I almost quit my studies but a promise made to my loved ones inspired me to complete my degree.

These were the words of Anitelu Anthony Kado after graduating with Bachelors in Environmental Biology from the University of the South Pacific at Vodafone Arena in Suva yesterday.

The 24-year-old hails from Namuka-i-lau and has paternal links to Japan. He joined USP in 2018 and was supposed to graduate in 2020 but due to some mental breakdown it took time.

“It was supposed to be three years of study but nearing my final year I lost both my grandparents. I lost my grandfather due to his old age and then after one year, I lost my grandmother to COVID,” he said.

“I seriously considered quitting university because I had a major mental breakdown so it was very hard for me to focus on anything. Those were the most difficult phases of my life.

The Promise

“There was so much in my mind that I didn’t know what to do. I later decided that I’ll just pursue something in music as I was interested in it. I decided to share my plan of studying music with my mother’s sister who was diagnosed with Leukemia and she was in her final days of her life.

“I told her that I was going to quit school and she refused with the words: “Before I die I only have one thing to say, please finish your degree. After you graduate, if you still want to pursue music then do it, as long as you have your degree with you.” These words had motivated me to go back to university.”

Sadly his aunt passed on, but her words made Anitelu strong and motivated to go back to USP and complete his degree.

“This was a promise to my aunt and grandparents, because they were the ones who encouraged me,” he said.

Education Assistance

Anitelu was a Tertiary Educational Loan Scheme (TELS) student and believes it would have been difficult to attend university without such support.

“I am really grateful to God for keeping me strong and motivated to take such a step back then which has helped me reach here today,” he said.

“It was a very interesting journey, especially the transition and the dynamics. It really taught me a lot,” he said.

Anitelu’s mother, Tavo Kado, shed tears while praising her son.

Ms Kado said it wasn’t an easy journey for her son, yet he tackled it all to be what he is today.

“Anitelu is my third child and surely a great role model to his siblings, he doesn’t boast about himself and always appreciates the little things in life,” she said.

“It’s not easy, I had been working in a garment factory for 30 years, and since the factory closed I had been staying home.

“I struggled to get money to buy my son’s gown for his graduation.

“I thank God for all the blessings, and always being there for my children’s good future,” she said.

Feedback: nolishma.narayan@fijisun.com.fj