In a heartwarming celebration of triumph and dedication, Sa­rote Marieta Tunidau, 25, of Vo­tualevu, Nadi, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Social Work and So­ciology from the University of the South Pacific (USP).

Her journey was helped by sup­port from her family members and relatives.

She was raised by her maternal grandparents at the chiefly village of Ucunivanua, Verata, Tailevu.

Living in an extended family, her grandparents ensured that Ms Tu­nidau and her siblings succeed de­spite the challenges they faced.

She said her grandfather toiled on the farm during the day and fished at night to ensure food was home and sell some at the Suva Market.

“This painted a picture of deter­mination and love for us,” Ms Tuni­dau said.

“I remember my grandfather go­ing farming during the day and going out at night to fish and my grandmother would sell the catch and root crops in the market in Suva. They did this so that my brother, my three cousins and I could have our school stuff and food on our table. Our mothers are working in Nadi to help us also.

“My father was never in the pic­ture, and I was listed under my mother’s village in Ucunivanua.”

As age caught up with her gran­nies, Ms Tunidau, her brother and cousins had to move to Nadi under the care of her mother’s elder sis­ter.

Ms Tunidau’s educational journey went on from Ucunivanua District School, Votualevu Public Primary, Votualevu College and USP.

“I faced a lot of challenges. I tried to meet assignment due dates, and sometimes I had to eat one meal a day or no meal at all.

“Above all, my hardest moment was losing my baby sister to cancer. She has always been my greatest source of inspiration and strength. From the time we found out that she had cancer, she had only six months to live. I had to stay home and do online classes just to be close to her.”

In 2021, her sister, Precious Susan Elizabeth Rose Daurewa, died.

“I was lonely. I lost focus in school and didn’t want to continue. I felt that everything I was doing was go­ing nowhere,” Ms Tunidau said.

The thought of her brother changed her mind.

“He has been my rock and con­stant supporter. If I failed, he would be devastated, so I had to work hard again.

“My greatest achievement is get­ting this degree. It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but it is for those who helped me get it; my grandparents, family members, my mother and aunty, my bother and especially my late sister, Precious Susan Elizabeth Rose Daurewa,”

Her advice to youths and parents: “Put God first in everything.”

Her story is a beacon of hope and a reminder that with perseverance, love, and dedication, even the most challenging circumstances can be conquered.

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