Dad’s death spurs Rupeni to graduate
Not only did Mr Cola attain his degree, but he was also presented the Liligeto Award for Overall Excellence in Business Studies.
It is every graduate’s dream to have their parents present on their special day. However, this was not to be for Rupeni Cola, who sadly lost his father in 2010.
The 21-year-old only wished he could see his father one more time only to celebrate his achievement after finally graduating from Fulton Adventist University College in Sabeto, Nadi, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business majoring in Accounting and Management.
The college held its graduation ceremony yesterday. Not only did Mr Cola attain his degree, but he was also presented the Liligeto Award for Overall Excellence in Business Studies. He said he was only working hard and giving his all towards his education because of his mother and his seven siblings. “Being supported by a single parent isn’t really an easy task,” Mr Cola said. “I thank my mum that despite the tight budget, she would provide me with anything and I am fortunate to be a recipient of the National Toppers Scholarship, so it has also helped me with my financial difficulties. “Now that I have graduated, I owe my success to my late father who passed away in 2010 and I feel really proud that I did it.”
His sister Alisi Vela said the family acknowledged Mr Cola’s hard work. “We want to thank the Lord for all that he has done for the family, especially dad not being here but he made it,” she said.
“It is a great privilege that we have witnessed how he has gained his Bachelor in Business and we didn’t know that he would get the overall award as well.”