Dream Come True For National Toppers Graduate

Receiving a scholarship was a dream come true for Parishma Kristika Pras­ad.

The 27-year-old, received the Tertiary Scholar­ships and Loans Service (TSLS), National Top­pers Scholarship (NTS) to pursue a qualifica­tion of her choice.

Ms Prasad, who is originally from Tavua, was awarded the NTS scholarship in 2015 and successfully graduated with a Double Major in Accounting and Economics from the Uni­versity of the South Pacific (USP), Lautoka Campus in 2018.

“Being chosen as a recipient for the schol­arship was like a dream come true. I was the first from my family to attain tertiary qualifi­cation,” she said.

“Being awarded the scholarship has changed my life as a student.”

She said the scholarship provided by the Fiji­an Government through TSLS provided her an opportunity to excel in a career of her choice and fulfil her parent’s dreams.

“From covering the tuition fees to accommo­dating for book allowance and hostel fess; the fi­nancial burden from the high cost of education and living was reduced,” she said.

“As a NTS student, I didn’t have to worry about paying back, as the scholarship covered every­thing and basically eased my future financial debts and burden.

“It has not only been an immense financial help for my family, but it had also provided me with the ease of mind to pursue my Bachelor of Commerce to the best of my abilities.”

Ms Prasad continued: “Private studies wouldn’t have been possible if the Fijian Gov­ernment through TSLS hadn’t sponsored my educational journey.

“Coming from a middle-class family, where my father is the only breadwinner, our sole goal was to keep family running.

“Coming from a family of three sisters, pro­viding education to my other two siblings to supporting the best of everything was a tough journey for my father.

“With the support from the Government through TSLS, I was able to award my father’s sacrifices, hard work and patience with a de­gree which probably wouldn’t have been pos­sible if the Government had not stepped in to assist.”

Ms Prasad, who is currently employed as the Operations Support at FedEx Express, aims to complete her Postgraduate studies in Account­ing from the University of Fiji, and accomplish her future career goals.

She advised current and existing stu­dents on schol­arship to use the opportunity made avail­able by the Government through TSLS wisely.

“Concentrate on studies and achieve your dreams. Do not succumb to peer pressure. Students must real­ise that every choice have consequences. Bad or negative decisions may hurt you and your loved ones. Choose your actions wisely. Education is the key to everything in this world; reward your parents hard work with your success.”

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj