By TEVITA LAGILAGI
THE University of the South Pacific’s graduation ceremony held this month marked a life-changing moment for 24-year-old Sereima Tuvou, who proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and International Business and Marketing.
Her achievement was more than personal; it was historic. Sereima became the first in her family to earn a university degree, breaking barriers and lighting the path for the next generation.
Originally from Nadroga but raised in Suva, Sereima’s academic journey was filled with challenges. The pressure of university life and the setbacks of failing some units tested her resolve. But she never gave up.
“The complexity and pressure of studies were overwhelming at times,” she shared. “But I refused to let it stop me from achieving my degree.”
Through discipline, resilience, and strong time management, Sereima turned obstacles into milestones. Her advice to others speaks volumes: “Set a goal, go ahead and achieve it. Nothing is impossible—only if you say it is.”
As the eldest in her family—the first daughter, first granddaughter, and first niece—Sereima holds a special place in her household. Her success carries the dreams and expectations of not just her immediate family but her entire extended family. All her younger cousins look up to her as a role model, and her graduation has become a beacon of hope for the younger generation.
Her proud family, who live in Suva, were overwhelmed with emotion as they watched their daughter and sister make history. For them, Sereima’s success is not just a personal win but a victory for their whole household—proof that dreams can be reached no matter where you come from. Her mother and grandmother, who made countless sacrifices to support her education, shed tears of joy as she walked across the stage in her gown, smiling through a moment that once seemed so far away.
Sereima dedicated her academic success to her family and friends who stood by her throughout her university journey. “There were many moments I felt like giving up, but their encouragement, their prayers, and their belief in me kept me going,” she said. “This degree is not mine alone—it belongs to all of us.”
Though she grew up in Suva, Sereima proudly embraces her roots in Nadroga, saying her cultural identity gave her strength and purpose along the way. Raised in a home where values of perseverance, humility, and hard work were always encouraged, she often leaned on her family’s support and her faith during challenging times. Every hurdle reminded her of the importance of pushing forward—not just for herself, but for those who look up to her.
“Every late-night study, every failure, every tear—it was all worth it because I knew I wasn’t walking this journey alone,” she reflected. “I carried my family with me every step of the way.”
Now stepping into the professional world with pride and purpose, Sereima Tuvou is more than just a graduate—she’s a trailblazer, a role model, and a symbol of what determination can accomplish.
Tevita Lagilagi is a second-year journalism student at the USP Laucala Campus.
