Ifereimi Waqacama Vesikula, a 50-year-old father from Namara, Tailevu, is filled with pride as he celebrates his daughter’s achievements in sports education. Mr. Vesikula, who works with the National Fire Authority, was among the attendees at the graduation ceremony held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, in honor of the Fiji National University (FNU) graduates.
His daughter, Mere Drewai Vesikula, 21, made her family proud by earning two certificates in Sports Science – both Level 4 and Level 5. Notably, she was one of just three graduates to receive the Level 5 certificate, and she was the only graduate to earn the Level 4 certificate.
Reflecting on his daughter’s journey, Mr. Vesikula shared, “When we saw her interest in sports, we tagged along and supported her.” He recalled that during her primary school years, Mere was the only girl on the Tailevu South Under-9 boys’ rugby team in the Milo Kaji games. Despite an assumption that her interest might shift after graduating from high school at Adi Cakobau School, she remained committed to her passion for Sports Science.
Mere dedicated her success to her family, especially to her mother, who is a nurse in Australia. She shared the challenges she faced, such as commuting daily from Tailevu to Nasinu Campus for classes and dealing with occasional financial struggles. However, she emphasized her gratitude for the unwavering support from her family, which kept her motivated.
Currently, Mere is completing an attachment at a gym in Nasinu, and she aspires to become a teacher in Physical Education, Music, Arts, and Craft. Mr. Vesikula stressed the critical role that parents play in nurturing their children’s dreams, reminding everyone that no challenge should overshadow a child’s aspirations.
This story highlights the importance of family support in achieving educational and personal goals, serving as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges. It’s a testament to the positive outcomes that can result from encouragement and dedication.
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