Ratu Joshua turns difficult shift into Academic Excellence

Transitioning to a new school system can be daunting for many students.

But for Year 12 student Ratu Joshua Daniel Tavanavanua, 17, of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) High School, the challenge became the foundation of two years of academic excellence.

Ratu Joshua, a young chief of Bau, Tailevu, secured first place in his level for the second consecutive year, topping both Years 11 and 12.

His achievement is particularly notable given the difficult transition he faced when he joined MGM in Year Nine.

He had previously attended a private school with a completely different learning structure. Entering a public school for the first time was, in his words, “a completely new environment”.

“When I started my journey in Year Nine, I had a lot of challenges,” he said.
“I didn’t know anyone in my class. I had problems making friends, and I was very quiet. Everything felt different.”

He said supportive teachers helped him adapt.

“Thanks to them, I improved my marks. That helped me come first not only in Year 11 but now in Year 12 as well.”

The 17-year-old’s consistency has not gone unnoticed, especially by his father, the Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Timoci Taniela Tavanavanua.

“He has been consistent since joining MGM,” Ratu Timoci said.
“He’s followed the right pathway, just like his late uncle.
“I always remind him to put God first and to value education. There’s no substitute for hard work.”

Ratu Joshua, who studies Computer Science and Economics, hopes to pursue those fields at university, with aspirations of becoming a software engineer or developer.