So what, if life’s never easy?
RENOWNED chemist and physicist Marie Curie once said “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”
What she said was for every human being. Yet, her message would no doubt strike a chord with women.
For many, juggling being a daughter-in-law, wife, mother and home organiser is no mean feat. It takes a lot of skill and an equal portion of determination and courage.
Azmeena Fezleen’s life journey is a good example of how women are able to do 100 things at once, or so it seems.
After being a housewife for 10 years, she grew restless, and like most women, sought for something different from her daily routine of washing, cooking and cleaning.
She wanted to work and earn an income.
Four years ago, she made some enquiries and decided to study at the Fiji National University Labasa Campus.
And last week, she was rewarded for her boldness and commitment when she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting, and Industrial Relations & Human Resources Management.
Overjoyed with her achievement, the mother of one who was recently employed as manager at Deoji’s shoe shop in Labasa Town, dedicated her success to her husband, inlaws and family.
“I am very blessed to have the support of my husband and family, and my in-laws always encouraged me to study and further my education,” she said.
“So after my son was born, I started searching for courses I could take at FNU and found this program, and everything started from there.
“It wasn’t easy at first because I had to juggle time between my role as a mum, wife and my duties in the house.”
However, after a few months of study, Azmeena said she worked out how to best manage her time as a student and the role she was required to play at home.
“Being a mother was challenging, but wonderful because when our son went to sleep, I would use that time to study.
“During the day if he was awake and I needed to study, my in-laws would look after him while I completed my assignments.”
The young mother attributed her success to her family’s eagerness to work together to ensure she was always up to date with her studies.
“Towards the end of last year, I applied for a job at Deoji’s and got the job and I was very grateful because that also supported me financially.”
Azmeena said she never neglected her domestic duties or her studies, and always ensured her husband was well taken care of.
“Sometimes, I get up early to prepare breakfast and lunch for my husband who works for Government as a driver so it’s very important that I don’t stay up too late at night for studies.”
Being supported by her husband was something Azmeena said she would always appreciate in life.
“Whatever little he earned while I stayed home as a wife, we saved, apart from buying food and meeting other financial obligations.
“We supported each other throughout the 10 years of me being at home as a housewife. When I needed data for my studies so I could access information online, he would always buy it for me.
“I believe husbands play a very important role in ensuring their wive’s success in life because it worked for my situation.”