Setbacks do not define one’s future.
Francis Adam Archibald from Loganimasi Village in Wailevu, Savusavu is a befitting proof of that testament.
He hit a barrier in his education journey when he didn’t pass his Year 12 exam at Marist Brothers High School.
Determined, the teenager refused to give up.
He knew the road to success could only be reached with perseverance and resolve.
“That was a tough moment, but it was not the end,” Mr Archibald said.
“I knew I had to find another way to achieve my goal.”
With a will to succeed, he enrolled in the Matua Program offered at Nabua Secondary School and completed Year 12 in 2021.
He was determined to further his Year 13 studies the following year, but this was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Last year (2024), I finally completed Year 13 through the Matua Program. This initiative gave me a second chance to redeem myself.
“It taught me that failure is just a lesson, not a life sentence. I worked harder and, in the end, I proved to myself that I could do it.”
Mr Archibald credits his mother for being his pillar of strength. She brought up her children single-handedly when her husband died.
To succeed, Mr Archibald gets his inspiration from his mother and elder sister.
“My sister is my role model. She completed studies at USP and seeing her achieve her goals pushes me to do the same.
“My mother is my biggest inspiration. She gave her all for us, and now it’s my turn to give back.
“My goal is to graduate and make her proud!”
Mr Archibald took the next step in his journey this year by undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce (International Business Marketing and Computer Science) degree program at the University of the South Pacific.
“I chose this program because it perfectly blends my passion for technology and business.
“Together, international business marketing and computer science will equip me with the skills to navigate the digital world and drive innovation in global markets.”
He said every setback was a setup for a comeback, adding that he was living proof of success through personal resurgence.
