Apisalome Bai Seru, a distinguished alumnus of the prestigious Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS), has shared his journey of striving for success, which has led him to serve as an officer in the Royal Navy. As part of the week-long celebrations marking the school’s 100th anniversary, Apisalome returned from abroad to reconnect with fellow old scholars and celebrate their shared legacy.
Originating from Nabaitavo village in Naitasiri, with maternal ties to Yavuloa in Nadroga, Apisalome lives with his wife Kesaia from Kabara and their six children. His ambition was nurtured during his time at RKS, where he joined in 1987 under Principal Mr. Amraiya Naidu, when the school had only about 450 students.
Apisalome pursued his studies in arts, specializing in accounting and economics, while also making his mark as an athlete. He played a key role in the school’s rugby teams, helping them secure victories in various categories of the Deans competition from 1988 to 1990.
After transferring to Ratu Sukuna Memorial School (RSMS) to improve his academic performance, he captained the under-19 rugby team in 1992, although they fell short of the quarterfinals. Upon passing his Fiji School Leaving Certificate, he returned to RKS to study automotive engineering and contributed significantly to his school’s under-19 team by leading them to a championship victory.
In his final year at RKS in 1993, Apisalome was appointed head boy as the student body had grown to over a thousand. After graduation, he began working with the Fiji Marine Department before moving on to the Fiji Navy following the coup in 2000.
Apisalome regards his years in the Fiji Navy as some of the best in his life, filled with rugby and camaraderie. His ambition to serve internationally led him to join the Royal Navy in the UK in 2003. Now a naval engineer on the HMS Queen Elizabeth, he has dedicated nearly two decades to this role and is contracted for five more years.
He encourages young students, particularly those from RKS, to prioritize academics while recognizing the value of sports for discipline and focus. Apisalome emphasizes the importance of faith, attributing his success to his strong belief in God and the understanding of a greater plan for his life.