Lite Matanibukadrau became the first in the family to graduate from university.

The 24-year-old of Namara, Tailevu, became the first of four siblings to grad­uate with a Bachelor of Health Science from the Fiji National University at the FNU Nursing School Auditorium in Tamavua, Suva yesterday.

Her father, a retired military officer and farmer Jona Moli, 59, said he was very proud of his daughter’s achieve­ment.

“My daughter’s achievement is my achievement,” he said.

“I am so proud of her and I know she will do great in the future.

“Sometimes, we used to think how we will cater for her expenses back at home while she was in school, but then we knew that the sacrifices we do today will pay off one day when she graduates.

“With the only source of income, which is farming for us, it was not easy for us to give her everything she needed at once, but then we did all we could,” Mr Moli said.

Ms Matanibukadrau said she wanted to pursue her career in something she was passionate about.

“I took up the course because I wanted to learn about environment and I know I will pursue a good career in it,” she said.

“Most importantly because my family was the backbone of my decision and supported me with all I had in mind to do in my life.

“I had faced a lot of financial difficul­ties to get through my university life, but I don’t have any regrets because I have my family’s support and best wish­es to get me through,” Ms Matanibu­kadrau said.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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