Freddy Tora, a 30-year-old from Nailaga, Ba, has transformed his life through hard work and determination. Growing up, he would dive for mussels in the Ba River for his family’s needs, but his journey took a remarkable turn when he decided to join the U.S. Navy.
After facing financial obstacles after high school, Tora was determined to build a better future for himself. On September 26, he celebrated his graduation as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABM), a role focused on aircraft handling on naval vessels. His training began with three months at the U.S. Naval Station in Great Lakes, Illinois.
Tora’s motivation to enlist in the Navy was tied to his long-term aspiration to pursue a career in medicine. He expressed gratitude for the strength and support he received during his journey. “It took three months of basic training to prepare someone to be a great leader and a better sailor,” he reflected, noting the mental challenges of training as the toughest aspect to overcome.
Some training segments evoked memories of his early life, such as swimming tests that echoed his experiences diving for mussels in the Ba River. Tora, who is the second youngest of four siblings, began his education at Ratu Rusiate Nabuta Memorial School before continuing at Ba Methodist High School. He repeated Year 13 at Dilkusha Methodist High School in 2014 to improve his marks.
Despite facing financial hardships, Tora pursued education in Human Resources Management at Fiji National University, later becoming self-employed in various ventures, including a barber business. In 2019, he graduated from the University of the South Pacific and moved to the U.S. in 2022 for new opportunities.
Once in the States, he settled in Kansas City, earned a certified nursing assistant license, and worked in a hospital. He later relocated to California and ultimately moved to Florida to attend his Aviation School.
Tora attributes much of his success to the motivation he draws from his family and friends, saying, “They are the reason why I never give up.” Looking ahead, he plans to enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing program to further his dream of caring for others.