Growing up as the eldest of five siblings wasn’t an easy experience for Trinity Papaata, but she considered it an honour to be a role model to her siblings. 

The 24-year-old, who hails from Vaitoloa, said she witnessed her parents’ financial struggles growing up and vowed that she would be diligent in her academic journey to support her family one day.

Papaata is now a final-year student at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Laucala Campus in Suva, pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry and Biology) degree.

“I saw how my parents struggled to ensure they could provide for us, and I knew I had to do something to lift some of the burden they were carrying,” she said. 

“My father is a construction worker, and my mother, a seamstress, worked hard for us. I wanted to ease their burden from a young age, so I worked diligently in high school to secure scholarships for tertiary studies.”

Her dedication paid off, as scholarships have funded her education from high school until now, at USP.

An Australian scholarship placed her in Fiji, where she embarked on an unexpected yet fulfilling journey at USP. The transition was tough during her first year, with Papaata feeling homesick and overwhelmed.

She eventually took a year off to recover and returned stronger in 2023. “When I came back, I was more confident, ready to take on the challenge,” she exclaimed.

Papaata said her turning point was when she stepped out of her comfort zone. “I’m an introvert, but I realised I needed to socialise, make friends, and engage in activities on campus,” she shared.

The support of her family also played a crucial role, reminding Papaata of her purpose at USP and motivating her to keep going, knowing she was working towards a better future for herself and her loved ones.

One of Papaata’s favourite characteristics of USP is its diversity.

"You meet people from all over the Pacific, learn from different perspectives—it’s amazing," she said. 

She also cherishes the experiences USP offers, such as participating in the JENESYS programme, which took her to Japan.

"That trip to Japan was life-changing. I got to learn from different cultures, and the professional workshops gave me a new perspective on leadership and innovation. It made me realise how many opportunities are out there."

Papaata shared a simple yet profound message for those undertaking tertiary studies this year.

"Know why you're here. Stay focused. You can have fun, but not too much fun. Don't lose sight of your goals."