Growing up on the island of Rotuma, Fiji, shaped Kamoe Fonrivete’s outlook on the importance of culture and service. For the final year law student, it was during his years at Rotuma High School that his passion for law truly began to take shape.
“I’ve always been passionate about fairness and speaking up for people who don’t have a voice,” he shared.
“In high school, I took Geography, History and Economics. These were the subjects that sparked my interest in legal studies.”
A pivotal moment for Fonrivete was witnessing a land dispute back home, which made him realise just how complex legal processes can be for Pacific communities.
This experience ignited his passion to pursue law, not simply as a career, but as a calling to give back to his people.
“At a very young age, I saw firsthand how important it is to have people who understand the law and the need to guide others through it.”
Transitioning from life on the island to the bustling environment of Suva came with its challenges.
“The environment, pace of life and academic pressure were all very new to me. At times, it became overwhelming for me given that I was far away from my family,” he said.
However, through prayer and the support of his peers and lecturers, Fonrivete was able to adapt and settle as he continued his academic journey.
“For me, building good friendships, developing time-management skills and staying connected to my family really helped as it allowed me to keep myself on track with my academic priorities.”
For the Lau village, Itu’ti’u lad, his academic journey at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP), Laucala Campus has been one of fulfilment.
“USP’s regional diversity has been one of the many highlights of my time in the institution. I have met students from across the Pacific region, and learnt so much, not just in the classroom but from their stories and experiences.”
He is deeply thankful for the support of his family, friends and the Rotuman community in Suva.
“Their encouragement and prayers have been my source of strength and have kept me going in this journey.”
Fonrivete acknowledges his parents for their support and belief in him.
“They’ve always led with integrity, strength, and compassion. Their guidance has shaped who I am today.”
He is also grateful for the academic support provided by his lecturers and their guidance in using online tools such as Moodle and the online library resources.
He shared that the accessibility of resources, such as peer learning sessions, academic writing workshops, and the friendly atmosphere in the law faculty, helped him navigate through his university life.
To students considering law, he advises students to: “Stay disciplined and stay true to your purpose.”
With his sights set on the future, he aspires to become a solicitor, using his legal knowledge to serve island communities like his own.
“I want to make the law more accessible, especially for those who may not fully understand their rights.”
As he looks forward to life after graduation, Fonrivete hopes to see more students from maritime regions pursue higher education and take the next step to making a difference.
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is still accepting applications for Semester 2, 2025.
Students can submit their applications online via www.usp.ac.fj/apply or visit the nearest USP campus.
New and continuing students must also register for courses online via https://studentsols.usp.ac.fj/
