Time In The Village Spurs Vatuwaliwali To Achieve Goal
For two years, Salome Vatuwaliwali thrived on village work in her province of Ra after she failed some of her units at a prominent university in Suva.
Saturday 01 October 2022 | 08:39
Capturing the moment...Salome Vatuwaliwali with family members, Fipe Vatuvwaliwali, Bola Vatuwaliwali, Laisani and Lusiana Waqavou following her Fiji National University graduation ceremony on September 30, 2022. Photo: Ronald Kumar
For two years, Salome Vatuwaliwali thrived on village work in her province of Ra after she failed some of her units at a prominent university in Suva.
It was in 2014 that she decided to put her studies on pause.
“While being in my village, I always hoped and even dreamt of coming back to school because I knew I had a purpose,” she said.
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That dream came true in 2017 when she enrolled at the Fiji National University to pursue a Bachelor of Education (Secondary).
The 28-year-old was able to study her favourite subjects – Geography and History – thanks to the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme.
She graduated with her degree in both subjects on Friday.
Ms Vatuwaliwali said she was lucky to have been offered a second chance.
“Even though I didn’t do well in my studies before, I decided to give it another try,” Ms Vatuwaliwali said.
“What I have today is dedicated to my parents who have done so much for me.
“I did not manage my time really well and that was a struggle for me. I had to adjust in order to reach the finish line.
Ms Vatuwaliwali’s advice came down to one simple yet hard to follow word.
“Prioritise.”
Story By: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj
