Hard work, sacrifice pays off for student journalists

USP Journalism graduates from left: Vilimaina Naqelevuki, Chrisnrita Aumanu, Anishma Prasad and Ruci Vakamino with their certificates at the National Gymnasium in Suva yesterday. Picture: KOROI TADULALA

By MEREONI MILI

It was a proud moment for six journalism students who graduated from The University of the South Pacific in Suva yesterday.

For Chrisnrita Aumanu, a journalism student from the Solomon Islands, being away from home was challenging but worth the sacrifice after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from President Jioji Konrote at the National Gymnasium.

“I feel so over the moon and extremely thankful that I’ve managed to come this far and finally get my degree,” she said.

Aumanu majoring in journalism and information systems thanked her parents and husband for their support on her big day, adding they were her “biggest supporters from day one”.

“I’ve seen how far my parents had gone to support me. This has also challenged me to keep on going with my studies, not only at this level but beyond,” said Aumanu.

The former editor of USP’s journalism student training newspaper, Wansolwara, thanked Dr Shailendra Singh, the co-ordinator of the Journalism Programme as well as the head of information system for helping her with her studies.

“I would like to thank the head of schools and teaching assistants who helped me with the problems I faced,” she said.

Another journalism student, Anishma Prasad, said she sacrificed six years to get her degree and the end result was overwhelming.

“At times I felt I would never see a degree in my hand but today I feel happy and content that I have achieved one of the biggest things in my life and I was able to fight my battles,” Prasad said.

Being the eldest of three, Prasad put her studies on hold to look after her sick mother and family.

The Bachelor of Arts graduate in journalism and politics also worked part-time to pay for her studies.

Despite the challenges she faced, Prasad was determined to complete her studies.

The Nausori lass said her biggest inspiration were her parents who fought all the challenges that came their way.

Her advice to students was to stay determined and focused on the path ahead.

“It is not easy but if I can do it anyone can. If you’re determined to finish what you’ve started, you will so never lose hope,” she said.

USP Journalism graduates Linda Filiai, left, and Ruci Vakamino with second-year journalism student Inoke Radonu after the graduation ceremony at the National Gymnasium in Suva yesterday. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF

For Linda Filiai from Tonga, studying in Fiji was not easy at first because of the culture shock, but with the help of her friend, she overcame this.

Filiai said receiving a degree was what every USP student looked forward to because great education would improve the standard of living.

“The reason behind my success today is the fact that I wanted a better life for my family,” said Filiai.

Other journalism students who graduated with their Bachelor of Arts degree were Vilimaina Naqelevuki, Ruci Vakamino and Travis Ronnie.

The USP Journalism Programme has produced more than 200 graduates working in various media roles throughout the Pacific and beyond.