Hardships faced in life must be used to propel one towards success, says Frances Tabanidalo.
The 21-year-old eldest of six has chosen to take on a more optimistic approach to life despite being raised by a single parent.
“Life is full of consequences, but do not let that break you down. If you still have the ability to work, still have the ability to do something, you do it. If you can wake up, stand up and work, do that,” she said.
“So, whatever you go through, don’t use it as an excuse to rebel. Use it to motivate you to do something.”
The Nakelo, Tailevu lass with maternal links to Daliconi, Vanuabalavu, Lau is a waitress and bartender at the Golden Point Resort in Rakiraki.
Due to certain family issues, Ms Tabanidalo was unable to complete her education.
“I’ve never really had consistency growing up, especially through primary school, because we had to move a lot, and my mum and dad are separated so there’s a lot of lifestyle I saw as I grew up.
“So, one thing I got out of that, and I thank God that he gave me that kind of mentality, to be better, not to fall into that, not to make what I go through as an excuse to act out.”
Ms Tabanidalo said she used her personal circumstances to work towards her ultimate goal, breaking generational curses.
“We moved here two years ago. So, one of my aunties was working here, she set me up.
“So, I came, I had three days of training, and apparently the manager was impressed with how I work, and I got the job, it’s been one year, seven months. I had to come and learn.”
Ms Tabanidalo now works alongside 20 other staff whom she considers her family away from home.
“Honestly, I always tell people this, you just love the job if your boss is good. So that is one thing that I love about the job.
“I love the interaction with different people from around the world. So, this job is completely different from what I studied, it’s new — learning new things, it’s interesting.”
When asked about her most memorable moment while on the job, Ms Tabanidalo listed a booking from an Australian university a few months back.
“Second year university students from Australia and we had karaoke, and there are times where we go out of our way to entertain our guests, and the energy that we get back from that is memorable.”
Ms Tabanidalo has also faced her fair share of challenges in her line of work.
“Different people have different personalities, and sometimes people come with very unexpected interactions, and sometimes it’s hard to deal with some people, but that is what it is with customer service.
“At times we try and cater to them, but there are times as well where we just stay back, and if you’re not happy with what we have, there are other places.”
Ms Tabanidalo said her future plans include giving back to her mother.
“I was raised by a single mum, and my plan is set on having the opportunity to give back to my mum. It’s going to be hard, and it’s a long journey, but I’m very fixed on it.”
Ms Tabanidalo said a key requirement for the tourism industry, particularly in front office operations is personality.
“So it’s all about character, you build on your character and confidence.
“For some people, it naturally comes to them, and some, you have to build on it as you go on.”
Frances Tabanidalo at the Golden Point Resort in Rakiraki.Picture: SALOTE QALUBAU.