Freddy Tora, a 30-year-old from Nailaga, Ba, has achieved remarkable success through hard work and determination. His journey began with diving for mussels in the Ba River for his family, but it has now culminated in his graduation as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABM) in the United States Navy.
Despite facing financial challenges after finishing high school, Tora was resolute in his desire to build a better future. He completed three months of boot camp at the U.S. Naval Station in Great Lakes, Illinois, preparing for a career in the Navy with aspirations to eventually pursue medicine.
Tora expressed gratitude for the strength provided to him during this challenging journey. He noted that the most difficult aspect of training was the mental preparation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout his experiences.
Certain aspects of the training reminded him of his childhood, particularly the swimming tests, which brought back memories of diving in the Ba River. Tora is the second youngest of four siblings and attended primary school at Ratu Rusiate Nabuta Memorial School and later Ba Methodist High School. After deciding to retake his Year 13 exams in 2014 at Dilkusha Methodist High School to improve his scores, he went on to study Human Resources Management at Fiji National University.
Due to financial issues, he paused his studies and became self-employed for two years, running a barber business and event planning. Tora completed his degree at the University of the South Pacific in 2019 and later moved to the U.S. in 2022, leaving behind friends and family for new opportunities.
Initially residing in Kansas City, he attended Pratt Community College, earned a certified nursing assistant license, and worked at a hospital for a year before relocating to California. His motivation stems from the support of his mother, family, and others he’s met along the way. Tora plans to enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing program to fulfill his passion for caring for others.
Currently stationed in Florida for his A-School (Aviation School), he awaits further instructions in his military career.