Twenty-year-old Patrick Fapiana has his goals set firmly in the skies. Raised by a single mother, Fapiana took on the responsibility to help look after his younger sisters.
This experience fueled his ambition to build a better life for his family.
“Growing up, I know what poverty is like, what struggles are like, so I made it my goal to ensure I build a better life for them,” he shared.
“I believe anyone who says they don’t face challenges in university is lying. I cope with them through prayer and surrounding myself with the right people. I have a very strong friend group, and we help each other. I also persevere through the interest and passion that drives me.”
A former student of Jai Narayan College in Suva, Fiji, Fapiana was recently honoured as the Most Outstanding first-year student in his programme at The University of the South Pacific (USP).
He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at USP’s School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics (STEMP).
STEMP recently held an awards night in conjunction with the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean, and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS).
Fapiana’s dream to become an aircraft engineer took flight at the USP Open Day in 2024 when he was drawn to USP’s accredited courses.
“When I came to USP Open Day, I heard of the programmes accredited by Engineering New Zealand, and that was a key reason I chose to apply,” he said.
“With my passion for maths and physics, I was able to combine the two, and now I am studying mechanical engineering.”
Fapiana credited the University’s staff and faculty for their guidance.
“In high school, I never used to win awards. I’d like to encourage students to build a relationship with their lecturers because, ultimately, they will be their guide. I give all the credit to my lecturers; they’ve been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout my courses.”
Fapiana’s immediate goal is to secure an attachment at Fiji Airways.
With his sights set on a career that combines his passion for engineering and his desire to provide a better life for his family, he is a rising star with a future as vast as the skies he hopes to conquer.
STEMP consists of disciplines in: Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics and Physics.
High school students and those interested in learning more can visit the Laucala, Lautoka and Labasa campuses on Friday, 15 August 2025, for the KPMG USP 2025 Open Day.
Visit the USP website on https://www.usp.ac.fj/open-day/ for more details.
