Ana Seru has made a remarkable achievement, being named the top female cadet in the passing-out parade at John Wesley College, which took place at Albert Park in Suva. The 14-year-old Year Nine student grew up in the Raiwaqa area, an environment characterized by social challenges. She described her week-long cadet training as a test of endurance, as she had to adapt to the humid weather while mastering the marching techniques.
Ana, who hails from Naivucini in Naitasiri, shared her belief that her difficult upbringing motivated her to pursue excellence academically. She emphasized the importance of education in transforming her life, stating, “I had no other choice, but the only way to improve my life is through education.”
She highlighted the significance of making wise choices, especially in the face of peer pressure, a lesson instilled in her by her family. Ana dedicated her award to her siblings and her father, who were present at the event. “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 said.
Her younger siblings, currently in primary school, have expressed a desire to pursue cadet training and transition to secondary school after witnessing her success.