Rodan Overcomes Challenges To Be Best Female Cadet
Despite the struggles on her home front Aritema Rodan has added another feather on her cap on the Ratu Sukuna Memorial School green yesterday.
The Year 13, school head girl was also the Best Female Cadet recipient.
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- Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Memorial School headgirl and and Best Female Cadet, Aritima Rodan with her mother, Kasaia Wati. Photo: Ronald Kumar
And it was obvious that all these achievements came through with a lot of sacrifices as her mother’s tears flowed throughout the RSMS cadet parade programme.
Yesterday’s achievement has made the Draubuta lass from the highlands of Navosa in the upper reaches of Sigatoka River determined to join the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) after she completes her Year 13 this year.
“This is it, thank you Lord for being always there for me and my family; thank you for the trophy,” the RSMS head girl said.
Rodan said she was brought up from a not so well off background and what she has achieved so far would uplift her family, and the name of her village and province.
Being a cadet student, she said taught her to prepare for the future, being punctual, being co-operative and alert and following the rules and given instructions.
“I want to be a RFMF officer after I complete my Year 13,” Miss Rodan said.
“I will study hard and will continue with my best to be part of the RFMF. I want to follow my great grandad’s footsteps who went to Malaya.
“Today I thank God for giving me the courage and strength to overcome all the challenges, hardships and barriers during our cadet training.”
Rodan lives in New Town with her parents. Her father is bed-ridden while her mother is the sole breadwinner.
Being the youngest of the three siblings, she said that she would study and work hard to pay her parents back.
“My parents had been struggling during the good and bad times to support me and my studies since I’m the only one at home.
“Cadet had brought a lot of changes in my life and other students in school in terms of discipline and time management.
Rodan joined the school in 2013 as an Year 9 students, and had been part of the cadet programme since 2014 when she was in Year 10.
Her mother 60-year-old Kesaia Wati thanked the Lord for what her daughter has achieved.
Ms Wati said God has a purpose in their life, and what her daughter has achieved brings them happiness and pride.
“I work for Fresh Pack Company and the money I get, I use it for my daughter’s education and family needs,” said Ms Wati.
With tears she said “My sick husband who is at home will be happy for what our daughter has achieved.”
Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola
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