Friends are bound to complement each other and that’s exactly what Kalesi Nainoca and Rosalie Nongebatu have done.
Empowering and guiding each other during their academic journey led them to win gold medals at the conclusion of their studies at USP last year.
Kalesi Nainoca and Rosalie Nongebatu struck a special friendship almost immediately upon meeting while studying at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus.
And their special bond drove them on to attain excellence in their studies.
“It was one woman empowering the other to be successful,” Nainoca says of their friendship through uni.
She was awarded a gold medal for being the most outstanding postgraduate student in sociology while Nongebatu was awarded a gold medal for being the most outstanding student in journalism.
Originally from Laselase Village in Nadroga, Nainoca says being a mother inspired her to take up the psychology program.
“I believe mothers have been active in making social problems visible and bringing about change,” she said.
“Rosalie and I took politics courses together as she was also a mother who had to leave her family behind to come to Fiji.
“It was during our classes that we began inspiring each other and from the outset we were both determined to succeed.”
Nainoca said students are exposed to many opportunities and an environment to make new friends from students across the region at USP.
“Having good peers can help you achieve success as they will want you to soar.
“We must give each other wings to soar higher in our academic studies.”
As for Nongebatu, Nainoca provided her with the support she needed, especially since she was away from her family during her studies.
“I am really thankful and so blessed to have come across friends like Kalesi,” Nongebatu said.
“She pushed me to study hard as it was not easy for us being mothers and having to juggle our studies and family.”
Originally from the Western and Choiseul provinces at the western end of the Solomon Islands, Nongebatu acknowledges the support of her friend.
“We stood by and supported one another to get through and deliver what was required of us,” she said.
“We must surround ourselves with people who have the same motivation and drive for success.”
By sharing their story, the friends hope their friendship will empower other women pursuing their academic studies to achieve success.
