Ateca secures toppers scholarship, to save family from worry
Nineteen-year-old Ateca Lasekula said she worked hard in school during her final year because she did not want to burden her father with her university fees.
This was paid off after she secured a Toppers Scholarship this year.
The former Xavier College student had scored 358 out of 400 in her Year 13 External Examination.
Ateca is pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Physics and Mathematics and a Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of the South Pacific.
Ateca hails from Naraiyawa Village in Namosi with maternal links to Nailaga Village in Ba.
“I studied hard so that I could get a Toppers Scholarship. My dad retired last year, so I did not want to burden him with my fees,” Ateca said.
“This is one way I know I can help my parents. I am the second youngest of four siblings, and my brother is still in school. This is one way I can be independent, and I believe I don’t have to be dependent on my parents all the time.
“I am blessed that I was able to score the mark that enabled me to get the scholarship.”
She said while her dream was to study medicine, she was left with no choice after the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme was scrapped from the toppers scholarship option. “Despite the fact that I am also doing my Graduate Certificate in Education, I would like to work at the Meteorological office,” the USP student said.
“To reach this far was not easy, but I am glad that I have reached my goal of entering university as a Topper student.”
Peer pressure
The 19-year-old said she has chosen to associate herself with those who brought about positivity and values that would help her grow.
“In life, we are bound to meet people who bring positive changes in our life and also negative ones,” Ateca said.
“When some of my friends are doing things that are not good, I try and distance myself from them but at times I talk to them and become a positive impact in their life.
“I am always advising my friends to study hard because their parents are getting old and can’t always be there to look after them all the time.
“Life can be challenging at times but how you deal with it is what matters.”
Her advice to youngsters: “Study what you learned from school on the same day and don’t leave everything to the last minute.
“Before doing anything think of your parents if they will be happy with what you are about to do or will be disappointed.”