It has been a difficult journey for Vrinda Ben, on her path to attaining her Bachelors of Law Degree. But in the end, she succeeding in earning it on May 13, from the University of the South Pacific (USP).

Ms Ben, who comes from Savusavu, found it hard being away from home, but said the people she surrounded herself with, helped her through it all.

Despite her studies being affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not enough to not stop her from completing her studies. Adapting to the new changes were her way out from these difficult times.

“There were lots of sleepless nights, times when I cried, times when I doubted my purpose on Earth and times where I almost gave up, but the faith that I had in my good Lord has always pushed me through all the obstacles and put me to the place where I am today,” she said.

“Seeing what my family have gone through to provide for my education from the time I started till today, it continues to motivate me to work hard. I would also like to thank my best friend Krish Chand for his tremendous support in this journey of mine.

“My message to everyone is that success is not an overnight thing, you need to gradually work hard towards it. You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.

“In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are and what you can rise from and how you can still come out of it. This has been evident in my journey, especially when people questioned my capabilities.”

Ms Ben is currently doing her PDLP internship with the Fijian Elections Office (FEO).

She was thankful to the FEO team for accepting her application and for giving her the opportunity of completing her internship with the organisation.

She encourages everyone who is 18 years old and above to register themselves to cast their votes in the 2022 General Elections.

laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj