Seniloli a first military officer for her family

Eleni Seniloli made a bold move from switching her dream job of being an accountant to becoming a military officer.

Yesterday she became the first female military officer in her family during the graduation parade at the RFMF Forces Training Group camp at Nasinu.

Ms Seniloli stood alert alongside fellow new officers who survived the 18-month gruelling training.

Ms Seniloli, a former deputy head girl at Adi Cakobau School, was determined that joining the military was the right choice for her.

She was emotional yesterday remembering that not many of her peers and close family members supported her when she decided to apply to be enlisted into the RFMF.

“With words of discouragement at the forefront of it all, I took them as a coping mechanism to finish the race,” Ms Seniloli said.

“During the 18 months of training, the only motivation I had was the word of God. That was the only dose of daily inspiration that was close to me.”

Spending five years at an all-girls institution the struggle to mingle with the boys was a challenge, the Rukua, Beqa lass said.

With discipline and determination Ms Seniloli managed to climb up the ladders earning a spot for herself.

She said not many young girls would hype up to be part of the military but for her making the bold choice to serve the country with dignity was her personal choice.

She encourages young women to place a goal for themselves and never let society control and define what you do.

Ms Seiniloli aims to be a vessel to perform her duties with the force in the coming years.

“I know its not going to be easy, but with the support system from home and my peers I’m able to execute it well,” Ms Seiniloli said.

“I thank God for directing my path because its going to be an interesting journey.”

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