Wheelchair-bound Graduate Lays Down Challenge
Antonio Tuvici has laid down a challenge for everyone to complete their education and to attain a qualification. Being wheelchair-bound since birth, 23-year-old Mr Tuvici said if he could overcome the challenges in life, anyone could.
He shared his story to students and teachers at the University of the South Pacific Open day in Labasa on Friday.
Mr Tuvici encouraged students, especially those with disabilities, to choose USP because it provided him with accessibility to important services.
“I always thought that life would basically be over after Form 7 and I was double minded about filling my application for USP,” he said.
“I filled a late application anyway because I was double minded. To my surprise I got a response from the university.”
Mr Tuvici undertook the Bachelor in Commerce programme at the Laucala campus in 2016. He said he was delivered a tailormade programme and was given a support system which was reliable. “USP made it possible and easy as well and they have a spectrum of resources. I never felt out of place at all or felt that anyone was undermining me,” he said.
“The Disability Resource Centre under campus life took care of me by providing student buddies who ensured I was safely reaching and leaving classes.”
Mr Tuvici said that the lecturers were so down to earth and the mixture of islanders embraced him and made him feel content.
“I got to celebrate life with friends, academic vision and most importantly life time goals,” he said.Edited by Epineri Vula
USP made it possible and easy as well and they have a spectrum of resources. I never felt out of place at all or felt that anyone was undermining me. Antonio Tuvici University of the South Pacific student