Sigatoka woman swaps nursing dream for career in law

Ashiyana Shainaz Bano once planned to become a nurse until she realised law was the better fit for her.

The 26-year-old from Vatukarasa Village in Sigatoka was admitted to the Bar at the Suva High Court on Friday as the first lawyer in her family and the only daughter among three siblings.

“Nursing is for the tough. Law is for the tough as well, but for nursing you need to have a stomach for blood. I just didn’t have it anymore,” she said.

The switch to law was sudden but complete, and Bano said she has never looked back.

Bano completed both her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) at the Fiji National University. She said the biggest personal challenge was being away from family, who remained based in Sigatoka while she studied in Suva.

“I don’t get to see my grandparents as often. I go there maybe once every three months,” she said.

Her parents are separated, but both contributed financially throughout her studies alongside her partner.

Bano completed an attachment with Legal Aid, a Government body that provides free legal assistance to people who cannot afford a lawyer, before taking a break. She is now applying for work.

Her advice to students is to remain persistent despite setbacks.

“Just because you get a C one time does not mean it’s the end of the world. Even if you fail a unit, you can try again,” she said.