Late nights, big dreams: Labasa student graduates to honour parents’ sacrifice

A young woman from Labasa has turned years of sacrifice, sleepless nights and determination into a proud graduation moment—not just for herself, but for her hardworking parents.

Noolyn Darshani Chand, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Literature, Language and Journalism under Communications and Media, said her achievement represents more than a personal milestone it is a tribute to her family’s perseverance.

“I’m feeling really happy today because I have done something not only for me but also made my parents proud,” she said.

Coming from a modest background, Ms Chand father works as a mechanic while her mother manages household responsibilities. With a mixed heritage of Chinese and South Indian roots, she describes her family as a blend of cultures grounded in resilience.

She is the youngest of three sisters, both of whom have already carved their own professional paths one serving as a nurse at Fiji Corrections Service and the other as a teacher at Jay Naryan College.

Her final year proved to be the most demanding. While completing an internship at the Division of Marketing and Communications, she was also juggling multiple academic deadlines.

“There were times when two assignments were due at the same time,” she said. “I worked during the day as an intern and completed my assignments at night sometimes studying until 1 or 2 in the morning.”

Despite exhaustion and moments of doubt, Ms Chand pushed through, driven by a clear purpose.

“My parents worked so hard for me. There’s not much income in my family, so I study to support them. That is what kept me motivated.”

From left: Vinod Chand (father), Noolyn Darshani Chand and Angely Wong Sang (mother) during the University of the South Pacific graduation ceremony at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on April 17, 2026.

Her journey reflects the reality faced by many students balancing financial pressure and academic expectations but also highlights the power of discipline and family support.

Now a graduate, Ms Chand has a message for young people, especially those considering leaving school early.

“Studying is easier than going to work early every day,” she said. “Once you finish, you realise those assignments were much easier than working life.”

Her story stands as a reminder that behind every graduation gown is often a story of sacrifice and for Ms Chand, it is one stitched together with late nights, cultural pride, and a deep commitment to family.