Shahban Hassan’s journey was not easy, but through determination and faith he overcame all challenges that came his way.

Originally from Tuva in Nadroga, he graduated with a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Affairs from the University of the South Pacific on Friday.

“It is a bittersweet feeling; as much as I am excited, the moment is tinged with sadness because it was around this time, I lost my mother as a teenager and after two years my father also passed away,” he said.

“It’s been a tough journey and I hope I’ve done them proud.

“The experience of losing both parents at a relatively young age left me devastated, but their blessings and core values they instilled in me, including that of education has always lived on, and given me a sense of purpose.

“I was forced to shelve my tertiary education and look for a job after completing high school, eventually joining one of Fiji’s leading retail companies in the late nineties. A few years later, on the advice of my mentors I began taking part-time studies while working.”

Through hard work and discipline, Mr Hassan has not only built a successful professional career over the years rising through the ranks to become a senior supply chain executive, but also steadily progressed through to attain various qualifications.

His extensive experience in the trade and supply chain space and special interests in global issues such as climate change drove him to take up the Master’s Programme in Diplomacy and International Affairs at the University of the South Pacific.

Faced with yet another challenge, he had to travel all the way from Sigatoka to attend evening classes at USP’s Laucala Campus, returning home late at night.

“Juggling full time work, family and studies wasn’t easy because it demanded a lot of time, energy and sacrifice. On top of that, driving down to Suva for classes didn’t make it any easier,” he said.

“There were times when thoughts about giving up came to mind, but my faith, my purpose and of course the support of my family, especially my wife, Shahana, daughters, Shaista and Saabiqah and my siblings provided me with the motivation and grit to keep persevering.

“As the saying goes, the joy of success doesn’t come in getting the just rewards, it comes in the joy of the hunt.”

Mr Hassan is encouraging parents to send their children to school while it is free and scholarships are available.

He lives by a quote of Mufti Menk: ‘Life was never meant to be easy; it is a constant struggle with highs and lows. The times when it’s most important to persevere are the times that you will be tested the most. Be grateful, stay positive and trust the Almighty.’