact of perseverance and resilience in education. Despite facing numerous challenges, she successfully completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Kitti, hailing from Lautoka, began her educational journey at Drasa Avenue Primary School, which she credits for fostering her interests. She later attended Tilak High School, where she struggled academically during her final year but remained determined to pursue higher education at USP.
To achieve her academic goals, Kitti spent an additional year at Fiji Agape Mission School to redo Year 13 after facing difficulties in her previous school. This experience motivated her to rise above her setbacks and focus on her ambitions.
Starting her degree in 2019 at USP’s Lautoka regional campus, Kitti’s educational journey was further complicated by the demands of online learning and a challenging curriculum. Despite the lack of face-to-face interactions and immediate support, she remained dedicated and managed to meet all academic requirements.
Kitti expresses gratitude for the support of her family, particularly her mother, who has been a long-time employee at USP. Although her father lives in Papua New Guinea and could not be present during her studies, he fully supported her aspirations from afar.
Reflecting on her three-year journey, Kitti is now prepared to enter the workforce and help address Fiji’s human resource needs. She is actively seeking job opportunities and remains optimistic about her future. Kitti attributes her success to her faith, family support, and determination and encourages current students to persist in the face of adversity, stating, “Even if you feel like giving up, just keep going!”