Nosheen Nisha defied all odds to walk away yesterday with the Dux award during the Ratu Navula College prizegiving in Nadi.

The 18-year-old lass from Martintar also was named best arts student, scored highest in English, accounting, economics and computer studies.

“I thank my parents for their support and always being there for me. I am so happy and overwhelmed with the success today,” she said brimming with confidence.

Nosheen started her high school at Nadi College in Year Nine before it was turned into a Technical College in 2015. She joined Ratu Navula to complete Year 13.

“I came here to continue my study with a few challenges, but my teachers and friends were very supportive and they helped me a lot,” she said.

“I had to sacrifice my time with friends and work hard to achieve my dreams, because I wanted to make my parents proud because of the sacrifices they always make for me.”

She said the awards did not come as a surprise because she worked hard to pursue it.

Her next step is to join the University of the South Pacific (USP) and do a double major in accounting and information systems.

Her proud mum, Shamsad Nisha, 58, was in tears when she heard her daughter’s name announced.

“Just like any mum I am so proud of her; she is a very hardworking girl.

“Although she had to move to another school, I have been always supporting her in everything she did,” she said.

Father, Mazoon Rahman, said he was positive about his daughter’s future and believed she was going to go a long way.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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