Racial Challenges And Bully Make The Tiktok Girl Stronger
Jennifer Ravavai’s humble beginning pushed her to be a better version of herself every day.
Born to an iTaukei father and an indo-Fijian mother, Ms Ravavai said racial discrimination was a challenge she faced most of her life.
A familiar face on TikTok, the 19-year-old recently joined Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) as an announcer for the iTaukei station, Bula FM.
She hails from Dravo Village in Bau, Tailevu with maternal links to Nadroga.
Her parents sell vegetables at the Nausori Market.
Early Days
Ms Ravavai grew up in the village with her parents and younger sister.
Starting from scratch, the family lived in a shed made of coconut leaves. They struggled their way up to where they are today.
Ms Ravavai attended Dravo District School from Year 1 to Year 3 before moving to Vunimono Primary School.
She said while at Dravo Primary, her Hindi dialect started to fade.
“My mum wanted me to also know Hindi and that was why I joined Vunimono Primary and High School.”
In 2020, Ms Raravai joined Lelean Memorial School.
She faced some of the hard times during her younger and school days.
“I was bullied by some of my peers. They would look at me differently especially when I look more Indian than iTaukei.
“It hurts me but I always try to be me. I have gotten used to it and now it just doesn’t bother me anymore.
“Growing up, I made friends and the negative things I faced made me stronger.
“If my mom who’s married to an iTaukei man could go through the discriminations, I can also go through it.
“I always try my best for my parents. I always try to see the positive in all the negative situations I face.
“Right now, I am leaving everything in God’s plan.”
Pandemic:
When the pandemic hit Fiji’s shore, Ms Ravavai said their market business dropped.
“My sister and I thought of a new way to help our parents. We went on TikTok and made an eggplant video which went viral. People started calling us baigani or TikTok when they met us.
“I had to drop out of my Year 12 because it was hard as we were renting, and I had to step back. All my time was spent at the market.
“A lot of people know me from the Nausori market or through TikTok.
“I used Tiktok to promote our business.”
Bula FM team:
Ms Raravai was noticed by the Bula FM team through TikTok.
“When they approached me and asked if I could join them I did not hesitate and agreed,” Ms Ravavai said.
“It was the time when my family was going through hardship, financially.
“I have always wanted to join FBC since it is Fiji’s number one, and another thing was that I always looked up to Mahendra Gosai. When I always watch him on TV, I tell myself that one day I will be here.
“My parents were so happy, especially my dad. Family and friends were happy for me and even those overseas, especially when the last time they saw me was when I was only a young girl playing in Dravo.”
Ms Ravavai starts work at 11 am to 7pm. But before that, she helps her parents set up vegetables at the market and on her days off, you will find her selling at the Nausori market.
Motivation
“My dad has been my biggest motivator. He has always been there for me and encouraged me that despite the circumstances we go through, he always says ‘Lewa, you can do it’.
“Mum has supported me a lot and my sister has always cheered me when I make TikTok videos. There were times I could not tell things to my parents, but I always prayed about it. I always take my problems to God because I know he has a plan for me to prosper.”
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj
