Ana Seru, a Year Nine student, was named the top female cadet during the passing-out parade at Albert Park in Suva yesterday. Growing up in the densely populated Raiwaqa area, which is marked by social challenges, Ana’s experiences significantly shaped her outlook on life.
Reflecting on her one-week cadet training, Ana, 14, mentioned the difficulties posed by the humid weather while she learned the necessary marching techniques. “I knew my upbringing was not ideal, but I strived for excellence every time I stepped into the classroom,” she stated.
Ana believes that education is the key to improving her life circumstances. She comes from Naivucini, Naitasiri, and emphasizes the importance of making wise decisions, particularly in handling peer pressure, a lesson instilled in her by her family. “Making good choices leads to positive outcomes,” she remarked.
Ana dedicated her award to her siblings and her father, who were present at the event. “I’m the introvert in the family, and I hope this award will inspire my younger siblings to believe they can achieve anything if they set their minds to it,” she said, also mentioning that her siblings, currently in primary school, are eager to join secondary school and participate in cadet training after seeing her success.