Behind every successful career is an untold story of challenges which paved the way for a person to where he or she is today.

This was no different for 25-year-old pilot Sailosi Kamikamica Rova.

Originally from Pagai in Taveuni with maternal links to Daliconi village in Vanuabalavu, Mr Rova said the journey was not easy.

He adamantly believes that where he is today is a result of being committed, punctual and having the right attitude.

Even financial difficulties never dampened the spirit of achieving his dream.

He currently flies for Air Kiribati.

HIS JOURNEY

Growing up, Mr Rova always wanted to become a pilot. It was not an easy journey as there is bound to be challenges, hardship and obstacles.

“When I was little, I attended this kindergarten where my dad put me in Nadi called Nasareci Kindergarten and it was right next to the runway in Nadi. I used to run away from school and the teachers would find me by the fences watching the planes land and take off; my dream and passion to be a pilot developed from there,” Mr Rova said.

“When I started studying in Nadi, I lived with an uncle from my mum’s side who is a Boeing 737 captain now.

“Captain Aminiasi Kalikali was with Fiji Airways and I used to admire him in uniform, him striding in his pilot outfit out of the house for his flights.

“I use to tell myself that one day I will be like him and every time he would drop me at the Flying School he would tell me that when I see the jets, I should tell myself that one day I will be there.

“So the type of plane I am flying now is the same one I used to visualise myself in when I was still studying.

“Then I used to tell myself that one day I will be flying the twin otter.

“That day was just around the corner and I’m currently flying one now.

He said he had done the same with all the bigger planes and told himself one day he’ll be there.

CHALLENGES

“I took the challenges I faced one day at a time and focused on achieving the smaller goals first then slowly accomplishing the bigger ones.

Mr Rova is the first pilot in his family.

“I believe in doing things with passion in what you do; no matter how weary you get or whatever circumstances come your way you will always stand up to doing what you love the most when you have the drive.

The father of four said the advices from his parents kept him going when the journey got tough.

“My parents always told me that without God in our lives we are nothing because God has brought me this far and He will continue with me on my journey to achieve the goals I have set,” the second eldest of six said.

“The main challenge I faced was financially since my dad was the only breadwinner paying for my studies but God brought me through all the trials and circumstances I faced at times.

“My dad is the advisor to customs in Kiribati.

“I never thought I’d finish my studies because the cost of studying was high, but my dad had always motivated me that God started the good work and He will finish it and that’s what has happened to me today.

He had spent eight months with Northern Air in Nausori before joining Air Kiribati earlier this year.

“Everyone loves a happy environment because every day we pick up and learn something new; we will never stop learning in this world.

“I believe in doing things with passion, so whatever you do, no matter how weary you get or whatever circumstances come your way you will always stand up to doing what you love the most when you have the passion.”

ADVICE TO YOUTHS

“I believe that when you set your heart on something never deter from it but work towards making it the centre of your life and most importantly obey your parents who are your God on earth,” he said.

“Education is an important tool so one must grasp it because time is moving very quickly and you will never be 16 twice.

“People must never let the situation be the reason why they can’t achieve their dream. It is not the end of the world.

He said: “Everyone has different calling in their lives and different purpose but at the end of the day you must be willing to learn from your mistakes and willing to move on and be aware to never repeat the same mistake.”