New Lawyer Balances Studies And Motherhood
“Keep pushing forward and I assure you, that one day you will get there.”
Saturday 02 February 2019 | 09:00
Gayle Manueli, 26, with grandmother, Cecilia Manueli (left), after being admitted to the bar on February 2, 2019. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Gayle Manueli dropped out of university in 2011 because of unforeseen circumstances.
She did odd jobs while trying to resume studies and never lost hope in her dream to become a lawyer.
Ms Manueli resumed studies, but took another break to raise her infant son.
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Her passion for studies never waned and she promised herself that she would fulfil her dream.
Yesterday a tearful Ms Manueli relayed her story to the Fiji Sun at the Grand Pacific Hotel after she was admitted to the Bar, saying that she hoped to be an inspiration to young women and mothers.
She was proud, however, that despite taking eight years to graduate as a lawyer and be admitted to the Bar, she had fulfilled her dream.
“I started studying in the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of the South Pacific in 2011, but in the midst of this I had to take a break to raise my son with my husband,” Ms Manueli said.
“While I was studying, I also had to drop out and find a job due to some unforeseen circumstances. I had to pay for my university fees and there were many odds jobs which I came across.”
After Ms Manueli gave birth to her son, she took off one year to take care of her child.
“Even when I was doing my Bar admission it was so hard because I was breastfeeding and taking care of Henry Serulagilagi, my son,” she said.
“I hope to inspire other women and mothers to not give up on your dreams. “Keep pushing forward and I assure you, that one day you will get there.”
She added that she was the first lawyer in her family.
“I am hoping to go into climate change policies and to help the youths and the Pacific islanders to realise climate change is here and we are experiencing its effects in the Pacific Islands,” the lawyer said.
“We are going to be the first ones affected by this therefore, we need to educate, implement policies to keep everyone safe.” 78-year-old Cecelia Manueli said her granddaughter’s admission was a wonderful and pleasant experience for their family.
“She had a tough journey and I am so glad that she has finally reached her goal. We are all really proud of her.”
Edited by Epineri Vula
