Single mum Salote Maria Taukeisalili has defied the odds by earning herself a degree in the face of adversity.
Supported by her family, friends and loved ones, the 24-year-old doting mother of two from Nakorovou Village, Kubulau in Bua, showed true grit throughout her years of tertiary education,
Born and raised in her mum’s village of Namuamua in the highlands of Namosi, Ms Taukeisalili was the eldest of three girls and one boy. She received her primary education at Ro Matanitobua Memorial School and her secondary education at Vashist Muni College and Nasinu Secondary School.
Ms Taukeisalili later enrolled at USP in Lautoka and majored in commerce, however, she steered in a different direction when she decided to attempt a Bachelor of Arts Graduate Certificate in Education, majoring in Geography and English.
She began her journey career journey in 2019 around the same time she got pregnant with her eldest child, and described the time as “challenging but rewarding”.
“I was pregnant with my Romeo (son) in 2019, but I continued going to school despite the morning sickness, weakening body and the heavy weight I was carrying,” Ms Taukeisalili said.
Her second son, Ezekiel, was born in 2022.
“Of course, I informed my kids’ father, but there was no effort shown at all. So I chose to let go and bring up my kids with the support of my family.
“You can’t force anyone to help if they are not willing to, right?”
Ms Taukeisalili said despite her setbacks, her goal was always at the back of her mind, a dream that she had claimed ever since she first laid eyes on son Romeo.
“After giving birth to my eldest, everything I contemplated was overshadowed by this little beam of light who’d made me a mother.
“I had my goal set and I reminded myself every day that I was going to achieve it.”
With the support of her immediate family, Ms Taukeisalili continued to pursue her studies.
Her mother had taken up the babysitting role at their family home in Namosi, while she resided in Navua with relatives to ease the burden of having to travel daily to attend her lectures.
“At first, it was hard to leave my son at a very tender age. I thought I was being selfish, but with my family’s reassurance I was able to pull through.
“Therefore, I am deeply grateful to my number one supporters, my namesake, my parents, for believing in me, trusting me and giving me the chance to complete my education.”
Ms Taukeisalili had also strut the runway for Fiji Fashion Week multiple times, showcasing her love for fashion and her vibrant personality.
At the end of April this year, Ms Taukeisalili shedding tears of joy, with her kids on her hips, while she walked the floor of the Vodafone Arena to receive her certificate.
Two weeks later, she was posted to Dilkusha Methodist High School in Nausori.
“God did it, it was all God, and all the glory goes back to him. I thank him for the struggles and the challenges, they made me more resilient. The late night studies and the sacrifices were indeed rewarding.
“Looking back, I am confident to say, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
