Former Jai Narayan student scoops USP outstanding award
Esther Cakaunivere has attributed continuous family support for her latest achievement
The 19-year-old was awarded the “Most Outstanding First Year Student” during the 2021 Head of School Awards in the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics at the University of the South Pacific on Friday night.
She also won a cash prize of $1000. The awards recognised 23 first year USP students who scored Grade Point Averages (GPA) of over 4.0 at the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics for 2021.
The former Jai Narayan College student said it was not easy, but with perseverance everything was possible.
She hails from Tubou Village in Lakeba, Lau, and has maternal links to Waitovu Village in Levuka, Ovalau.
She thanked the Government for introducing the Toppers Scholarship because it has helped a lot of
Fijians and she is one of those recipients who benefitted from it.
Esther is pursuing a double major in accounting and economics.
“Getting this award has encouraged me to continue striving to do my best in my studies,” she said.
“My elder sister Lily Sue Cakaunivere is like a role model to me as she was also a Toppers Scholarship student and was also one of the outstanding students when she was in her first year. She set the standard for me.”
Digicel Pacific Regional chief executive officer Shally Jannif encouraged students to always do their best in whatever task they were given.
“This moment you will remember with pride for the rest of your life. Things will get exciting as your student journey continues and the pace intensifies,” Ms Janif said.
“There is no secret recipe to success. Your time is now so seize it because there is a time for everything.”.