Every time Sakshi Vanshika Narayan saw how tired her father looked after he returned home from fishing, she vowed to work hard to give them a better life.

The former Xavier College student is one of the Toppers scholarship recipients.

She scored 374 out of 400 in her Year 13 External Examination last year.

The 18-year-old is pursuing her Bachelor in Marine Science at the University of the South Pacific at the Laucala Campus in Suva.

“My father is a fisherman and at times I could see how tired he was when he comes home and at times he would have cuts and I vowed to work hard and give both my parents the life they deserve,” Sakshi said.

“My parents always told us not to worry about anything, but my studies.

“I studied and got the marks that my mother had set for me.

“I also had to sacrifice my leisure time so that I could reach the goal that I had.”

Now with her scholarship in hand, Sakshi thanked the Government for giving her the opportunity to pursue her studies.

“My parents are not well educated, and I know they work hard to give my sister and I a better life,” she said.

“My father, after his Year 12, started fishing with my grandfather and that is why he does not have a certificate.

“My sister and I are both Toppers’ scholarship recipients because we know that this is the way we could pursue our studies.

“My sister is currently pursuing her Bachelor in Public Health.

“My mother made sure that the three months we had to stay home due to COVID-19 pandemic was a time for me to study,” she said.

“My mother is always motivating my sister and I to study hard so that we could have a better life.

“I am happy that my parents are very supportive and for that I am grateful.”

Sakshi’s advice to youngsters is this: “Even if no one stands by you, always help anyone that needs your help.

“Parents will always try their best to give you what they can; work hard and do your part.

“No matter how hard things get, never give up.”

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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