Apisalome Bai Seru, a distinguished alumnus of the Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS), now serving as an officer in the Royal Navy, reflects on his quest for success during the school’s 100th anniversary celebration. Gathering with fellow alumni and supporters for a week of festivities, Apisalome traveled from overseas to partake in the milestone event.
Originating from the village of Nabaitavo in the highlands of Naitasiri and connected to Yavuloa in Nadroga through maternal links, Apisalome is married to Kesaia from Nakeleyaga village in Lau, and they have six children together. His foundation for seeking personal excellence was laid during his time at RKS, where he joined in 1987 under principal Mr. Amraiya Naidu, at a time when the school had around 450 students.
Pursuing an arts education in accounting and economics, Apisalome excelled in athletics, notably earning a spot on the under-15 rugby team that clinched their grade in the 1988 Deans competition. He continued to shine in the sport, contributing to victories in the under-16 and under-17 teams in the subsequent years.
His academic journey faced a setback when he had to transfer to Ratu Sukuna Memorial School (RSMS) to improve his Fiji School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) exam results. While at RSMS, he captained the under-19 rugby team in 1992, leading them to a strong performance in that year’s Deans trophy competition. After successfully passing his exams, he returned to RKS to further his studies in automotive engineering.
In his final year in 1993, he was appointed head boy of RKS, overseeing a student body that had grown to over a thousand. After finishing school, he began working with the Fiji Marine Department as a trainee engineer before joining the Fiji Navy in 2000, shortly after the coup.
Describing his Navy service as immensely fulfilling, Apisalome enjoyed playing rugby and representing his team. However, he always aspired to serve abroad, which led him to join the Royal Navy in the UK in 2003. He has now dedicated 21 years to service, with plans to serve an additional five years, currently working as a naval engineer on the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
He encourages the youth, particularly those at RKS, to focus on their academic pursuits and strive for excellence. While recognizing the role of sports in cultivating discipline, Apisalome emphasizes the importance of academic achievements and skill development. His guiding principle stems from his deep Christian faith, which he believes is essential for success in life.