SUVA Sangam College student, Darren Pokawaqa of Papua New Guinea feels his teacher is the best.
It's the reason he has nominated his history teacher, Mohammed Dean for a Pride of Fiji Award.
"When I came to Fiji last year, he helped me in a lot of things," shared the sixth former.
Firstly, the manner in which he delivered the lessons of the day was always motivating.
He said Mr Dean's classes were never boring and he was always able to hold their interest.
"He has been a very good inspiration for me," he said.
Pokawaqa chose to study in Fiji last year because he believed the country's education system to be of a higher standard.
"I was new in the country and Mr Dean helped me in a lot of things," he explained.
It was in fact through Mr Dean that he discovered his public speaking abilities, he said.
"I took part in a public speaking contest organised by the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji and was able to win second place," he said.
It was also through Mr Dean's guidance that he was among the 30 students who were able to secure scholarships for a year.
"He applied for the scholarships on our behalf," said Pokawaqa, who is the school's deputy headboy.
Mr Dean, who hails from Ba, was surprised to know of his nomination when informed this week.
After some reluctance, he agreed to be interviewed.
"The best thing about teaching is seeing students succeed" he shared.
"Some come from poor backgrounds, some are not very smart and making them pass is a very big achievement."
Mr Dean gained his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in from the University of the South Pacific. "I always encourage my students to take part in charitable activities," he said.
He says he is constantly motivated by his students.
"Seeing them learn and succeed makes me work harder for them," he said.
The respect he has acquired is such that some students even call him father.
"It is a great feeling when they call me "father'," he said, adding that he was very aware of how teachers were role models and the importance of being worthy examples.
This is mostly likely the result of his own experience as Mr Dean attributes much of his success to his teachers whom he said inspired him.
"My teachers made me get involved in things outside of school and I got to develop my public speaking ability," he said.
What he hates the most is to see children suffer.
"If given an opportunity, I will open a big orphanage home for young children who are left and abandoned by parents," he said.
* Mr Dean is nominated for the Pride of Fiji medal in the 'Inspiration' category
