Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher, but for those with passion and a desire to help, there’s nothing more rewarding than making a difference in a child’s life. Sereana Tuapati, a dedicated educator for over two decades, has taught in many classrooms throughout her home country, even in the most secluded school on Rotuma island.
Currently serving as the principal of Rotuma High School, the only secondary school on the island, Tuapati has committed herself to education in Rotuma since 2017. Although it was a monumental change for her and her sons, she courageously embraced it, stating, “I’m a bit adventurous.”
Despite the language barriers and cultural learning curve, she has enjoyed working on the island with her family. Her students are respectful and hardworking, with many going on to pursue further studies on the mainland of Viti Levu or even overseas.
Teaching wasn’t always Tuapati’s career plan. Nevertheless, she found not only skill but also passion in this profession as she moved from Gau Secondary School in 1998 to multiple other institutions afterwards. Seeing the opportunities it could provide for her pupils, particularly in demand fields such as teaching, nursing, or the sciences, she encourages youths to consider the profession.
Although Tuapati has contemplated retirement on the peaceful island of Rotuma, her heart also longs to spend more time with her family on the mainland. Concluding her perspective on teaching, she notes, “Teaching is a commitment to a lifelong of learning.”
Regardless of its difficulties, she firmly believes in its potential to hugely impact young individuals, preparing them to become thoughtful, industrious future citizens.