Emotional day for family
IT was an emotional day for the Rovouvou family as Alesi Salakula Magdelena Rovouvou took to the stage with her two-month-old son to receive her Bachelor of Laws degree last Thursday at the Fiji National University graduation ceremony.
The Batiri, Nadroga, lass said her achievement was made possible through the grace of God and the support of her family.
She could not hold back her tears as she shared about the struggles she went through during her university journey.
“Growing up I was always told that I could never achieve much as I was a sporty person, so no one, including me, dreamt of this moment,” Ms Ravouvou said.
“I thought of being a flight attendant, but my high school teacher told me that I did not meet the height requirement, so I had to reconsider.
“I then opted for my second choice which was to be lawyer.
“Initially she was sceptical about me pursuing law as it was known to be a difficult area of study.”
Just as she was getting into the thick of it, Ms Ravouvou met someone.
“I met my boyfriend at FNU and got pregnant in my final year so braving through law exams while managing a pregnancy was no easy feat.
“My parents asked me if I was OK to continue my studies, I said yes, I did not let the pregnancy stop me from achieving my goals.”
Ms Rovouvou said her pregnancy made her realise who her real family and friends were as many she had considered to be close, abandoned her.
“There were some family members who ignored me and questioned my pregnancy without marriage, and it was tough, but I never did let it deter me.
“I believe it has always been God’s strength that has helped me through the tough times.”
She said her parents, her boyfriend’s family and her friends were her main support group during the pregnancy.
She added that if the walls of her hostel room could speak, they would testify to the amount of tears she shed during her tough times.
“As a student living on campus, away from my parents and my boyfriend away overseas, I often questioned what God had in store for me.”
Ms Rovouvou is presently pursuing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice before she will be admitted to the Bar in July.
“I always tell my son every morning before I leave home to be good as mummy needs a few more months to make it.”
She was amongst the 840 women who graduated during the two-day FNU graduation creremony last week.