Emotions ran high in a modest room at the Vodafone Arena as the Sagar family celebrated a significant milestone in the life of their daughter, Priyashna Shivangi Sagar, 21. Hailing from Nasau, Nadi, Sunita Devi, 56, and her husband Ram Sagar, 56, could not contain their tears of joy as their daughter received the prestigious Best Student Award for her achievement in Bachelor of Commerce.
Ms. Sagar has been pursuing her degree with a focus on Economics and Accounting at Fiji National University’s Namaka Campus in Nadi. She attributes her accomplishments to discipline and hard work, reflecting on her upbringing in a family where financial struggles were a constant challenge. With two older siblings already in the workforce, Ms. Sagar witnessed her father juggling casual jobs to ensure his children could stay in school, which instilled in her the importance of education.
“Education was a challenge. I made sure my priorities were set despite the other challenges I endured at home,” she stated. Being the youngest of the family, Ms. Sagar expressed pride in being able to uplift her parents with her achievements, bringing them to tears of happiness.
Her academic journey began with remarkable accolades, being awarded the Dux award in Year 10 at Mulomulo Primary School, and later securing the second position in her final year at Mulomulo Secondary School. Thanks to the National Toppers Scholarship, she was able to complete her studies successfully.
“My elder brother was my biggest supporter,” she noted, recalling how he urged her to focus on her education instead of seeking work to assist the family during her studies.
Her mother, overwhelmed with pride, acknowledged the various forms of support they received, such as bus fare assistance and Tertiary Scholarships, which significantly eased their financial burden during her educational pursuits. “The struggles we encountered over the years have paid off and I can’t express how grateful I am for this day,” Ms. Devi shared.
Today, Ms. Sagar is forging ahead in her career, currently employed at Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) International Limited, setting a shining example for others in her community.
This uplifting story underscores the power of perseverance, family support, and the positive impact of scholarships in achieving educational goals. Ms. Sagar’s journey serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that with determination and support, one can overcome challenges and create a brighter future.
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