Freddy Tora, a 30-year-old from Nailaga, Ba, has transformed his life through hard work and ambition, achieving what he once thought was impossible. Initially diving for mussels in the Ba River for his family, he faced numerous challenges during his journey to become a United States Navy sailor.
After finishing high school, financial constraints hindered his aspirations. However, Tora’s determination to overcome these obstacles led him to graduation on September 26 as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABM), a role focused on aircraft operations. He completed a rigorous three-month Navy boot camp at the U.S Naval Station in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Tora’s decision to join the Navy was fuelled by his long-term goal of pursuing a career in medicine. “I was so blessed and grateful to the Almighty for His provision and giving us strength,” he expressed. He found the mental aspect of training to be particularly challenging, emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset in diverse situations.
Some training exercises reminded him of home, such as swimming tests that conjured memories of diving for mussels in the Ba River, which ultimately aided his preparation.
The second youngest of four siblings, Tora grew up in Ba and attended Ratu Rusiate Nabuta Memorial School and Ba Methodist High School. He later chose to repeat Year 13 at Dilkusha Methodist High School in 2014 to secure better marks. In 2016, he began studying for a Bachelor of Human Resources Management at Fiji National University but paused his education due to financial issues as his mother was the family’s sole provider. During this time, he ran a barber business and engaged in event planning.
In 2019, he completed his studies at the University of the South Pacific. In 2022, he moved to the U.S., leaving behind his support network. He lived in Kansas City, attended Pratt Community College, earned a certified nursing assistant license, and worked at a hospital for a year before relocating to California in 2023.
Motivated by his mother, family, and others he encountered, Tora persevered despite challenges. He plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to fulfill his passion for caring for others. Currently, he has moved to Florida for his Aviation School and is preparing for further instructions in his Navy career.