Fiji Sun

Hard Work, Perseveran­ce Paves The Way For Kula

- NACANIELI TUILEVUKA SUVA Edited by Jonathan Bryce Feedback: nacanieli@fijisun.com.fj

The recipe to success is humility, perseveran­ce and hard work. This was what helped 19-year-old Penaisia Kula from Yavuna, Nawaka in Nadi complete her degree.

Ms Kula said she would pinch herself because it was difficult for her to believe that she’d become a part of the navy.

She was one of the 116 naval personnel to have graduated from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division basic recruitmen­t course at the Forces Training Group at Nasinu on Friday. She said she would constantly recall her parent’s struggles. It helped her fill their dreams.

“I was not studying, I wanted to take a gap after year 12. I was staying at home helping both of my parents with the chores and playing netball,” she said.

“My father who is a farmer would push me to do something in life.

“One day when I was on Facebook, the recruitmen­t for the RFMF Naval Division popped up on my newsfeed.

“After receiving advice from my father, I gave it a try. I did not expect my applicatio­n to be successful as I knew that hundreds of other people would be applying.

“Coming for the interview, I did not know the other functions and roles of the RFMF Naval Division. All I know is they protect the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“I was shocked that I had received a call from the RFMF Naval Division advising me that I have been one of the 100 selected for the basic recruitmen­t course.

She advised: “People need to go an extra mile to achieve their goal. Do not let words of people deter you and stop you from achieving your dream.”

She said she would pursue studies to become a surveyor.

 ?? Photo: Nacanieli Tuilevuka Photo: RFMF Media Cell ?? Parents of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division ordinary seaman Penaisia Kula, Pauliasi Natabe and Ane Nasau Natabe shed tears of job after seeing their daughter in uniform on November 18, 2022.
Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division ordinary seaman Penaisia Kula receiving the best division drill award from the RFMF Commander, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai on November 18, 2022.
Photo: Nacanieli Tuilevuka Photo: RFMF Media Cell Parents of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division ordinary seaman Penaisia Kula, Pauliasi Natabe and Ane Nasau Natabe shed tears of job after seeing their daughter in uniform on November 18, 2022. Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division ordinary seaman Penaisia Kula receiving the best division drill award from the RFMF Commander, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai on November 18, 2022.

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