ASPIRING engineer Ashmith Nand hopes to repay his family after graduating from the University of the South Pacific with a Bachelor in Engineering Technology.
He said it was through their support and persistence that enabled him to pursue and complete his studies.
"Now that I have graduated I can look after my family and my father will have a peaceful retirement," says recently graduated Mr Nand.
Mr Nand graduated on Friday and thanked his father for his support.
"I am very thankful to my father for supporting me all the way in my studies," he said.
"He put my studies before his needs and paid for my high school studies at Tavua College and then at the USP," he told The Fiji Times
Mr Nand said although they were from a poor background, it was hard work, dedication and his father's continuous support that paved the way for his achievement
"I thank my family for supporting me all the way and now I would like to find work and start supporting them financially," he said.
Proud father, Baswas Nand used to work as a technician at the Fiji Water bottling plant but retired when Ashmith's graduation was nearing.
Ashmith said he wants start work as an engineer as soon as possible so he could earn for his family and repay what they have given to him.
The University of the South Pacific's graduation ceremony on Friday saw 802 graduands collect their graduation certificates, Diplomas and PhDs.
"In a world characterised by globalisation and rapid change, employers are looking for graduates with certain high-level skills in problem solving, team work, critical thinking and with a strong sense of work ethics," Vice Chancellor, Prof Rajesh Chandra said.
"I have no doubt that your USP training has equipped you well to make your mark and that you will continue to promote the USP brand," said Prof Chandra.
The university hosts two graduation ceremonies annually, the first in April and then in September.