A young woman who graduated from the University of the South Pacific with a Degree is grateful to the Government for providing the National Toppers Scheme to students.

While thanking the Government for supporting her in pursuing her dreams, she also said it was all about hard work, dedication and time management.

Pooja Akansha Singh, 22, of Lautoka graduated last week with a Bachelors of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Human Resource Management.

“It has been a wonderful academic journey full of chal­lenges,” she said.

“After completing my secondary education at Natabua High School, I was a bit apprehensive where my future will take me to achieve my dreams.

“In 2016 I received a timely call that I was awarded the Government’s Toppers Scheme scholarship to study Bach­elor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Human Re­source Management at USP.”

Ms Singh said while other students packed their bags to study full-time at the USP Laucala Campus, she decided to achieve the best through distance flexible learning mode.

The reason for this was that she did not want to leave her home and parents in Lautoka and go to Suva to pursue her dream.

“I thanked them in my prayers and I’m grateful to the Government for providing the National Toppers Scheme to sponsor students to achieve their dreams. It covered all my expenses and allowances,” she said.

“While I knew that being a USP student undertaking a Bachelors programme through distance flexible learning will be an uphill battle, I took the challenge.

“It’s all about how focused one is and your sheer dedica­tion, hard work and time management.

“I just wanted to prove all critics wrong as I was told that it would be very difficult for me to cope. Life was full of ups and downs but I always stood up.”

Ms Singh said what haunts her is the time when her fa­ther’s job at Lautoka City Council was put at stake just be­fore her final exams last year.

“He just told me to be strong and go through the studies and that the toughest battle is always given to the bravest soldiers,” she said.

“I thank the Lord Almighty for giving me the strength, my parents for their guidance and providing all the resources and the USP academics for all the knowledge, logistics and the necessary resources.

“Three years, 24 units and sleepless nights later I’m a proud graduate. It’s a timely gift in my birthday month and a special one too to my parents especially my father who endured a lot of pain and suffering.

“For me, it’s not the end but a sweet beginning of my aca­demic career. I’m committed with faith that I will prosper in the near future,” said Ms Singh.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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