Mother Achieves Dream of Becoming a Lawyer
“Placing my dreams on hold was so disheartening."
Wednesday 26 March 2025 | 08:46
Kelera Rokovereni, with her uncle Rupeni Tokailagi in Suva on March 25, 2025. Photo: Sosiveta Korobiau
It took Kelera Rokovereni 15 years to accomplish her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Juggling setbacks and motherhood did not deter her from achieving her goals.
Starting her law studies in 2010 at the University of the South Pacific was a personal breakthrough, but things became tough after her father died.
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Ms Rokovereni said that after her father’s passing, she faced significant financial constraints.
Completing her studies became a daily struggle, which eventually led her to drop out of university and take on odd jobs.
“It was a journey I never planned to pursue. It came as a shock to me to put my dreams on hold and try to balance life’s challenges,” Ms Rokovereni said.
“Placing my dreams on hold was so disheartening that it made me question the path I was on, but I had the right support to fuel my faith day by day.”
In 2014, two years later, Ms Rokovereni decided to get back on track and pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer while also raising her child.
Juggling school and being a single mother was a rollercoaster ride, trying to maintain a balance in it all.
She said it was a challenge to keep up with her readings since the course itself was demanding.
“There were many times when I had to be flexible trying to get to school, dealing with bus fare, and late nights were sacrifices I had to make in order to achieve my dream of becoming a lawyer,” she said.
“It was all worth it. Now, I finally get to wear a gown after so many years of trying. It has finally come to fruition.”
Originally from Matamaivere, Namara, in Tailevu, the 34-year-old is ready to serve in the legal field.
Despite the setbacks and disappointments, Ms Rokovereni said there would always be challenges, but determination was her anchor to success.
Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj