Serupepeli Defies All Odds
“There were times I had to live with what I had because I didn’t have the right support system. It was a painful experience, but I’m glad I pushed through,” he said.
Friday 01 December 2023 | 09:40
Failure will teach you lessons that can lead to success, says Serupepeli Bakani.
Using his past experiences as a best master, he persevered to receive the best overall student prize in automotive engineering at the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD) graduation.
At the Suva Civic Centre Suva yesterday Serupepeli was filed with a sense of fulfilment when receiving his award.
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He recalls the day being the subject of laughter by his peers after failing the Year 13 examination in 2021.
Serupepeli said he had to boldly go through a lot of social issues while growing up.
The most bitter pill to swallow was separate when he was only five.
“There were times I had to live with what I had because I didn’t have the right support system. It was a painful experience, but I’m glad I pushed through,” he said.
“When I walked up to the stage, I was reminded that nothing is impossible if God is in it.”
Serupepeli said finding options to further his education was a tough journey, but he managed to enrol to study automotive engineering.
“After one year of study, I learned that practical skills was a requirement in the market, I told myself this is the only way I can break the cycle of poverty,” he said.
“After completing my practical I applied for a job that was relevant to my field now I’m working as an automotive trainee engineer at Asco Motors.”
Serupepeli said he came from a background where many students who failed their examination thought it was the end of the world.
“To them I say, keep trying and keep the faith it’s all in the mind,” he said.
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