Pregnant Volaurua Defies Odds
Adi Unaisi Volaurua's remarkable journey unfolded at the Labasa Sangam Institute of Technology College of Nursing and Health Care Education graduation yesterday.
Thursday 14 December 2023 | 20:53
Adi Unaisi Volaurua (left), in Labasa on December 13, 2023. Photo: Jone Salusalu
Adi Unaisi Volaurua's remarkable journey unfolded at the Labasa Sangam Institute of Technology College of Nursing and Health Care Education graduation yesterday.
She received the award for academic excellence in the Department of Personal Professional Development and Research.
Despite facing challenges, Volaurua shattered stereotypes surrounding pregnant students, delivering a powerful message that pregnancy should not impede educational pursuits.
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Originally pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at the University of Fiji, Volaurua encountered setbacks leading to the termination of her scholarship in 2019.
Coping with academic struggles and embracing motherhood, she initially felt defeated.
However, her optimistic spirit fuelled her determination to continue her studies.
Resuming education at the Labasa Sangam College of Nursing and Health Care Education in 2021, her resilience was celebrated at the graduation ceremony, drawing applause for her courage.
In her inspiring message, she urged other pregnant students not to let challenges define them and emphasised the importance of reclaiming their educational journey.
"Being pregnant should not be a barrier to further your studies," she said.
"You should always have that positive mindset that with the struggles and obstacles you face, it's not the end.
"Better days are ahead."
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