A degree harvested through sacrifice

Nakorosule, Naitasiri native, Losalini Qalu stood proudly among graduants at the FijiNational University graduation ceremony at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on Tuesday.

She is the first in her family to graduate with a university degree.

With maternal ties to Nakida, also in Naitasiri, Ms Qalu graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Secondary, majoring in Agricultural Science. Her story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and deep love.

Her parents are villagers. She grew up seeing them toil the land under hot sun and rain to feed the family and support her education.

"My parents are my biggest inspiration," she said.

"Sometimes I wanted to give up in learning, but what kept me going is my parents. I didn't want to waste their sacrifice for myself."

Finances were always tight. The family's income was never enough.

It was only through the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS) that she was able to complete her studies.

"It wasn't easy at all. There were times when I had nothing, but prayers and the hope that one day, I'll make my parents proud."

Her father, Noa Rasasawira could not control his tears watching his daughter walk across the graduation stage to receive her degree.

"I couldn't believe it, I never thought I'd live to see this day," he said emotionally.

"It brought tears to my eyes seeing her in that gown."

Ms Qalu now hopes to give back to her community and inspire children of farmers to never give up.

"This degree isn't just mine, it belongs to my parents, my village, and every farmer who dreams big."

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj