A dream come true

HOLDING her graduation certificate, tears rolled down from Poonam Prasad’s eyes as she remembered her late husband.

The 38-year-old graduated with a Certificate in Community Development from the University of the South Pacific (USP) last week.

The mother of three said being a single mother, she faced many challenges and hurdles.

“Managing everything alone for my three children who are still in primary and secondary school is tough,” she said.

“To support my children,

I continued working and sometimes it became stressful for me as I had to deal with work pressure, look after the children and at the same time submit my assignments on time.

“I felt like giving up many times but the thought that it will benefit my children in the long run motivated me to continue.”

Originally from Nausori, Ms Prasad said her late husband, Ronil Chand, encouraged her to further her studies.

“He always supported me and when I started working he pushed me to further my studies, but when he left us few years ago, I was completely broken.

“His absence changed my whole life.

“I took a break for a semester and resumed again last year just to fulfil the dream that we had together.

“Today, not having him standing beside me hurts a lot.”

Ms Prasad plans to complete a degree in her field of study in the coming years.

She acknowledged the support rendered by her family over the years, saying she could not accomplish her studies without them.

Over 2000 students graduated from USP last week.

Graduates celebrate after the University of the South Pacific School of Business Management and School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics graduation at the FMF Gymnasium at Laucala Bay, Suva last Thursday.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Picture: WANSHIKA KUMAR Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Mele Ofa Manoa, second from left, flanked by friends and family members after the graduation ceremony. Poonam Prasad with her certificate. Graduates, from left, Ulamila Uluinayau, Viema Rokovu, Sandra Kaituu and Frank Rokowaqa after the University of the South Pacific School of Business Management and School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics graduation at the FMF Gymnasium in Laucala Bay, Suva last Thursday. Prashant Chand pictured with his parents, mother Anita Devi and Prakash Chand with his awards after the University of the South Pacific School of Business Management and School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics graduation at the FMF Gymnasium at Laucala Bay, Suva last Thursday.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Graduates pose for the camera after the graduation ceremony.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Members of the DOLCE meke group entertain guests and graduates during the University of the South Pacific School of Business Management and School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics graduation at the FMF Gymnasium in Laucala Bay, Suva last Thursday.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Ruci Bauleka is pictured with her Bachelor of Commerce certificate after the graduation at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva last Thursday.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Ulamila Wati during the University of the South Pacific School of Business Management and School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics graduation at the FMF Gymnasium in Laucala Bay, Suva last Thursday.