Hitting rock bottom transformed the life of Atelaite Rokosuka, a career civil servant. After earning her Master of Commerce in Management and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific, Mrs. Rokosuka reflected on her journey, stating, “God is the perfect planner.”
The graduation ceremony showcased many women from various backgrounds, but for Mrs. Rokosuka, the pathway was filled with challenges. Amid her struggles, she held tightly to her faith, which became her refuge.
Balancing family responsibilities while pursuing her studies in 2018 proved to be difficult. She described her decision to embark on a master’s program as a courageous step. The demands of her role serving the Government made the journey even tougher, yet she attributed her success to the unwavering support of her family.
“Juggling studies and fulfilling my family obligations daily was incredibly challenging,” she mentioned. “Carving out time for study was a struggle, but with the right mindset and support from my loved ones, I was driven to succeed.”
Despite enduring significant challenges, including a temporary layoff from her position as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Mrs. Rokosuka remained committed to her education. She viewed her situation as a pivotal moment to enhance her skills and achieve her Master’s degree.
There were moments when she felt like quitting, but her faith in Jesus Christ helped her overcome those obstacles and persist in her ambition to become the best version of herself.
“Giving up wasn’t an option because I recognized I still had much to achieve, not only for myself but to educate others too,” she stated. “I believe our ability to rise after setbacks defines how far we can go in life.”
Throughout her impressive 27-year career as a civil servant, Mrs. Rokosuka successfully raised six children with the support of her husband while cherishing moments with her grandchildren. She advocates for inspiring other women to pursue their educational and professional goals, as this can foster a supportive community and dismantle barriers.