Tony Chan, a 24-year-old medical student, attributes his accomplishments to the support and encouragement he received from those around him. At the recent 2024 University of Fiji Graduation ceremony held at the Saweni Campus in Lautoka, Chan was honored with five medals, recognizing him as the UniFiji Outstanding Student in Internal Medicine, Outstanding Student in Paediatrics, and Outstanding Student in Community Health and Family Service. He notably earned one of only two gold medal awards for the year, along with the Vice-Chancellor Award.
Reflecting on his journey, Chan shared that being away from his family during the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges. He expressed gratitude towards his family, classmates, and particularly his lecturers, highlighting the invaluable encouragement he received, especially from Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete. “Their words of encouragement and support played a big part in my achievement. My schoolmates were the ones who stood by me through these six years,” Chan said.
Unexpectedly receiving multiple awards, Chan believes that his determination was recognized by his educators. He credits his achievements to his parents, who have been his primary mentors. With these medals and certificates, Chan feels that numerous opportunities await him in the medical field, paving the way for a bright and impactful career ahead.
This story not only highlights Tony Chan’s individual success but also underscores the importance of community support and perseverance in overcoming challenges. His experiences can inspire others to embrace the solidarity of those around them, especially in difficult times, showing that collective encouragement can lead to remarkable achievements.
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