A FIJI National University graduate has advised mothers to make time for themselves.
Katalaini Biliwaqa Joyce graduated from the Fiji National University with an Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management, describing her journey as tough yet fulfilling.
Ms Joyce, originally from Waiqanake outside Lami Town with maternal links to Suvavou, said her challenge was being the only graduate student from her group to have travelled from abroad.
“I actually flew in from Samoa just to come and graduate, and I’m going back,” she said.
She described her journey as one involving “zoom into classes, zoom during study groups”, while balancing work commitments at a resort, including one she recently opened in Samoa.
“It was pretty hard, but I was so glad that I had a very supportive group.”
The 45-year-old mother of three said the graduation was her first.
“I’ve never studied.
“I’ve just pursued studying now, and I said, ‘Why not?’”
“Even though my children are not able to be present here today, I have my sisters here.”
Her message to mothers was clear: “We tend to think, we don’t have the time because if you don’t try, then you wouldn’t know how far you can go.”
