When Salaiwaivuli Tikoduadua was announced Dux of Adi Maopa Secondary School in Lau, he knew he was on his way to repaying his parents for everything they have done to help him get a good education.
To be the dux Tikoduadua excelled in several subjects.
Originally from Susui in Vanuabalavu, Lau with maternal links to Dakuilomaloma, Vanuabalavu, the 18-year-old is the second youngest of four siblings.
His school journey has not always been an easy one. Growing up, he witnessed his parent’s struggle to give him a decent education, and he has vowed to repay them for their hard work.
“My parents are unemployed, and our main source of income is from selling food at my school,” Tikoduadua said.
“Every day, they come and sell food so they can help us with our school things and what we need.”
Having lived in the village of Susui, the Tikoduadua family had to make the difficult decision to move to the main island for easy access to school.
“We had to leave the village and move to the main island of Vanuabalavu for me to attend secondary school,” Tikoduadua said.
After moving, Tikoduadua faced further financial difficulties as his parents had to pay his boarding fees.
He expressed his gratitude to his uncle and grandmother for their support in helping with his school expenses and for their words of encouragement.
When the time came for the students to be awarded for their academic achievements, Tikoduadua was surprised when he was told he will be taking home the dux award.
“I overheard teachers saying that I was the dux for the school,” he said.
“I told myself that I’ll only believe I’m the dux the moment I hold that shield in my hands.”
Now with the shield in his hands, Tikoduadua is excited that he is the first from his village to scoop the award at Adi Maopa.
The young man also scooped the award for highest aggregate in the Year 12 external examination, first prize and best student in English, Math, Applied Technology, Technical Drawing and Physics.
His parents and family gathered at Adi Maopa Secondary School to celebrate his success.
Driven by his love for the environment and interest in land, Tikoduadua plans to study land surveying at tertiary level and become a land surveyor.
He hopes to further his education abroad in the future.
