William Pau'u: Living by Example

William Pau'u: Living by Example

William Pau’u, 20, is the enthusiastic face that greets viewers in the Fiji National University ad appearing in Cinemas and TV. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery. Although William is active on social media, he is not a couch potato and leads a fulsome life of studies, leisure sports, participation in Christian youth programs and he often still has the energy to socialize in the evenings with friends. William grew up in Sigatoka and his sound Christian upbringing has helped him deal with the trials of living in a large city like Suva which is very fast paced. He attended the Sigatoka Methodist Primary School and later Natabua High School in Lautoka.

While still in high school and later at FNU he developed a keen interest in  Christian fellowship activities through the Scripture Union in Schools (SUIS) group. Mellissa Olivia who worked closely with William had this to say, “He is a role model to so many young people because of his character and how he overcomes all obstacles that come his way through prayer. He is funny and can be sarcastic at times. He has worked hard to get to where he is right now. William is always ready to help whenever you ask.” Keith Waibuta Rasova a SUIS volunteer describes William “as a great person, knowing that throughout all his struggles and life God still remains in control.”

William also champions primary health for people especially youths. He feel we should be eating balanced meals and exercising regularly to reduce incidences of non communicable diseases. William agrees with the Director of the National Wellness Centre Doctor Isimeli Tukana who said that parents should break the “taboo” on sex discussions in their home  so that young people can better understand the topic and make the right decisions. He agrees that teenage pregnancies is an issue and and that parental counselling is important in dealing with their children’s relationships. William concedes with Dr Tukana’s points that some parents in Fiji swear at their children, say emotionally hurtful words and do not lead by example as they smoke or drink in front of their children. William feels that there is a role for medical students and young leaders to provide community education on healthy living habits. Churches can also help in parental education on appropriate child rearing methods.

“How we are brought up is important and throughout our lives we should be guided by our faiths. We are just human and make mistakes but with God guiding us, we can accomplish so much in life.”