Dux scores above 490
Year 8 examination
SCORING above 490 in the Fiji Year 8 Examination (FEYE 2023) didn't come as a surprise to 14-year-old Vrishab Kumar of Wailoku, Suva. The Year 8 dux of Nehru Memorial Primary School scored 493 (in English and best four subjects) in the Year 8 external examination.
He had managed to score above 90 in all subjects.
He scored 99 in English, Mathematics, Hindi and scored 98 in Healthy Living and Social Science. His lowest mark was in Basic Science where he scored 92.
"I felt happy that I was able to maintain that mark consistency," he said.
"I had expected to score 490 plus as I strongly believed in my ability."
His commitment and drive were evident in his academic results.
"I studied every day, doing extra hours at home and on the weekends prior to major exams," he said.
"I do take interest in all subjects. I had attained the highest score certificate in the 2023 Fiji Mathematics Competition but this year I found the Basic Science paper a bit tough in the external exam."
Kumar who will be attending Jai Narayan College this year, hopes to pursue a career in Medicine.
"I will be able to make a final decision on what particular field I will take when I'm in Year 10," he said.
He thanked his parents for their support, especially his mum.
"My mum always stayed up with me late at night helping me go through my notes," he said.
"I thank her for always ensuring that I honestly attempt the past years external exam papers."
He also thanked his teacher Mrs Shankar who taught him in Year 7 and Year 8 – she had always motivated him to do better and was always available to assist
him.
"My role model is my dad who is a humble, honest and composed person. He has a lot of patience when dealing with challenges or hurdles in life," he said.
His parents weren't surprised as well when they got their son's results as he had always been a proficient student since Year 1.
"We were extremely happy upon receiving his results as it was a very proud moment for us too," his parents, Vikash and Renuka Kumar said.
"We expected him to do well given the consistency over the years particularly after he had maintained his academic results and position during midyear, annual and all other short tests in Year 8.
"He is an obedient boy and is reserved at home, but we see a totally different side of him when he is at school or with his friends.
"We are trying to help develop his other skills by getting him involved in lawn tennis and tabla classes."
He has strong support too from his paternal grandparents who were always there to witness his achievements during annual awards ceremony from Year 1 to Year 8.
"He has always maintained his position as class topper and level topper (in three streams) all throughout from Year 1 to Year 8," his parents said.
"He even topped every short tests he had set over the years."
His advice to other young students out there is for them to set their goals, study hard and always dream big.
"Anything is possible if you put your mind to it," Kumar said.
He now looks forward to new challenges ahead as a secondary school student.