Emotional Get-Together for Ex-USP Students
It was an emotional gettogether for former graduates of the University of the South Pacific (USP) when they met at the Lautoka campus as part of the alumni programme. The event was part of the USP’s Golden Jubilee celebration this week.
It was a moment filled with happiness for three former graduates Penaia Tabuamovi, Kitione Rokosuka and Veresi Nayacalevu.
Mr Tabuamovi said that it was an eye opener for him because he had the opportunity to reconnect with fellow former students. “It’s really a good opportunity to build your network,” he said. He believed it will be a benchmark for further developments as well.
Mr Rokosuka was overwhelmed about being there for his first time.
The gathering was of one that would be a reflection of their USP days.
Mr Rokosuka said his days of studies were tough, however he managed to overcome the many challenges in trying to achieve academic excellence. Mr Nayacalevu encouraged everyone to be a part of the anniversary celebrations because it was an opportunity to meet and socialise with former students.
“You can share various experiences as well,” he said. Nitin Singh, who is now a human resources officer at the Ministry of Sugar Industry, said he was thrilled to be a part of the celebration.
“I cannot describe the importance of this to me,” he said. He also reflected on his USP days, saying he mostly undertook distance and flexible learning all throughout his learning career, however he enjoyed every part of the learning process. “It was a moment that I will forever cherish,” Mr Singh said. Hasmukh Lal, executive director at Pacific Technical and Further Education (Pacific TAFE), who was the chief guest at the event, said the alumni programme was much bigger than what one may think.
“This is where you are able to reconnect and share a lot of ideas together,” he said.
The gathering was of one that would be a reflection of their USP days.