Bulou walked to class for a semester to chase her law dream

Bulou Naqaravatu walked to and from university every day for an entire semester while pursuing her law degree.

The first-generation lawyer from Kabarigi Nabukalevu in Kadavu was sworn in last Friday, fulfilling a promise she made to her elderly parents in 2019.

“If you have to go, walk to school like me for one whole semester. Walk to school, walk back,” Ms Naqaravatu said. “You can do it. Nothing is impossible.”

Originally from Kadavu with maternal links to Tailevu, she resigned from her position as a judicial assistant court officer to pursue law.

“I was actually away from home. I was being transferred as a judicial assistant court officer. So I didn’t look back,” she said.

Her first semester studying law coincided with unemployment after resigning from the judicial department.

“First year, I was unemployed because I resigned from the judicial department and then I had to struggle,” she said.

Ms Naqaravatu thanked her University of Fiji friends who became her family in the West while she was away from her family in Suva.

“I’m so thankful to my friends, the School of Law in University of Fiji friends. They have been my family back in the West,” she said.

COVID-19 brought additional challenges with no work available, but she persevered through prayer and family support.

Her aunties provided financial assistance for school fees.

“My family just stood by me all throughout thick and thin when it comes to my studies and my financial support,” she said.

Ms Naqaravatu completed both her Bachelor of Laws and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at University of Fiji, studying at Saweni Campus and Samabula respectively.

Becoming emotional during her swearing in, she expressed gratitude that her elderly parents lived to witness the moment.

“To witness your dreams come true and to actually have your parents, my elderly parents, who God still allows them to live, to witness this day,” she said.

Chief Justice Salesi Temo’s advice resonated with her future plans.

“You have to fight for your clients, stand up for your clients. So that is what I'm going to do from now on,” she said.

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