By day, Jone Koroi is a student of architectural drafting.
By night, he is behind the bar at Toorak Central’s Privé, shaking cocktails and listening to the life stories of Suva’s professionals.
The young man from Mavana in Vanuabalavu, Lau, with maternal links to Qalikarua Village in Matuku belives his journey of early sacrifice will all be worth it.
Koroi is currently pursuing a diploma in architectural drafting at Fiji National University while working as a bartender, a role he stepped into six months ago after starting as a bar attendant and waiter.
Balancing work and study was a practical decision.
“Most of my classes are in the morning, so I decided to get a job here,” he said.
“I started off learning how to make whiskeys and cocktails, and now I’m serving at the bar.”
But behind the trays and cocktail shakers lies his deeper aspiration that has been shaped my a childhood of curiosity.
“I enjoy drawing, and my favourite subject in high school was technical drawing,” he said.
“My uncle was an architect and I liked his work. When I was small, I used to go around with my dad in places like Namadi and Sigatoka, looking at different houses. That inspired me.”
He plans to complete his diploma next year, with a long-term goal of establishing his own architectural firm.
“I want to grow in this field and share my experiences with other professionals, and keep learning.”
For now, the bar has become an unlikely classroom.
Koroi said one of the most rewarding aspects of his job was the opportunity to meet people from different industries, particularly businessmen who often share their personal journeys.
“A lot of them started from the bottom,” he said.
“Some even did bartending before becoming engineers. Hearing their stories is inspiring.”
Those encounters have reinforced his belief that success is possible with persistence and hard work.
Despite the motivation, the path has not been without its challenges.
Like many students working to support themselves, he admits that time is his biggest sacrifice.
“You won’t be enjoying most of the time with your friends because you have to work,” he said.
“That’s one challenge, I don’t spend much time with family or friends. I just work.”
When he does find time to unwind, he prefers something simple – watching movies.
Behind the bar, he has also carved out a small reputation of his own.
His favourite drink to prepare is the Espresso Martini, a choice shaped by customer feedback.
“A lot of people say I make the best Espresso Martini,” he said.
As someone who has made the transition a simple life, Koroi also has a message for fellow young people from Lau navigating similar paths.
“It’s not easy, especially when you come and stay with relatives,” he said.
“You have to learn the value of sacrifice and appreciate what your parents and relatives have done for you.”
He urged students to remain focused amid the distractions of city life.
“Stay focused and don’t be distracted by what you see here in Suva. Think about those back home who are counting on you.
“Set your goals right and have passion in what you’re doing — then you will try and do anything.”
