Ana Seru, a Year Nine student, excelled as the top female cadet in the John Wesley College passing-out parade held at Albert Park in Suva yesterday. Growing up in the socially challenging Raiwaqa area, Ana faced significant adversity but remained focused on her education.
During her week-long cadet training, she adapted to the humid conditions while mastering complex marching techniques, which she found to be a challenge. At just 14 years old, Ana acknowledged that her upbringing was not ideal, but she was determined to excel academically.
“I had no other choice; the only way to improve my life is through education,” Ana stated. Originally from Naivucini, Naitasiri, she emphasized the importance of making wise decisions, especially in the face of peer pressure. She credits her family’s teachings for guiding her towards positive choices that result in beneficial outcomes.
Ana dedicated her recognition to her siblings and her father, who were present at the event to support her. “I’m the introvert in the family, and I hope this award will inspire my younger siblings to believe that they can achieve anything if they set their minds to it,” she expressed. She noted that her younger siblings, currently in primary school, have shown interest in enrolling in secondary school and participating in cadet training after witnessing her accomplishments.