Eleni Seniloli has made a remarkable career transition, leaving behind her aspirations of becoming an accountant to pursue her dream of becoming a military officer. In a historic achievement, she has become the first female military officer in her family, celebrated during the graduation parade at the RFMF Forces Training Group camp in Nasinu yesterday.
Standing proudly alongside her fellow graduates, who have all endured an intensive 18 months of training, Ms. Seniloli reflected on her emotional journey. She shared that her decision to enlist in the RFMF was not universally supported by her peers and close family members, but she used the discouragement she faced as fuel to persevere. “With words of discouragement at the forefront of it all, I took them as a coping mechanism to finish the race,” she noted.
A former deputy head girl at Adi Cakobau School, Ms. Seniloli acknowledged the challenges she faced, especially transitioning from an all-girls environment to one dominated by males. However, her discipline and determination propelled her to achieve her goal. Her message to young women is clear: they should set personal goals and not allow societal expectations to dictate their paths.
Looking ahead, Ms. Seniloli is committed to serving her country with dignity and hopes to inspire other young women to follow their aspirations, regardless of challenges. She expressed gratitude for the support system she has in place and credits her faith as a crucial source of motivation throughout her training. “I know it’s not going to be easy, but with the support system from home and my peers, I’m able to execute it well,” she expressed. She anticipates an interesting journey ahead in her military career.
This story serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength and resilience that comes from pursuing one’s dreams, especially in fields that may historically be underrepresented by women. Ms. Seniloli’s achievements highlight the importance of breaking barriers and blazing trails for future generations.
Leave a comment