Triple celebration for family
As the family geared up for the triple celebration to end the week and the year, her mother is adamant that this is not the end of the road for them, but a step further into success.
Wednesday 11 December 2024 | 14:18
Graduate Francis Grace Siganisucu Labalaba (middle) is pictured with her mother Iliseva Labalaba who will graduate today and father, Isimeli Tavo Labalaba at the Vodafone Arena, Suva, on December 10, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
This year is going to be memorable for Isimeli Tavo Labalaba after turning 42 yesterday.
Mr Labalaba labelled yesterday, “the best gift ever”, after seeing his daughter, Francis Grace Siganisucu Labalaba, 21, graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce (Banking and Management) at the Fiji National University graduation at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
His wife, Iliseva, 45, will graduate today with a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Leadership and Management.
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Milestone achievement
The mother-daughter academic success is Mr Labalaba’s best birthday gift.
“This is a milestone achievement for our family because we’ve always prayed and worked hard to see this day and it is finally here and this is just overwhelming,” Ms Labalaba said.
“We are a family that moves together and that’s been it for the past year since I was transferred to the Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital. I’m so proud of my daughter because despite the hurdles along the way, she stayed focused and I’m so proud to be graduating with her.”
Ms Francis credit her success to strong family support.
“I can’t express how proud I am to be graduating with my mother,” she said.
“And to have my dad here with us, all I can do is thank God for all that He’s done for us. I didn’t face many challenges because whenever I needed help, my mother was there to support me, despite the differences in our studies.”
For the young woman, she changed campus after her mother was transferred to the Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital.
“I used to travel daily to the Nasinu Campus from Navua, but because mum was transferred, I had to move with her to Lautoka to make things easier. I am working at the Fiji Airports’ Finance Department while mom is a mid-wife at the Aspen Medical.”
As the family geared up for the triple celebration to end the week and the year, her mother is adamant that this is not the end of the road for them, but a step further into success.
“Success knows no age, so keep at it and study as much as you want,” Ms Labalaba said.
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