THE loss of her father earlier this year became the driving force behind Margaret Clarissa Tailau’s determination to complete her Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science degree.
The young graduate from Kocoma in Qamea said her father’s passing shaped her final and most challenging year of study.
“It was my final year, but it was tough because I had lost my dad earlier this (2025) year,” she said, recalling how grief tested her endurance.
But instead of faltering, she chose to rise.
“It actually motivated me,” she said.
“I had no other choice but to succeed.”
Ms Tailau said she had to ensure all her father’s sacrifices were worth it.
“I think one of my biggest challenges was having to accept reality, how there are changes that come and go.
“It’s not always going to be up, there’s always going to be down as you go on.”
Looking ahead, Ms Tailau’s immediate plan is to find employment.
“So, I’ll be working part-time at my uncle’s clinic, or I’ll just be applying to private labs and wait for any vacancy that will open in the Government.”
She credited her aunt Taina Naivalu, a lab technician currently pursuing her PhD, as the person who encouraged her to enter the field.
“She’s the one that inspired me to do this.”
She dedicated her achievement to her late father and celebrated the milestone with her mother, sister and two aunts.
Margaret Tailau at the FNU graduation in Suva on Thursday, December 11, last year. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
