Ratubese Becomes First in Family to Graduate
“If I can do it, so can you.”
Sunday 13 April 2025 | 10:37
Isikeli Ratubese (fourth from left), with family members during the University of the South Pacific graduation ceremony on April 11, 2025. Photo: Suva City Council
From the hills of Wainibuka through the halls of the University of the South Pacific, Isikeli Ratubese, has created history.
The former Wainibuka Secondary School student graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from the USP on Friday.
Born and raised in the village of Bucalevu, Nakorotubu in the province of Ra, he has maternal ties to Nasinu, Dawasamu in Tailevu.
Related stories
Growing up in the village, life was not always easy, but his dream of education kept him going.
On Friday, Mr Ratubese walked proudly across the graduation stage to receive his Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance.
His parents, Josua Navunitoro and Merewalesi Adilalaciwa, watched with tears in their eyes.
It was an emotional moment for the whole family.
Mr Ratubese is not only the first from his school to earn a degree, he is also the first in his family to graduate from university.
“There were times we had nothing,” his mother Ms Adilalaciwa shared, wiping her tears.
“But we always told him, ‘Education is the way out.’ He listened, and today he made us proud.”
Mr Ratubese admitted the journey was tough. He often studied late at night, walked long distances to catch transport to school. But, he never gave up.
“This degree is not just for me,” he said.
“It’s for my parents, my school, my village, and everyone who believed in me.”
As a proud graduate, Mr Ratubese wants to inspire other students from rural areas like Ra and Tailevu. He believes that with faith, hard work, and family support, anything is possible.
“Don’t be afraid to dream big,” he said.
“If I can do it, so can you.”
Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj
