Pinak Brown, a 22-year-old from the serene Rabi Island, is making waves at The University of the South Pacific (USP). With determination and a thirst for knowledge, she is carving a path to success in the field of science and education.
Hailing from the southern peninsula of Vanua Levu, where she completed her Year 13 at Napuka Secondary School, Brown’s journey to USP was a significant step. Leaving the familiar shores of Rabi Island to embrace city life in Suva was a challenge she faced head-on, supported by her family.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science and Graduate Certificate in Education (BSc GCED) with majors in Mathematics and Physics, Brown is in her third year at USP’s Laucala Campus.
Her decision to join the university was influenced by a desire to broaden her social circle and follow in the footsteps of her family members who had previously graduated from USP.
Like many first-year students, she grappled with peer pressure. However, she overcame this hurdle by surrounding herself with positive influences and connecting with fellow students pursuing similar courses.
Her passion for science, coupled with a belief in its harmony with religion, fuels her academic pursuits.
“The favourite part of studying my programme is studying science and I understand that science and religion is in harmony and they are related to each other and I would love to elaborate more on this when i start incorporating this when I begin my future career as a teacher,” Pinak Brown said.
Brown’s dedication to her studies is evident in her free time, often spent at the library or utilising the IT labs.
“I would like to encourage future and current students of USP to make the most of opportunities such as scholarships and careers workshops offered by the university. USP facilities, particularly the library, Information Technology (IT) labs and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) facilitated by Student Learning Support services (SLS) have also been valuable for my academic journey here,” she shared.
“PASS is of great support to me academically, since the classes are facilitated by a high achieving student who has excelled in the course previously and they help increase our performance in the same manner.”
“I found out about PASS through word-of-mouth when I wasn’t doing well in my studies during my first year. I have been attending PASS for Maths and Physics ever since I found out about it and have been doing well ever since,” she emphasised.
Brown’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the support system provided by USP. As she continues her academic journey, her determination to make a positive impact as a future teacher shines through.
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