Semi Seruvakula, a 29-year-old from Navutu Village in Naitasiri, faced a challenging chapter in his life after peer pressure caused him to abandon his mechanical engineering studies 11 years ago. However, instead of letting his circumstances dictate his future, he took control of his life and persevered through adversity.
On Thursday, Seruvakula celebrated a remarkable achievement by receiving his Certificate in Fabrication and Welding (Level 3) during the graduation ceremony held at the Vodafone Arena, organized by Fiji National University (FNU).
Reflecting on his past, Seruvakula shared, “Peer pressure led me back to the village, where I told my father that I should stay home and farm with him.” His path took a turn when a friend, working as a security officer, offered him a job. This opportunity opened the door to his current journey, as it introduced him to the course that has led to his success today.
Balancing work and education, Seruvakula financed his studies through his earnings as a security officer. His father, Venieli Cakausese, 62, the headman of their village, expressed immense pride in his son’s resilience. He commented, “My son may have learnt it the hard way, but through that, he is becoming the strong, independent man we want him to be.”
Cakausese also shared words of encouragement with the younger generation: “He was a TELS student before, but now he studies during the day and works as a security officer at night. Pursue God well and pursue education. There are so many opportunities available. The responsibility lies with the youth to make it happen.”
After dedicating a year and a half to his studies at FNU’s Samabula campus, Seruvakula is now employed at Fast Engineering and is enthusiastic about his work. He attributes his courage and direction to his faith, stating, “I’m leaning on God to direct my next steps.”
This inspiring narrative highlights how resilience, hard work, and faith can lead to personal transformation and success, serving as a motivating example for others facing challenges in their educational and career pursuits.
For those navigating similar experiences, Seruvakula’s journey reinforces the importance of perseverance and the belief that it’s never too late to reshape one’s future.
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