Going under the knife for a brain abscess did not deter Serua native Ro Mereani Salele Matanisiga from reaching the peak of her law studies.

The young woman was part of the pioneering group of 11 law graduates from Fiji National University to be admitted to the bar yesterday.

Looking back on her journey, Ms Salele said it had been far from smooth sailing.

“I had to deal with severe headaches caused by the abscess in my brain,” Ms Matanisiga said.

“Studying law isn’t easy, and you have to read a lot, and for me, one of the triggers for my relapses was stress, so every time I thought a lot or did a lot, I would have a relapse, and that caused me to not feel the left side of my body.”

Brain abscess is a life-threatening condition where the brain has pus-filled swelling. It occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or severe head injury.

Lifesaving surgery

In 2020, during her final year of studies, she underwent a lifesaving surgery.

“I was bedridden for a few months at the hospital in Suva, and it was a struggle for me back then because it was during COVID-19,” Ms Matanisiga said.

This meant she needed more time to complete her studies, which would normally take four years to complete. Her condition worsened so much that she took a break from studies in 2021 to fully recover.

It was not until last year that she resumed studies, having failed most of the units two years prior.

New beginning

This year, she got enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP).

“This is a milestone and testimony for me because I can’t believe I was down on that path. The doctors told me that I wouldn’t be able to walk again, let alone live a normal life,” she said.

“But it was through God and my faith in Him that I am able to be here because this is nothing short of a miracle for me.”

She acknowledged the help and support of her family and friends.

“My family motivated me while my friends sent me notes and activities that had to be done,” Ms Matanisiga said.

At the moment, she is going through some muscle cramps. She also advised young people, particularly those who are bedridden, to never give up

“Always have a positive mindset; it will have a positive effect on you, and you will want to go on looking back on how far you’ve come,” Ms Matanisiga said.

She is excited for what the future has in store for her.

Feedback: aralai.vosayaco@fijisun.com.fj