Pauliasi Rawasoi was just two years old when his parents divorced. His family broke apart.
Too young to understand what was happening, his world shifted.
The man from Nadrau in Navosa, with maternal ties to Lomaiviti, was taken in and raised by his father’s older brother who became his greatest mentor and role model.
“Life as a child was never easy,” he said.
“But I never shied away from sharing that my parents divorced when I was very young. That experience shaped the person I am today,” he said.
Growing up, Pauliasi faced hardships that tested his strength and patience.
He learned early on that survival meant working hard, staying humble, and believing in something greater than himself.
“Those years taught me resilience,” he said.
“They taught me to never give up, no matter how difficult life gets.”
His uncle’s guidance was instrumental in his growth.
Pauliasi learned from him the value of respect, discipline, and hard work, lessons that later prepared him for a life of service.
“I believe I would not have achieved this position without the grace of God and the support of my family and friends.
“God always chooses those who are often overlooked by others and raises them for his purpose. I am living proof of that.”
Today, Pauliasi proudly serves as a prison officer in Labasa, a career he describes as a calling.
“Becoming a prison officer was more than just employment for me.
“It was a way to give back to my country and to help others find a second chance at life. Every day on the job reminds me how far I’ve come and how much I can still do.”
The path to donning the uniform wasn’t easy. A career in the security force was not his first choice.
In 2022, while in his second year of teacher training, the coronavirus pandemic changed everything.
With schools closed and opportunities limited, he returned to his village to farm and cut cane to make ends meet.
“The job was tough. One day, while reading the newspaper, I learned the Fiji Corrections Service was recruiting. I thought I should give it a try.”
He fasted and prayed for the opportunity.
“I told myself that if it was part of God’s plan, he would make it happen, and he did.”
Now, each morning when he puts on his uniform, he remembers the sacrifices and the prayers that got him there.
Outside of work, Pauliasi’s passion lies in rugby.
“I love training and rugby.
“I dream of wearing the white jersey one day. I’ve reached the Skipper Cup Competition, but I’m not giving up. I know my time will come.”
His journey, from a broken family to a man of faith and discipline, is a testament to perseverance.
“I want people to know that no beginning is too humble for greatness,” he said.
” If you trust in God and work hard, you can rise above anything.”
