SACRIFICE, striking a balance between studies and having fun, setting goals and achieving them and hard work are the keys to success in any undertaking.
These were the sentiments of University of the South Pacific (USP) Bachelor of Commerce graduate Tevita Tuiloa when asked about what it took to pass with quality marks at tertiary level.
Mr Tuiloa, an Accounting and Finance major, scooped USPs Gold medal and Vice Chancellor prize for the male graduate with the best combined academic performance and all round service to the community for 2012. The former Queen Victoria School student also an i-Taukei Affairs scholarship holder was rewarded by the i-Taukei Affairs Scholarship Committee for his academic achievements
Mr Tuiloa said he was always prepared to make sacrifices to meet his goals and as a scholarship holder I felt obligated to return governments good faith in me by passing with quality marks.
Fellow scholarship holders and 2012 USP gold medallists Vereneasi Lewatoro and Adi Losevati Mataitini could not attend the ceremony.
I-Taukei Affairs Scholarship Committee member Tui Mailekai said the committee thanked Mr Tuiloa for his achievement and acknowledged the sacrifices he had made.
We congratulate Tevita on his achievement.
Gold medallists are hard to come by because competition at USP is very high, he said.
I-Taukei Affairs permanent secretary Savenaca Kaunisela said the three were model students and and were deserving of the gifts the committee presented them with.
We urge i-Taukei students at tertiary level to study hard and remain committed to their school work.
Theres no substitute for hard work and it will be rewarded, he said.