Maraia Marama Vadei, a mother-of-three who was admitted to the bar recently, is encouraging young and single mothers to pursue their dreams by continuing their education.
The 28-year-old from Lomaiviti has maternal links to Burebasaga, Rewa.
She juggled work, family life and her studies to become the first lawyer in her family.
Ms Vadei believes life is all about learning and moving on to better things in life.
She started primary school at Nasinu Gospel Primary School and later moved to Assemblies of God Primary School in Nasinu. Her high school years were spent at Assemblies of God High School and Rishikul Sanatan College in Nasinu.
While completing her foundation program in social studies at the Fiji National University, she was motivated by one of her lecturers and HOD to venture into the field of law.
Ms Vadei said coming from an agricultural science background, law studies were not easy.
“I faced some challenges, but I thank God and my extended family for their support and encouragement that I have been able to be where I am today,” she said.
“When I started my studies, my father stopped working due to COVID restrictions, so I had to struggle. To help my family and support my studies, I had to do part-time work at supermarkets and at a cafeteria near our school.”
Ms Vadei said she received tremendous support from her husband, his family and also from her side of the family.
“I got big support from my family, my father, my mother, my uncle and aunties. From my husband’s side as well. They kept encouraging me and for that I am blessed and grateful.
“To be honest, I didn’t think I’d be a lawyer. I wanted to be a veterinarian, but then I think it was not God’s plan, not his purpose for my life.
“It’s a blessing from God. I believe with God by your side, you can achieve anything in life.”
