Freddy Tora, 30, has achieved remarkable success, realizing dreams he once thought impossible. Originally from Nailaga, Ba, he shifted from diving for mussels in the Ba River to enduring the rigorous training required to become a United States Navy sailor.
After finishing high school, Tora faced financial barriers that hindered his ambitions. However, his determination propelled him forward, leading to his graduation as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABM) on September 26, responsible for aircraft operations.
He completed a three-month Navy boot camp at the U.S. Naval Station in Great Lakes, North Chicago, Illinois. His initial desire to join the U.S Navy stemmed from a long-term goal of pursuing a career in medicine.
Reflecting on his training, Tora emphasized the importance of mental preparation, stating, “It was knowing what you need to think, getting good at thinking about it, and always training your mind to stay positive in different situations.” He noted that certain aspects of the training reminded him of home, particularly during the swimming test, which brought back memories of diving in the Ba River.
Tora is the second youngest of four siblings born to Maika Tora and Miriama Rokovui. He grew up in Ba and attended Ratu Rusiate Nabuta Memorial School before joining Ba Methodist High School. In 2014, he repeated Year 13 at Dilkusha Methodist High School to improve his grades.
In 2016, he enrolled in the Fiji National University to study a Bachelor of Human Resources Management. Due to financial difficulties, he paused his studies, supporting his family by becoming self-employed as a barber and event planner.
Tora completed his studies at the University of the South Pacific in 2019 and moved to the U.S. in 2022, leaving behind his family and friends to start anew. He spent time in Kansas City, where he obtained a certified nursing assistant license and worked in a hospital for a year before relocating to California in 2023.
The motivation to persevere comes from his mother, his family back home, and the friends he has made in the U.S. Tora expressed his desire to enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing program in the future, driven by his passion for helping others. Currently, he has moved to Florida for his Aviation School, where he awaits his next assignments.