Vilikesa Mata understands the responsibilities that come being the eldest in the family.

“Youngsters in the village and especially my four younger siblings look up to me,” said the 22-year-old who graduated from Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the South Pacific yesterday.

Mr Mata is originally Natalecake Village, Ba, with maternal links to Matawalu Village in Lautoka.

He did a double major in Human Resources and Land Management.

Struggles With Studies

“In 2019, I was lost and worried on my first day because I was new to the environment and I didn’t know what to do,” he said.

“It isn’t easy being away from your family but they trusted that I would come to Suva for studies and will return home making them proud.”

And that’s exactly what he did.

“I didn’t do well in some of my units during the pandemic but it didn’t deter me from re doing it again and keep on moving forward,” he said

Mr Mata said he was thankful to his parents and grandparents for their prayers and support.

“I would like to dedicate my achievement to all my family and friends back at home”

Put God first

He encouraged all young Fijians to always put God first in everything they did and things will always fall in place.

Story By: Viliame Tawanakoro

Feedback: viliame@fijisun.com.fj