Austin Anand grew up in a quiet household in Nakasi, just outside of Suva, Fiji as the only child of a humble and hard-working family.
From a young age, Anand learnt the value of resilience, faith and sacrifice. “All the expectations and responsibilities were on my shoulders,” he said. “But with help from my parents, relatives, and most importantly from God, the journey so far has been good.”
He speaks openly about the quiet strength behind his ambitions – the unwavering support of his parents. “My parents’ prayers and sacrifices they’ve made for me are the main reasons I keep pushing forward,” he said.
“They’ve always believed in me, even during the toughest times, and that keeps me going.”
As a student at Bhawani Dayal Arya College in Nakasi, Anand showed early signs of academic promise. He was drawn to technology and problem-solving, which led him to explore career paths in computing.
During his final year of secondary school, Anand began speaking with alumni and mentors who all pointed him toward one institution.
“I had asked them, and they all recommended The University of the South Pacific (USP),” he said. “The USP Open Day played a big part in my decision too. Visiting the campus and experiencing the university lifestyle really showcased what I would be experiencing as a USP student.”
Now in his second year pursuing a Bachelor of Software Engineering at USP, Anand is steadily building the foundations for a career in technology. He described his first year at university as easily adaptive due to the academic services and support structures in place.
“My first year was great. Many think the transition is hard, but with the services USP provides, it is manageable,” he said.
His second year presented greater challenges. “With a heavier workload and a stronger emphasis on independent learning and time management, it definitely requires a shift in mindset.”
Still, he remains optimistic and committed to his goals.
“The staff are helpful and friendly, especially in our tutorials. The courses are well structured,” he said, adding that group work and collaborative projects have helped him become more vocal and confident. You make new friends, and when you work together, you get different perspectives. That helps you answer questions in a more detailed way.”
As an intern with USP’s Outreach team, Anand also spends time interacting with high school students. He observed that many were still uncertain about their future and sometimes chose programmes based solely on job prospects or financial return.
“Many students are still confused about what to study. Some just pick a course thinking about money,” he said.
“Hopefully, what I’ve shared with them helps them choose what’s truly best for their future. From my experience, USP is the best institution for students in Fiji and the Pacific region. Whatever course you choose, I would recommend it,” he said.
His advice to new students is grounded in balance and self-discipline.
“Balance your social and academic life. Everything you need is provided by USP – you just need to make use of it,” he said.
Anand’s journey is one of persistence and purpose, deeply rooted in the values instilled by his family.
With steady support, strong faith, and a passion for learning, he is paving the way towards a future in software engineering- one line of code at a time.
New and continuing students are encouraged to register for courses online via https://studentsols.usp.ac.fj/
