AFTER dedicating more than a decade to the field of education, Sainimere Watikalou Koroi celebrated a remarkable milestone as she graduated once more, this time with a postgraduate diploma in education.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Ms Koroi expressed gratitude for her achievement, though tinged with a poignant longing for her late mother, whom she dearly wished could have witnessed her success.
“I started this program when my mother was still here back in 2022, but she passed away towards the end of semester one. I took a break because I could not deal with the emotional stuff,” she said.
Ms Koroi’s journey to this achievement was anything but easy. Raised in modest circumstances with financial struggles, her father worked as a farmer while her mother took on the role of a stay-at-home mum.
Being the youngest in the family, Ms Koroi faced the challenges of financial constraints along with the pressures of academic pursuits.
“As the youngest, I struggled financially as my dad was only a farmer. I wanted to be successful in life to give my children a much better life.”
Ms Koroi said she initially aspired to pursue a career in the medical field, aiming to become a doctor or nurse with a focus in science. However, fate had different plans for her, leading her towards the path of education.
“Growing up, I had dreams to be in the medical field, but I’m thankful for the situation that I’m in, and I know God always has a better plan.”
Having attended Indian College, now known as Jai Narayan College, Ms Koroi’s academic journey was marked by perseverance and determination.
Despite the obstacles she encountered along the way, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge and professional growth.
“At times, I would only be given $20 to cater for my fare and lunch for two weeks, so I had to use it wisely, and most of the time I would buy a packet of beans for lunch, to not waste the money.”
“I am glad to have gone through those tough times because it only made me stronger.”
As she stands on the precipice of a new chapter in her educational journey, Ms Koroi remains grateful for the opportunities that have come her way, recognising the guiding hand of a higher power in shaping her path.
Her story serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the transformative power of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s passions against all odds.
“I would love to continue my education and get some higher qualifications, but as for now, I will celebrate my small win with my family.”
Her advice is simple yet profound, if you put God first in everything you do, then you will go a long way.
“I didn’t let the struggles of my upbringing dictate my future; I prayed about it and let God take control,” she added.
