Toppers Scholarship, The Only Way For Simmons To Achieve Her Dream

National Toppers Scholarship was the only way for Matilda Simmons to achieve her dream.

The former Lautoka Andra Sangam College scored 380 out of 400 in her Year 13 Certificate Examination last year.

The 19-year-old thanked the Government for giving her the opportunity to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy.

“I am blessed to be chosen to get the toppers scholarship. It was the only way I could study,” Miss Simmons said.

“I always wanted to pursue medicine, but I had to think which field in medical I would be more interested in.

“I had to weigh my options and that was how I decided to pursue a bachelor’s in pharmacy.

“I worked hard because I know that the fees were going to be expensive and the only way out for me was to get a toppers scholarship.”

Miss Simmons thanked her parents for always motivating and encouraging her.

“The toppers scholarship is one-way Fijians can become what they were meant to be because not everyone comes from a stable financial background,” she said.

“My parents will not have to worry about anything because everything is paid for and now it is up to me to study hard.

“I have lived in Lautoka my whole life and it was a bit hard for me to leave but I am getting used to the new environment.”

Her mother, Ranita Simmons said the toppers scholarship was a great help for her family.

“She wanted to study pharmacy and for Matilda to get a toppers scholarship was a blessing for us,” Mrs Simmons said.

“It would have been a struggle for us if she didn’t get the scholarship, so I want to thank the Government for the opportunity and making my daughter’s dream come true.

“I try to visit her once or twice a month because she is far away from home and she is our only child, but I am glad that she is staying in a safe environment.”

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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