Luisa Grace Tuituku Tagicakibau, a reserved young woman, recently celebrated a significant achievement – her graduation from the University of the South Pacific. Hailing from Lovu, Gau, with maternal ties to Nukuni, Ono-i-Lau, Luisa is the eldest of three siblings and has a story rooted in humble beginnings.
Growing up, Luisa observed the struggles her parents faced to provide for their family. “I grew up in a family where I watched my parents struggle every day to provide for us,” she shared. Despite their financial challenges, her parents always prioritized love and support, teaching Luisa the importance of hard work and perseverance.
Luisa’s educational journey began at Suva Adventist Primary School and continued at Suva Adventist College, up to Form 6, before she completed her studies at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School. Initially drawn to accounting, a pivotal moment led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science, majoring in biology and chemistry. “I didn’t plan on this path, but I believed it was all part of God’s plan for my life,” she said.
Her academic journey was not without its obstacles; she remained committed and spiritually grounded to navigate the challenges of coursework, group projects, and assignments. “I managed to pull through till the end, never slipping into failure. This success would not have happened without God,” Luisa remarked.
On graduation day, surrounded by friends and family, Luisa felt immense pride in her accomplishments. “Graduation felt like a huge accomplishment for me. It was a mix of relief and excitement to see hard work pay off,” she expressed, highlighting the joy of graduating alongside her supportive friends and family.
Looking forward, Luisa aspires to build a solid career in the scientific field, potentially in research or laboratory work, believing her knowledge and experience can contribute to significant advancements in her discipline. “Put God first in everything,” she advises younger generations. She encourages embracing change and being open to unexpected paths, as they might lead to fulfilling experiences.