A second chance at education can lead to a new lease on life, a sentiment echoed by Kitti-Talei Darlene Drodrolagi, a 27-year-old graduate from the University of the South Pacific (USP). She recently celebrated the completion of her Bachelor of Commerce degree, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.
Kitti’s educational journey began in Lautoka at Drasa Avenue Primary School, which she credits for nurturing her interests. Following primary school, she continued her studies at Tilak High School in Lautoka. Although she experienced distractions and faced difficulties in Year 13, Kitti was determined to attend USP.
To achieve her goal, she repeated Year 13 at Fiji Agape Mission School, viewing the experience not as a setback, but as motivation to rise above her challenges. In 2019, she enrolled in her degree program at the Lautoka campus of USP and remained dedicated until she accomplished her goal.
Her mother, who has been associated with USP for many years, provided her with invaluable support. Although her father lived in Papua New Guinea and could not be there physically, he continued to support her from afar.
Kitti acknowledged the difficulties she encountered with online learning and adapting to a new curriculum, as she missed the benefits of in-person lectures and the engaging interactions they offer. Nevertheless, she remained focused, reaching out via email and managing her responsibilities effectively.
Reflecting on her journey, Kitti expressed gratitude for her accomplishments and shared her optimism about entering the workforce. She is currently awaiting responses to several job applications and is eager to contribute to addressing the human resource needs in Fiji.
Despite moments of doubt, Kitti’s unwavering faith, family support, and determination fueled her success. She encourages current students to persevere, stating, “Even if you feel like giving up, just keep going!”