Mohini Lata Kumar had always harboured hopeful anticipation that future events would be favourable despite the obstacles that had challenged her to succeed.
Born and raised in a farming family, life was filled with hard work throughout the day, tilling the land to ensure a good yield.
“I am originally from Keolaiya in Sabeto and my dad Hari Prasad was a farmer,” she said.
“He planted sugarcane, rice and vegetables. My mum, Suruj Kumari toiled on the farm as well since farming was our livelihood.
“I am the fifth eldest in a big family consisting of five other sisters and two brothers.
“During my primary school days, it was spent labouring on the family farm with the rest of the family members.”
Mrs Kumar reminisced memories of boarding buses on early Saturday mornings to sell their produce at Lautoka Market.
“I always volunteered to accompany dad to the market; more so because I was good at calculations! A special bus service by MR Khan Transport Ltd used to be provided at 4am to all market vendors from Keolaiya. I was eight years old at that time and was attending Masimasi Primary School. I did that for three years before attending secondary school at Jasper Williams High School in Lautoka as a boarder.”
After graduating from Year 12, Mrs Kumar relocated to Nadi College and completed her Year 13 education since JWHS did not offer Year 13 classes in that era.
She was absorbed in the civil service immediately after successfully completing her final school year.
“I attained excellent marks and got employed as a temporary civil servant because there was a shortage of school teachers back then.
“My first posting was at Viseisei Primary School as a trainee although it was a permanent classroom teacher role.
After a year, I enrolled at the-than Lautoka Teachers College and underwent a two-year fulltime teacher training course, ultimately graduating in 1992.”
She has so many experiences as an educator for nearly three decades.
“Teaching is not a job, but a career where one cannot relax and chill.
“Training a new teacher and assisting him or her to set up their classroom is one of the chores I always looked forward to because of the immense years of experience I possess as a school teacher.
“My demeanour has to be cool towards my students and being kind to everyone is a rare gift.
“I always give my 100 per cent to those in my care working hours to create, make and develop things for my students.
I have been in charge of committees programs and training. I have taught from Year One to Eight.
“Being an educator, I have been faced with challenges which were unavoidable, but it was not the end of the world.
“I have built everlasting relationships with so many of my students and their families.
“I had to overcome personal challenges which were not related to school work and attended to the tiny tots, who needed my unconditional love by supporting and encouraging them in every way to taste success in life.
“The school children harbour immense expectations because they are among the most vulnerable members of society.
“I am truly blessed with the noble profession of being a school teacher.”
The proud Jasperian paid tribute to her parents and eldest sister Lalita Prasad.
They both ensured my dreams were achieved and always supported me financially.
“I owe my success to them for always being there for me, even when I used to wilt under pressure on occasions.”
Mrs Kumar offered words of wisdom to the masses.
“Life is a mystery to live in; not a problem to be solved. Take one day at a time and never lose hope because if I can do it so can you.”
