At the age of 42, Vani Sokomuri has made history by becoming the first in her family to achieve a tertiary education qualification. She graduated alongside 27 other students from the Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam College of Nursing and Health Care Education, earning a Level Three National Certificate in Aged Care and Community Care.
The graduation ceremony took place at the Civic Centre in Labasa, where the expectant mother of her seventh child shared her motivational story of determination over the past six challenging months. “After putting all my children to sleep, I would study until 1 am,” Sokomuri recounted. She often found herself waking up at 2 am to study before preparing breakfast and sending her children off to school.
Her weekdays were hectic, with Monday through Friday feeling like a constant rush. “After sending the children to school and arranging a babysitter for my youngest, I had to ensure I was in class by 8 am,” she explained. Originally from Baravi Village in Navakasiga, Bua, and the eldest of six siblings, Sokomuri was recognized as the Best Clinical Student Female during her course.
Although she completed Year 13 at Labasa Sangam (SKM) College and began a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of the South Pacific, unexpected financial challenges led her to prioritize family life after marriage, temporarily setting her educational aspirations aside. “I always wanted to study,” she expressed. “Like others, I dreamed of attaining tertiary education and setting a positive example for my children, showing them that dreams should never be abandoned.”
Sokomuri expressed her gratitude to her husband, Napolioni Latianara, an officer with the Labasa Corrections Service, for his unwavering support throughout her academic journey.
This inspiring story exemplifies the strength of perseverance and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, regardless of life’s obstacles. Vani Sokomuri serves as a powerful role model for many, demonstrating that it’s never too late to achieve educational goals and make a positive impact on future generations.
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