Wainikiti Latuvere Leana has showcased remarkable resilience and determination in her pursuit of success. On Friday, the 26-year-old celebrated her graduation with a degree in Tourism Studies and Management from the School of Business and Economics at the University of Fiji.
Hailing from Voua Village in Nadroga, Ms. Leana has familial roots in Balenabelo Village and currently serves as the manager of Coastline Fiji in Sigatoka. After finishing high school, she dedicated seven years to working at Jacks of Fiji before making the pivotal decision to further her education, driven by the memory of her late sister, Savaira Basiyalo.
“She was my inspiration. I often think about how wonderful it would have been for her to see me achieve this milestone,” Ms. Leana reflected. Balancing her professional life, studies, and family commitments proved to be a challenging endeavor. She prioritized her education over social activities, stating, “I skipped many social events and church services to meet assignment deadlines and study. I would catch up on sermons by listening to the radio later. My primary goal was completing my degree.”
The path to her degree was fraught with challenges, including numerous sleepless nights devoted to assignments and presentations, yet Ms. Leana remained steadfast in her determination. “It took immense effort to maintain balance in my life. It was hard, but ultimately, it was all worth it,” she noted.
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude, Ms. Leana dedicated her achievement to her late sister, parents, and siblings, acknowledging the crucial support from her family throughout her academic journey. Her mother, Makereta Tupou, expressed overwhelming pride and joy during the graduation ceremony, sharing, “Seeing her walk across the stage to receive her certificate brought tears to my eyes. It was an incredible moment. We’ve faced numerous obstacles, but with faith and perseverance, we triumphed.”
This inspiring story highlights how dedication and sacrifice can yield significant accomplishments. Ms. Leana’s journey serves as a testament to the idea that through hard work and unwavering support from loved ones, overcoming life’s challenges is possible, offering hope to others striving towards their own goals.
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