At the age of 29, Semi Seruvakula felt as though his dreams had slipped away when peer pressure interrupted his pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree over a decade ago. Yet, in an inspiring turn of events, Seruvakula refused to let these setbacks define him. Hailing from Navutu Village in Naitasiri, he confronted life’s challenges head-on and emerged resilient.
Recently, he marked a noteworthy achievement by graduating with a Certificate in Fabrication and Welding (Level 3) at the Fiji National University (FNU) graduation ceremony held at the Vodafone Arena. Reflecting on his journey, Seruvakula shared how peer pressure initially led him back to his village, where he contemplated giving up on his education to support his father in farming. However, a pivotal moment occurred when a friend working as a security officer invited him to consider a job. This opportunity opened the door to a new educational path, propelling him to pursue his studies once more.
Financing his education through his earnings as a security officer, Seruvakula’s perseverance paid off. His father, Venieli Cakausese, the village headman, expressed immense pride in his son’s journey. Cakausese commented, “My son may have learned it the hard way, but through that, he is becoming the strong, independent man we want him to be.” He advised the youth, emphasizing the importance of faith and education, noting the abundance of opportunities available for those willing to strive for success.
After a year and a half of dedicated study at FNU’s Samabula campus, Mr. Seruvakula now works at Fast Engineering and exhibits a deep passion for his profession. He continues to rely on his faith as a guiding force, stating, “I’m leaning on God to direct my next steps.”
This story of resilience illustrates how one’s path can change dramatically with determination and support from loved ones. It serves as a reminder for young individuals to embrace opportunities and remain hopeful in the face of challenges, as success often comes from perseverance and adaptability.
Overall, Semi Seruvakula’s journey is a testament to the idea that setbacks can lead to a stronger foundation for the future, encouraging others to pursue their dreams with tenacity and faith.
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