Mohammed Zubair’s roots are deeply embedded in the lush sugarcane fields of Votua in Ba, a region renowned for its sprawling plantations and hardworking farmers.

For most of his life, he was known as a sugarcane farmer, a role that demanded resilience and unwavering dedication.

However, today, at just 23-years-old, Zubair has charted a new course — graduating with a Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 5) from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS).

Growing up amidst the tropical terrain, Zubair witnessed firsthand the sacrifices his parents made to sustain their family.

“Seeing my parents’ struggles and sacrifices made me realise how tough life can be,” he reflected.

“Being a sugarcane farmer in a cyclone-prone country is no easy task. Yet, through all the hardships, they never gave up.”

“We had to battle the relentless forces cyclones that frequently battered our sugarcane plantations, destroying crops and livelihoods.”

From a young age, Zubair was driven by a desire to carve out a different future.

“I always wanted to do something different — to pursue a career that many wouldn’t consider and that could take me beyond the familiar fields,” he explained.

His childhood dream was to explore the world, navigate the waters, and seek opportunities beyond the horizon.

Transitioning from the familiar sugarcane fields to the demanding world of nautical science was no simple feat.

As a former student of Kamil Muslim College, Zubair admitted that the initial year of his studies was fraught with difficulties.

“Coming straight from high school and working most of my time on the farm made adapting to the programme quite challenging,” he recalled.

“I had to learn things the hard way, but those obstacles only strengthened my confidence to work at sea as a seaman.”

His journey was marked by resilience — balancing farm work, studies, and the pursuit of his dreams.

“Nothing comes easy in life,” he said.

“My determination to succeed was fueled by the desire to change my own fate and to honour the sacrifices of my parents.”

“I’ve always had this urge to be different and pursue something that people may not usually consider.”

“I chose nautical science because I want to see the world through ships and learn how to navigate the waters.”

His parents, who have dedicated their lives to sugarcane farming, are immensely proud of his achievement.

“This graduation is not just mine — it’s a victory for my parents as well,” Zubair stated.

“They sent me to Suva to study, and I want to give back to them for all their sacrifices. This is a milestone not just for me, but for my entire family.”

Zubair’s story serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance can overcome adversity.

Today, as he stands on the brink of a new chapter, Zubair’s message to young people is clear: “Never let your background define your future. With determination and hard work, you can achieve your dreams, no matter how difficult the journey might seem.”