Graduate aims for engineering career inspired by grandmother and parents

At just 19, Waisea Lesumaibau stood quietly at the back of the Lelean Memorial School Hall, graduation coat on, taking in the moment.

The lad from Nasaumatua, Daku, Tailevu had just earned one of the school’s highest honours — top mark in Vosa Vakaviti with 89 out of 100.

For many, it was simply an award. For Mr Lesumaibau, it was a story of love, sacrifice and the strength of the people who raised him.

He grew up in the care of his grandmother, who looked after him from the time he was small.

As her health weakened, his mother, Miriama Ravuniwa, stepped in with her husband, Samu Naisaboca, to continue that role.

Life was never easy, but they supported him with quiet determination.

“I always felt like I wasn’t doing this alone,” Mr Lesumaibau said.

“Everything I achieve is because of them. My nana, my mum and Samu gave me strength even when I didn’t see it in myself.”

Ms Ravuniwa watched her son walk across the stage with tears she tried to hide.

“Waisea has always been such an innocent child,” she said. “He doesn’t talk much, but he listens, he works hard. To see him today, standing there as a young man, is more than I ever dreamed of.”

She remembers nights when he studied in the kitchen, fighting sleep as he revised his notes.

She remembers mornings when he left before sunrise, carrying nothing but a worn bag and big hopes.

Now, as he closes this chapter, he opens another. Mr Lesumaibau has his eyes set on university and hopes to become an engineer, a dream he carries not only for himself, but for the family who carried him.

“I want to build something that lasts,” he said. “Just like what they built in me.”

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