A father couldn’t hold back his emotions during the graduation ceremony at Fiji National University, where his eldest son received two prestigious awards. Alipate Moli, who has been the family’s sole provider, attended the ceremony with all his children to support Sakaraia Qilu, 22, who was honored with the Outstanding Academic Achievement Graduate in Nursing and the Certificate of Excellence and Dean’s Honours.
“This is the proudest moment for any father who has worked tirelessly to ensure their children succeed,” Mr. Moli expressed. As a hotel employee, he often spends 11 days working on the island and only three days at home, yet he makes it a priority to communicate with his children about their studies.
Mr. Qilu’s outstanding achievements are a testament to his dedication and hard work. He previously excelled academically, placing third during his Year Nine to Year Eleven at Saint Peter Chanel School and receiving the award for best Biology student in Years Twelve and Thirteen.
“My passion for nursing stems from my love for caring for others,” Mr. Qilu shared. He aims to further his education by pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, followed by a doctorate.
As the second nurse in his family, Mr. Qilu hopes to inspire his siblings to prioritize their education. “I want them to understand the significance of staying in school and striving for success, avoiding the pitfalls of drug addiction or idleness in the village,” he emphasized. He also thanked his mother for her continuous support and reminders about life’s realities.
His advice for youth is to cultivate positive friendships, stating, “A good circle of friends can propel you forward to success.”
This inspiring story highlights not only the importance of education but also the strength of familial bonds and perseverance in the pursuit of dreams. Mr. Qilu’s determination and vision for his future reflect hope and potential for both himself and his community.
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