Luke Peniloa did not complete Class 6.

But this has not stopped him from striving to be the best in what he does.

Today, the 34-year-old is a Fiji Sun Circulation night shift supervisor.

He started at the Fiji Sun 15 years ago as an inserter.

“I came to Suva, from Ba in 1994. I did not finish class 6 at Koronubu Indian school in Ba. After dropping out from school I helped out at the farm.”

In Suva, Mr Peniloa found work with a construction company. He still recalls the day he overheard people talking about work available at the Fiji Sun.

“From the construction site, I went straight to Walu Bay to see whether a position was available. I remember that I was the second person there looking for work.”

For two years he carried out his task faithfully as a casual worker.

His dedication was noticed and management offered him a permanent job.

Mr Peniloa’s work involves the printing of labels and invoices for Fiji Sun subscribers. They are the last point of call before papers are distributed.

Despite this routine type of work, Mr Peniloa maintains a positive attitude.

“I will never forget that some people with degrees and certificates are still unemployed.  I want to thank the company for having faith in me. Even though it is challenging at times I always keep a positive attitude.”

Mr Peniloa encouraged young people to work hard even without an educational qualification.

“My story is a testament to that. You should always keep trying and never give up.”

Mr Peniloa is from Sokoba village in Ba and has maternal links to Yasawa.

This was published as part of the Fiji Sun  17th Anniversary Lift-out.