BY SHIRI LATA
ROSHAN Ali’s biggest regret is not being able to complete his education.
He, like many others, understands that often life does not pan out as planned, and that circumstances beyond one’s control can allow dreams to slip through fingers like sand.
However, this has not deterred him from enjoying life.
In the real world, Ali is a realist. He enjoys the little he has. His family, friends, a roof over his head and food on the table.
“As a child I dreamt of working in an office, owning a house and a vehicle,” he said.
But instead, for more than 20 years now, Ali has been assisting at a vegetable stall in the Suva Municipal Market.
He shares he had no choice, but to leave school after completing the first term in year 11.
“We were nine siblings and my father worked for the Public Works Department. So, sending all of us to school was impossible.
“After leaving school, I worked as a salesman for a supermarket in Labasa and then moved to Suva in 1999 and continued working for the same company there.”
Unfortunately, after a few months, there was a coup and the supermarket closed. He returned to work there again when the political situation returned to normal.
“In 2002, I decided I couldn’t work there anymore and I found a job in the market as a stall attendant.”
Though the 48-year-old has deep regrets about not being able to fulfill his dreams, he says he’s fortunate he has a roof over his head and food on the table. Under circumstances in which the weak-hearted would crumble, Ali has stood strong.
“I am better off than many people.
“I have a good boss who helps when I’m in need, and I’m also able to help my family and son financially whenever the need arises.”
Looking back to when he first came to Suva, he said he was amazed by the infrastructure and life in the capital city.
Now, though, when he goes to visit his family in Labasa, he cannot see the familiar landmarks because a lot of development has taken place there too.
“Now, I have to use Google Maps in Labasa,” he chuckles.
Ali, who is from Delai Labasa, has his 98-year-old father and his family still staying where he grew up.
“This place brings back fond memories of our young innocent days spent here.
“I am blessed that I have a good relationship with my friends and family on whom I can depend on in my hard days.”
Ali fervently encourages students to study hard and to appreciate everything their parents do for them.
“Children take things very lightly and are not too focused on their studies these days.
“They also abuse their parents’ trust and don’t appreciate the hard work their parents put in during these difficult times.”
Ali remains one of many people who could not fulfill their childhood dreams, but it has not deterred him from enjoying life.
“Learn to be content with what we have. There are many people out there who wish they had what we have.”