At the age of 20, Anqela Faith Liganisulu returned to high school aiming to complete her education.

On Thursday, the now 27-year-old graduated from the University of the South Pacific (USP) with a Bachelor of Science and Certificate in Education majoring in Mathematics and Physics.

The lady from Waimaqere Settlement in Taveuni with maternal links to Naividamu Village in Fulaga, Lau is a relief teacher at Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) Girls College in Samabula.

She said she was emotional knowing that all the sacrifices her parents made finally paid off.

“To reach this far was not easy but my parents continued to encourage me.”

She was the seventh child of 12 siblings and her parents were kava and taro farmers in Taveuni.

“When I see their hands covered with injuries and bruises when they return from the farm, I remind myself why I must never give up.”

Ms Liganisulu had quit school when she was in Year 10 due to personal problems.

She said she was in Year 10 when her father got sick and she had to leave school for three years.

“I was 20 years old when I went back to be a Form Five (Year 11) student.”

She said people would look down on her as she was the oldest in her class at Vunimono High School.

“I want to be an example to my younger siblings and I always wanted to make my parents proud.”

She said her parents reminded her not to forget her humble beginnings.

Ms Liganisulu thanked the Fijian Government for introducing TELS (Tertiary Education Loans Scheme) because she was a recipient.

She said TELS helped her with her rent. In 2020, she started her kava business to help her parents.

“My advice to young girls is never let anyone limit your dreams, follow your passion, be prepared to work hard.”

Her father Vatimio Liganisulu was grateful for all the sacrifices her daughter endured.

“My daughter’s graduation is a new chapter for my family and no words can describe how grateful I am,” he said.