Luisa Grace Tuituku Tagicakibau, a young woman from Lovu, Gau in the Lomaiviti province, recently celebrated a significant milestone by graduating from the University of the South Pacific. As the eldest of three siblings, Luisa’s journey to success is rooted in her humble beginnings where she witnessed her parents’ struggles to provide for their family.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Luisa shared, “I grew up in a family where I watched my parents struggle every day to provide for us. It was difficult to see them work tirelessly, sacrificing their own needs to ensure their children were well fed and dressed.” Despite financial hardships, her parents instilled in her the importance of love, support, and perseverance.
Luisa attended Suva Adventist Primary School and Suva Adventist College before completing her education at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School. Initially interested in accounting, she shifted her focus to a Bachelor of Science, majoring in biology and chemistry, believing it was part of a greater plan for her life.
Her academic journey mirrored the difficulties of her upbringing, but she maintained a strong resolve. “Balancing coursework, group projects, and assignments was definitely a challenge, but I managed to pull through till the end, never slipping into failure. This success would not have happened without God,” Luisa stated.
Graduation day was filled with emotions as Luisa celebrated alongside friends and family. “Graduation felt like a huge accomplishment for me. It was a mix of relief and excitement to see hard work pay off, especially as I graduated with my friend who supported me throughout this journey,” she said.
Looking ahead, Luisa aims to build a career in the science field, potentially in research or laboratory positions, and hopes her experiences can contribute to advancements in her area of study. Her message to younger generations is one of courage and openness to new experiences. “Put God first in everything,” she advises. “Don’t be afraid of change and unexpected paths; sometimes what you didn’t plan might turn out to be what you love. Always give your best.”