Education moments: Key to success
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Upon the completion of my mission in 2002, I decided it was time to fulfill a childhood dream and gain more education. I grew up in a large but poor family and am ever grateful to my parents for their vision of a better life for each of their children.
My parents did not have the opportunity to complete their high school education and, through our struggles, we were determined to gain the most education that was offered to us. Not only did we understand that education would open many doors, but it would also help us serve our families better and become better members of the Church and community. The Perpetual Education Fund truly was a blessing to my family and me.
While I was accepted to study for a bachelor's degree in engineering technology at the local university, I did not have the funds to pay my way through school. I was granted a PEF loan that helped me purchase very costly textbooks, stationary and other school supplies. After a short time, I was also granted a Fiji government scholarship to continue with my studies.
I graduated from the University of the South Pacific in 2006 and, while waiting for my graduation, began to substitute teach at the Fiji LDS Church College. The previous year I also started to court my future wife, Melissa. She was also a student at the university, and I was formally introduced to her during an institute class at the university.
By the end of 2006, I was given the opportunity to work full-time at the college. Melissa was also offered a job at the school. We were married in December 2006 in the Suva Fiji Temple.
We continue to work at the school and have been blessed with two boys.
Even though it may sometimes sound like a cliché, education truly is the key to success. More important, education prepares us for success in the life to come. I will be forever grateful for inspired leaders who continue to promote and give educational opportunities to all our young people. The Lord wants us to be successful and He has provided all the opportunities for us to truly reach our potential.
— Viliame "Vili" Sokotiviti Levaci, Fiji
