Teacher's Tribute Turns Into Triumph

Moiz Chaudhary, a father of two and primary school teacher from Sigatoka, graduated on Tuesday with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the Fiji National University (FNU).

But this moment was more than a milestone - it was a tribute. Just weeks earlier, Mr Chaudhary lost his father to a heart complication after a desperate trip to India for treatment.

"I took him overseas hoping for a miracle," he said, his voice tinged with emotion.

"We got there, but it was too late."

The medal, awarded for academic excellence, came as a surprise.

"I wasn't expecting it - I wasn't even sure if I had done well enough," he admitted.

"But I did everything I could. I knew my hard work had to count for something."

Mr Chaudhary credits his late father and mother for pushing him to succeed.

"They believed in me more than I believed in myself at times," he said.

"This medal is for them - especially for Dad."

Currently on study leave from his post at Sigatoka Methodist Primary School, Mr Chaudhary is now pursuing a Master's in Research at FNU - a journey he shares with his wife, who is also a student at the university.

"We push each other," he said with a smile.

"It's not easy, especially with two young kids. But we're in this together."

Balancing work, family, and study has tested his resilience.

"There were days I'd come home exhausted, only to stay up writing assignments after putting the kids to bed," he said.

"Our son is two, and our daughter's just seven months. It's chaos- but beautiful chaos."

He credits his success to a strong support system - family, colleagues, and the academic staff at FNU.

"They were there every step of the way," he said. 'Tm grateful."

For Mr Chaudhary, this achievement is just the beginning.

"I want to reach the pinnacle for my family, for my students," he said.

"I want them to know that anything is possible."

His message to aspiring students: "Study hard, dream big, and believe in yourself. FNU gave me the tools - the rest is heart."

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj