The mother of two wished parents were present witness her success.

Travelling daily from Cuvu, Sigatoka, to Nadi was a challenge for Arishma Mala. Nevertheless this kept her striving to success.

The 23-year-old, who was employed at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa on Yanuca Island, had a daily routine of leaving home in early in the morning to attend her classes in Nadi and work.

Ms Mala was yesterday awarded with a Certificate in Attainment in Beauty Therapy during the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) Department of Hospitality and Tourism graduation ceremony at the Fiji National University (FNU), Nadi Campus.

Despite the daily travelling, forking out her own money for her tuition and assisting her family being a struggle, she was content that the hardship allowed her to realise who and what she was doing it for.

“It was really hard. We were attending classes for three days and the remaining four days I had to work so I was occupied every day of the week,” she said.

“Towards the end, I had to resign from my job because I couldn’t cope and so I concentrated on my education. Now, I have graduated.”

After she resigned, her father helped her through his income from farming and her sisters, who were chefs at the resort.

“I am planning to look for a job as soon as possible to help my sister, who is the breadwinner at home right now,” she said.

Ms Mala acknowledged her trainer, Rayelene Bennion, and her family and friends for standing by her during her studies.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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