A widow's triumph at 46
Six awards, a master's degree in progress, and a message of hope for all.
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | 16:16
Ema Bi, with her son Enayat Ali, received six awards in the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Leadership and Management programme during the graduation at the Civic Centre in Labasa on December 10, 2024. Photo: Shratika Naidu
At 46, Ema Bi has shattered boundaries, proving that determination knows no age.
The mother of two, widow, and dedicated nurse practitioner from Tuatua, Labasa, was the standout star at the TISI Sangam College of Nursing and Health Care Education graduation yesterday, where she earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Leadership and Management.
Ms Bi, who serves at the Labasa Health Centre, walked away with six prestigious awards, including Overall Academic Excellence.
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Her accolades also included excellence in subjects such as Nursing Leadership in the 21st Century and Strategic Management in Nursing.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms Bi spoke of the challenges she faced after the passing of her husband, Ashad Ali, who had been her greatest cheerleader.
"He always encouraged me to p u r sue whatever course I wanted and dreamed of seeing me graduate," she said.
Balancing her postgraduate studies with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Ms Bi credits her mentor, Selina Waqa Ledua of the Fiji National Council, as well as her family and friends, for their unwavering support.
"I keep reminding myself that this is not the end of the road. With a positive mindset, anything is possible," she said.
Having devoted 24 years to nursing, Ms Bi described it as the best profession, offering the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives.
Her ultimate goal is to become a chief nurse, and she urges others to dream big.
"To mothers and widows, I say, never give up. Age is just a number, and God has given us one life to live. Make it count."
Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj
