DUX DEDICATES AWARD TO LATE COUSIN
SIGATOKA METHODIST COLLEGE HEAD BOY ROAD TO SUCCESS
‘I closely experienced the struggles of life. This motivated me to study hard. Whenever I thought I was down and out, I’d always refer to a Bible verse which was Romans 8:18 - The pain you’ve been feeling today cannot compare to the joy that’s coming tomorrow’
Radhesh Ayush Chand dedicated his dux award to his cousin who died during the height of
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Radhesh, 18, the head boy of Sigatoka Methodist College, said his cousin Bhavna Kiran, 13, died in her sleep.
“COVID-19 was the biggest challenge towards the climax of my secondary school journey,” Radhesh said.
“A few weeks before my Year 12 final examination, my first cousin died which hindered my concentration. But with the guidance of my parents, I stayed focused on my studies.”
His father Rajnesh Chand, the acting senior agriculture officer Nadroga-Navosa, owns a farm at Nadi and on weekends. Radhesh would often help on their farm.
“I closely experienced the struggles of life. This motivated me to study hard. Whenever I thought I was down and out, I’d always refer to a Bible verse which was Romans 8:18 - The pain you’ve been feeling today cannot compare to the joy that’s coming tomorrow.”
His mother, Ashwini Chand, teaches at Sigatoka Methodist Primary School.
“I was very blessed to receive guidance from my parents and teachers as they were the key to my success. I believe that all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.
“I knew life wouldn’t be easy. Better education would be the key to being successful in life. This motivated me to work hard and achieve all I could in primary and secondary school.”
Radhesh scored 372/400 in the Fiji National Year 12 examination. Marks: English – 88, Maths – 96, Chemistry -92, Biology – 91, Physics – 96.
During the awards ceremony last week, he also received the highest mark the in Year 12 examination 2021, first prize of Year 1301, highest scorer in Chemistry, Biology and Physics, leadership award for being the head boy and school dux award
“I thank each and every one who supported me in my school journey. I also thank the (previous) Government for providing free education,” he added.
For extra-curricular activities, he represented his college football team under-15, U-17 and U-19 teams.
He aspires to enter the medical field and wishes to be admitted into the MBBS programme at the Fiji National University (FNU).
His form teacher Ifereimi Naruma Kuribola said he displayed great leadership skills and commitment and that was why he was chosen as the Head Boy for 2022.
“Ayush is hard working, well behaved, committed and very reliable particularly in his roles and responsibilities,” he said.