Atelaite Rokosuka, a dedicated civil servant, experienced a transformative moment after hitting rock bottom in her life. She recently celebrated her graduation from the University of the South Pacific, where she earned a Master of Commerce in Management and Public Administration. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed her belief that “God is the perfect planner.”
Among a diverse group of women at the graduation, Mrs. Rokosuka’s story stands out. Despite facing numerous challenges, she leaned on her faith as her source of strength. Starting her master’s studies in 2018 while balancing family responsibilities proved to be a significant undertaking. She faced an immense workload as she served the government, making her educational pursuit even more complicated. However, the support of her family played a crucial role in her success.
“Juggling studies and sustaining my family daily wasn’t easy at all,” she noted. “Finding time to study was a battle in itself, but with the right mindset and support from those around me, that was a driving force for me.”
Mrs. Rokosuka encountered tough moments, including a temporary layoff from her position as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry. However, she remained committed to her education, viewing her layoff as a pivotal moment to enhance her skills and achieve her academic goals. She acknowledged the temptation to give up at times but leaned on her faith in Jesus Christ to navigate through the obstacles.
“Giving up wasn’t an option for me because I knew I still had a lot to accomplish in the future, not only to educate myself but to share my knowledge with others,” she stated. “I believe that even when we face many downfalls, how we get back up really determines how far we will go in life.”
Throughout her distinguished 27-year career as a civil servant, Mrs. Rokosuka has also found fulfillment in raising six children with her husband’s support and cherishing time spent with her grandchildren. She is passionate about inspiring other women to pursue their educational and professional dreams, believing that this can foster a supportive community and help break down barriers.