A father overwhelmed with pride shed tears of joy when he witnessed his eldest son, Sakaraia Qilu, 22, being honored with two prestigious awards at the Fiji National University graduation ceremony. This emotional moment was made even more special as Alipate Moli, the family’s sole provider, attended the event alongside his entire family to celebrate Sakaraia’s remarkable achievements, which included the Outstanding Academic Achievement Graduate in Nursing and a Certificate of Excellence with Dean’s Honors.
Mr. Moli expressed his immense pride, stating, “It was the proudest moment for any father who’s been toiling day and night to ensure that his children make it.” Despite his demanding job in the hotel industry, where he works 11 days straight on an island resort and only has three days at home, he remained committed to staying connected with his children by regularly checking in on their academic progress.
Sakaraia Qilu’s accomplishments did not come as a surprise to those who know his educational background. He was a standout student, earning third place in his Year Nine to Year Eleven studies at Saint Peter Chanel School in Korolevu, and was recognized with the best Biology student trophy in his final two years of secondary school.
Driven by a passion for caring for others, Mr. Qilu chose nursing as his career path, mentioning, “My choice was to become a nurse, or a public health worker, or a teacher.” He plans to advance his education further by enrolling in a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery program, eventually aspiring to earn a doctorate.
In a heartfelt message to his siblings, he emphasized the importance of education and staying away from negative influences. “I want my siblings to know about the importance of staying in school. I want them to strive and aim for the best and not end up like drug addicts on the streets or be idle back in the village,” he said. Mr. Qilu also credited his mother for her unwavering support and guidance throughout his journey, reminding him of the realities of life.
He encourages others with the advice, “Get better friends! As long as you have a good circle of friends who can help you move forward then you will make it!”
This touching story not only highlights the significance of family support and hard work but also serves as a reminder of the potential within individuals to create a bright future through education and dedication.
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