Freddy Tora, 30, has reached a significant milestone in his life, transforming his dreams into reality through hard work and determination. Hailing from Nailaga, Ba, he initially engaged in diving for mussels in the Ba River for his family’s meals. However, his journey took a dramatic turn as he undertook the rigorous training to become a sailor in the United States Navy.
After facing various financial challenges following his high school graduation, Tora remained resolute in his pursuit of self-sufficiency. On September 26, he celebrated his graduation as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABM), a role focused on aircraft operations on naval vessels. He completed an intensive three-month boot camp at the U.S. Naval Station located in Great Lakes, North Chicago, Illinois, with aspirations of eventually entering the medical field.
“My experience has been a blessing, and I am thankful to God for providing for me and giving me strength,” Tora expressed. He noted that the mental aspects of training proved to be the most challenging, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in various situations.
Certain training activities reminded him of his roots, particularly the swimming tests that echoed his childhood experiences diving for mussels in the Ba River. Tora, the second youngest of four siblings, grew up in Ba and completed his primary education at Ratu Rusiate Nabuta Memorial School before attending Ba Methodist High School.
In 2014, he made the decision to repeat Year 13 at Dilkusha Methodist High School to improve his academic results. Tora later enrolled in the Fiji National University in 2016 to study Human Resources Management but was forced to pause his education due to financial constraints as his mother was the family’s sole provider.
During this time, he ran a barber business and worked in event planning for two years. In 2019, he finally graduated from the University of the South Pacific before relocating to the U.S. in 2022 to forge a new life. Initially settling in Kansas City, Tora attended Pratt Community College and obtained a certified nursing assistant license while working at a hospital for a year. In 2023, he relocated to California.
“My motivation comes from my mother, family, and the wonderful people I’ve met along my journey. They inspire me to persist,” he shared. Looking ahead, Tora hopes to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, driven by his passion for helping others. He is currently in Florida at Aviation School, awaiting his next assignments.