This morning, 27-year-old Pasepa Lomani Koroitavalena from Vanuabalavu, Lau woke up with tears in her eyes — tears of pride, relief, and joy.

After years of sacrifice and determination, she has finally achieved her dream of earning a Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5).

A mother of two young boys, with her third child due in just two months, Pasepa’s journey has been anything but easy.

She began her studies at FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry at Koronivia Campus in 2020, but life took a sudden turn when she became pregnant with her first child. With her husband, Nimilote, away on peacekeeping duties and no one else to care for the baby, she made the difficult decision to step away from school.

In 2024, after giving birth to her second child, Pasepa returned to her studies when her baby was just three months old — determined to finish what she started.

“Daily prayers helped me with guidance, and being a mother and wife motivated me to continue with my studies,” she shared.

Today, that perseverance has paid off. Emotional and overjoyed, she celebrates a milestone she has long waited for.

Pasepa now hopes to join the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and begin building the career she worked so hard for.

Her story is a reminder that dreams may be delayed, but with faith, courage, and determination, they are never out of reach.