Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti, 36, has come a long way to be a regional journalist.

Being formally trained irked her, but when she faced people with power, she decided to study jour­nalism at the University of the South Pacific (USP).

She decided to resume school after 14 years of working in cus­tomer care and as a concierge manager in Papua New Guinea for several years.

“It was unfortunate that I could not qualify for the government loan. I used my FNPF (Fiji Na­tional Provident Fund) and got my husband’s support,” she said.

With two children and a husband, Ms Tikotikovatu-Sefeti made sac­rifices that affected her well-being.

“Starting my educational jour­ney in my late 30s was daunting,” she said.

“I was a little nervous studying with students who were much younger than me.

“There was a constant battle within myself trying to muzzle out the voice of doubt that creeps in.”

Ms Tikotikovatu-Sefeti is one of the students who endured the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a mother, I wanted to make sure everything my children want­ed was provided for,” she said.

“It was stressful, being stuck at home without the resources that we are so used to having while at school.”

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Management and Public Administration from the university.

“It took a lot of time management, prayers, tears and support from my mum and sister,” she said.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, in my case it took a village to achieve this dream of mine.”

The faces of her husband and children motivated her when her journey got hard.

“It doesn’t matter how old you become, if you have a dream, it is never too late,” she said.

“All you need is to work hard, dream big and chase after it with God as your guide.”

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