A father and daughter duo, Ratu Inoke Soqosoqo and Bulou Soqosoqo, have enrolled to begin and complete their undergraduate studies at The University of the South Pacific (USP).
After passing her Year 13 exam, Bulou is looking to pursue her degree in Computing and Security Programming.
Her father, Mr Soqosoqo said, “I had enrolled to start my Bachelor of Commerce in Business Administration and Human Resource Management in Semester 1 of 2019, but I failed a unit and wasn’t able to secure funding to see through to my second semester.”
“With a family to support, our finances could not allow me to complete my studies then, so I knew I needed to find work and put my academic journey on hold for some time. I was able to find a better job last year, and I am encouraged to re-do my failed unit and begin working towards completing my studies,” Mr Soqosoqo added.
He said, he and his daughter will be pursuing a degree together, and this is a proud moment for them as a family.
“This will also allow me to guide my daughter through her first year, and at least her first week of lectures. I want to help her find her classes and learn where she can go to find help if she needs it from staff and her study peers,” he said.
Bulou said, “I am not nervous going to my first year of university, I have my dad there to help me, and it’s encouraging for me to see, that he isn’t giving up trying to complete his studies even at his age. I am proud of my dad and looking forward to starting my studies at USP.”
Mr Soqosoqo encourages other parents who have not finished their degrees but want to start their studies to take the first step and enquire about what they’re passionate about.
“It is never too late, I am 47 years old, and I am going to try to complete my degree alongside my daughter, she may finish it first, as I will still be working. I am trying to set an example for my family, and I know so many others can also do the same, it just takes courage, passion, and hard work,” he added.
Applications for Semester 1, 2023 are still open until February 17, 2023, and prospective students are encouraged to visit a USP Campus near them to apply. Semester 1 begins next week, February 13, 2023.
