Atelaite Rokosuka, a career civil servant, has transformed her struggles into a significant opportunity after recently graduating with a Master of Commerce in Management and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific. Reflecting on her journey, she describes it as a testament to divine planning.
During the graduation ceremony, Rokosuka stood out among many women from various backgrounds, demonstrating resilience through numerous challenges. She maintained her faith as a crucial support system in a time when she felt she was at rock bottom.
Embarking on her master’s degree in 2018 while managing family responsibilities was a daunting task. The demands of her role in government education made the journey even more complex, but the support of her family made success achievable. “Balancing studies while supporting my family was quite challenging,” she stated. “Finding time to study was a struggle, but with the right mindset and encouragement from those around me, I kept moving forward.”
Despite enduring significant setbacks, including a temporary layoff from her position as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Rokosuka remained committed to her education. She viewed this difficult period as an opportunity to enhance her skills and ultimately complete her degree. Although the urge to give up crossed her mind, her faith in Jesus Christ fueled her perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
“Giving up was not an option because I knew I had much left to achieve, not just for myself but also to impart knowledge to others,” Rokosuka emphasized. She believes that resilience in the face of adversity defines one’s potential to succeed in life.
Throughout her 27-year career as a civil servant, Rokosuka has balanced her professional life while raising six children, supported by her husband, and enjoying her time with grandchildren. She advocates for empowering other women to pursue their educational and career goals, believing that this can foster a supportive community and dismantle existing barriers.