Graduating through grief

Bittersweet memories flooded Mareta Vuki’s mind as she thought of her late husband during the University of the South Pacific graduation ceremony on Friday.

It is one year after he had witnessed her previous academic achievement.

The postgrad graduate, who hails from Nakorovou, Bua, still pursued her studies in gender studies even after his passing.

It was with a determination to honour his memory and inspire her children.

“Last year, my husband was here with me when I graduated. This year, I walked with my children, mother and sister by my side,” an emotional Ms Vuki said.

The unwavering support from her family and children pushed her to persevere.

Bringing her children to witness her graduation was a way of showing them that resilience and education open doors to the future.

“This graduation is for my children, and they are the reason I choose to keep going,” she said.

“I urge students facing hardship to remain strong and rely on God only because without him we won’t be strong enough to achieve anything in life.”

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