HARD work and self-belief are two important life ingredients that Mohammed Muzzain Dean lives by.
The Nadi resident recently graduated from a basic diplomacy training program in which he was awarded certificates for being the best delegate and graduate speaker.
Dean, a third-year law student, believes his success recipe comes from picking the right ingredients and instilling the right values.
“Officially we spent 134 hours in total every Saturday for a period of 19 weeks, but I’ve spent almost twice that time traveling and preparing for submissions,” the 26-year-old said.
“On Fridays I’d leave Nadi after prayers (jummah) and arrive in Suva at about six in the evening.
“Classes was on Saturdays until late at night and I would spend Sunday travelling back to Nadi.”
He said his greatest supporters were his mother, sister and guardians who pushed him to achieve his goals.
“I was raised by a single parent and I would miss them every weekend when I left them behind.
“I dedicate this award to my family and extend my appreciation to my best friend Navneel Bali and his parents who took care of me like a son when I was in Suva.”
He said he was left speechless when chosen as the best delegate and speaker.
“I didn’t know I was the best delegate and graduate speaker. They only told me about two or three days prior, so that did surprise me.”
Dean said being chosen as the best delegate was an honour and a great reward for the work he had put in.
“My research consisted of about 100,000 words, a whole binder of it, and I presented about the Russian delegation.
“Also in the future, as a lawyer, I’ll be dealing with people so knowing how to interact and how to manage them is very essential.”
Dean encouraged young people interested in diplomacy, and making a change within themselves and their communities, to join the program.
“It’s for anyone and everyone as long as you want to improve yourself.
“If you want to be a change maker or you want to do something good for your country this is where you start.”
Dean said his achievements proved that if one worked diligently for something it would pay off in the end.
“It’s definitely been worth it because I stand here worth more than these trophies and these certificates. I am more appreciative of the fact that I’ve been able to understand myself better through the training .
“So all these awards I hold in my hands are purely materialistic, but the skills that I’ve learned are invaluable.”
