Being named the Dux of Sangam Sadhu Kuppuswamy Memorial College (SSKMC) did not surprise Saagrika Mishra.

The 18-year-old said: “I continued to work hard and that’s why I was not surprised when they called out my name.

“I had to sacrifice times with my friends like watching movies, not using social media which was challenging but in the end it pays off. Also my mum, for always supporting me and guiding me with advice that encouraged me to keep doing my best.

“At the moment I have two career options I want to pursue firstly, Astronomy or Petroleum Engineering and I have still decided which of the two I would like to chase.”

Her mother, Sangita Mishra, was the happiest woman yesterday.

The single mother said: “I cannot describe the happiness I am feeling now; I am so proud and happy for her achievement.

“I have always supported her in her high school study and I will keep supporting her in tertiary level and until the day she achieves her dreams, I will be there.”

Ms Mishra, who is an accountant for Air Terminal Services, also acknowledged that the many challenges they faced only made them stronger and drove them to work hard.

Saagrika was also awarded for scoring the highest mark in maths (100/100), information technology (95/100), physics (99/100) and chemistry (96/100) in the the Fiji School Leaving Certificate FSLC 2015. She was also best science student of the year.

She is calling on youths to work hard towards their dreams.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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