Freddy Tora, 30, has achieved remarkable success, transforming his life from diving for mussels in the Ba River to completing rigorous training as a United States Navy sailor. Hailing from Nailaga in Ba, Mr. Tora faced financial constraints that hindered his plans after high school, but he remained determined to improve his circumstances.
On September 26, Mr. Tora graduated as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABM), specializing in aircraft operations. He underwent three months of training at the U.S. Naval Station in Great Lakes, Illinois. With aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine, he joined the Navy to gain valuable experience.
Mr. Tora expressed gratitude for the support he received, saying, “I was so blessed and grateful to the Almighty for His provision and giving us strength.” He found the mental challenges of training particularly tough, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.
Certain training elements reminded him of his childhood experiences, such as swimming tests that brought back memories of diving for mussels in the Ba River. The second youngest in a family of four, Mr. Tora attended Ratu Rusiate Nabuta Memorial School and Ba Methodist High School before repeating Year 13 at Dilkusha Methodist High School to improve his grades.
In 2016, he enrolled in the Fiji National University to pursue a Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management, but financial difficulties led him to pause his studies. He then established his own barber business and worked in event planning before completing his studies at the University of the South Pacific in 2019.
In 2022, Mr. Tora moved to the U.S., leaving his friends and family behind. He settled in Kansas City, attended Pratt Community College, obtained a certified nursing assistant license, and worked in a hospital for a year. In 2023, he relocated to California, motivated by his family and friends, and aspiring to enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing program to care for others.
Currently, he has moved to Florida for his A-School training in Aviation, where he awaits his next assignment.