22-year-old Sylvia Luisa Ramanu Vakatawabai from Nasigatoka Village in Namosi proudly received her Bachelor of Nursing certificate, completing a challenging three-year journey away from home.
Vakatawabai shares that she lost her mother last year during her final year of study, a loss that struck her family of eight siblings very hard.
She says she knows her mother is watching from above and smiling with the angels.
After her mother’s passing, Vakatawabai says her elder sister and father stepped forward to take on the responsibility of supporting her studies.
She expresses deep gratitude to her large family, five brothers and three sisters, as well as her aunt, cousins, and other relatives who continued to encourage her.
She also acknowledges the friendship and support of her hostel community in Vanua Levu.
Vakatawabai describes the moment as both joyful and deeply emotional, reflecting on the sacrifices she and her family made to help her pursue her studies away from home.
She recalls the difficult trip to Vanua Levu, sailing across oceans and leaving behind the people closest to her for the first time.
She says that her journey was not easy, but she kept her head held high.
She adds that she always reminded herself that one day, all the hard work would be worth it.
That day, she says, came today, marking a major milestone not only for her but also for her family, who supported her despite personal tragedy.
Vakatawabai says despite everything,the challenges, the loss, the sacrifices,she says she is proud to be holding her certificate today, beaming with relief and pride.
She adds that her achievement stands not only as a personal victory but also as a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that define her family and community back home.
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