Ana Seru, a Year Nine student from the Naivucini village in Naitasiri, was honored as the top female cadet at the John Wesley College passing-out parade held at Albert Park in Suva. Growing up in the densely populated Raiwaqa area, which is known for its social challenges, Ana’s experience has been shaped by her determination to succeed.
Reflecting on her week-long cadet training, Ana expressed that the humid conditions posed a significant challenge as she mastered the marching techniques. At just 14 years old, she recognized the difficult environment she was raised in but emphasized her commitment to striving for excellence in her education.
“I knew my upbringing was not ideal, but I strived for excellence every time I stepped into the classroom,” she said. Ana believes that education is the key to improving her life and notes that making wise decisions, especially in the face of peer pressure, is a value instilled in her from a young age.
Ana dedicated her award to her siblings and her father, who were present at the event. As the family’s introvert, she hopes her achievements will motivate her younger siblings to pursue their dreams. Inspired by her performance, they express a desire to advance to secondary school and participate in cadet training.