Wheelchair-Bound Tuvici Can’t Believe Accomplishment

The difficult part was when his wheelchair broke down, had a flat tyre and he had to change it.

I thought I will complete Year 13 and that would be the most that I could achieve, but I did not think that I would attain a degree. Antonio Tuvici USP graduate

To say 23-year-old wheelchairbound Antonio Tuvici was happy to graduate yesterday, would be an understatement. He could hardly believe he had accomplished what had seemed impossible to him as a child.

“I am happy, excited, grateful and I cannot really describe everything that I felt as I was awarded my degree,” he said.

Mr Tuvici graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Majoring in Accounting and Management during the University of the South Pacific graduation at the FMF Gymnasium yesterday. Originally from Niurua, Macuata, he was born with a disability that made it impossible for him to walk.

However, despite the circumstances, he remains an example of how hard work and dedication can make the toughest of dreams come true. “I had wanted to be an accountant since I was in primary school, but I had never thought that I would make it this far,” he said.

“I thought I will complete Year 13 and that would be the most that I could achieve, but I did not think that I would attain a degree.

“I never dreamed I would someday be wearing this graduation cap.” Mr Tuvici uses a wheelchair to aid his mobility and that has its own challenges apart from the other difficulties that come with undertaking a programme at degree level.

“I can take myself around so that was not too hard, but the difficult part was when my wheelchair broke down, had a flat tyre and I had to change it. That made things hard.”

He is the first in his family to graduate with a degree.

“I am so thankful for my parents, siblings, my entire family who have always supported me and I am grateful to everyone at the Disability Resource Centre at USP for helping me,” Mr Tuvici said.

“I would just like to tell everyone not to give up on their dreams, anything is possible.”

Photo: Kelera Sovasiga Nothing is impossible ... Antonio Tuvici flanked by his brother Thomas Tuvici (left), proud Mum Ilisapeci Tuvici (middle back) and sister Alisi Ranadi (right) after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Management degree.