October 21, 2022

It was a dream come true for 27 – year old Parishma Kristika Prasad when she received the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), National Toppers Scholarship (NTS) to pursue a qualification of her choice.

Ms. Prasad, who is originally from Tavua, was awarded the NTS scholarship in 2015 and successfully graduated with a Double major in Accounting and Economics from the University of the South Pacific (USP) Lautoka Campus in 2018.

“Being chosen as a recipient for the scholarship was like a dream come true. I was the first from my family to attain Tertiary qualification,” she said. “. Being awarded the scholarship had changed my life as a student.”

She further highlighted that the scholarship provided by the Fijian Government through TSLS has provided her an opportunity to excel in a career of her choice and fulfil her parent’s dreams.

“From covering the tuition fees to accommodating for book allowance and hostel fess; the financial burden from the high cost of education and living was reduced. As a NTS student, I didn’t have to worry about paying back, as the scholarship covered everything and basically eased my future financial debts and burden,” she said.

“It has not only been an immense financial help for my family, but it had also provided me with the ease of mind to pursue my Bachelor of Commerce to the best of my abilities. With the NTS sponsorship I was able to fulfil my parents and my dream as I devoted my time in achieving education and career goals,” she said.

Ms. Prasad said studying privately would not have been possible and receiving the NTS scholarship was a blessing indeed.

“Private studies wouldn’t have been possible if the Fijian Government through TSLS hadn’t sponsored my educational journey,” Ms. Prasad said.

“Coming from a middle-class family, where my father is the only breadwinner, our sole goal was to keep family running. Things were not financially stable back in Tavua where my father worked as laborer to provide for the household.”

“Coming from a family of three sisters, providing education to my other 2 siblings to supporting the best of everything was a tough journey for my father. With the support from the Government through TSLS, I was able to award my father’s sacrifices, hard work and patience with a Degree which probably wouldn’t have been possible if the Government had not stepped in to assist. From making education free to sponsoring my Tertiary education, Fijian Government has indeed helped to achieve everything that I have today. Without the scheme, my dream of fulfilling my tertiary studies would have always remained a dream.”

Ms. Prasad who is currently employed as the Operations Support at FedEx Express, aims to complete her Postgraduate studies in Accounting from the University of Fiji, and accomplish her future career goals.
She advises current and existing students on scholarship to use the opportunity made available by the Government through TSLS wisely.

“I would like to advise all students to use the opportunity provided by the Government wisely. Concentrate on studies and achieve your dreams. Do not succumb to peer pressure or groups that pressure to make bad decisions. Students must realize that every choice have consequences. Bad or negative decisions may hurt you and your loved ones. Choose your actions wisely. Education is the key to everything in this world; “reward your parents hard work with your success”.

ENDS…

For further queries and enquires send email to communications@tsls.com.fj or call us on Ph: (679) 8921240 ext: 123