James Kelekelevula Rokotakala caught everyone’s attention at the Fiji National University graduation when he walked across the stage in gumboots, which he says represent his humble upbringing and the challenges he has overcome.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Rokotakala says the gumboots represent his roots and the struggles he faced being raised by a single mother.
Rokotakala, who is originally from Nakorosule Village in Naitasiri, graduated in Diploma in Information Technology and Advance Networking.
He attended Nakorosule Disctrict School for his primary education, and moved to Nasinu Secondary School for his secondary education.
The 30-year-old began his tertiary education at the University of the South Pacific in 2016, but financial difficulties forced him to drop out.
His journey became even tougher when he was imprisoned in 2020, only being released in 2022, but he says this setback did not stop him from pursuing his dreams.
Before graduating today, Rokotakala has secured a full-time job in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
He encouraged students across Fiji to stay focused and work hard, no matter their circumstances.
His mother, Tavenisa Rokotakala says she is overwhelmed with joy and pride after witnessing her son graduate following years of hardship.
She shared that James never told her his studies were close to completion until just recently.
Tavenisa is urging other parents and guardians to continue to support their children no matter what comes their way.
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