Young mother tops iTaukei studies, wins Gold at UniFiji graduation

From dropping out of school in Year 12 after becoming pregnant, to walking the graduation stage as the top student in iTaukei Studies, Milika Vereivalu’s journey is one of resilience, responsibility, and determination.

She was awarded the gold medal for the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) in iTaukei Studies during the University of Fiji’s graduation ceremony at the Saweni Campus in Lautoka yesterday.

Ms Vereivalu, from Yalava Village in Sasa, Macuata, had moved to Lautoka for her secondary education. But she left school early in Year 12 when she became pregnant and returned to the village to be with her parents.

“It was a difficult time for me, accepting the situation at a young age and experiencing pregnancy for the first time,” she said.

After giving birth, she returned to class to complete Year 12. She passed with good marks and progressed to Year 13, finishing successfully.

“I developed a strong sense of responsibility, balancing motherhood, family expectations, and academic commitments. These qualities helped me stay focused and succeed in my studies,” she said.

Her six-year-old daughter will start Year One next year.

Ms Vereivalu was among 304 students who graduated yesterday. She credited her family for their unwavering support, especially her uncle in Lautoka, with whom she stayed while studying at the University of Fiji.

“He helped with my bus fare and meals. My parents, who live in the village with my daughter, also contributed whatever they could. Their combined support helped me stay focused,” she said.

Her mother, Seini Muarewa, who travelled from Macuata to witness the ceremony, said she was “over the moon” to see her daughter succeed.