Ili Ratumaibulu: I Wish Heaven Was A Phone Call Away
The mother-of-two wished her parents were present to witness her success.
Iwish Heaven was a phone call away just to hear my parents tell me ‘Congratulations my daughter, says graduate Iliseva Ratumaibulu.
Ms Ratumaibulu yesterday received her certificate in Food and Beverage during the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) Department of Hospitality and Tourism graduation ceremony at the Fiji National University (FNU), Nadi Campus.
“I wish my parents were beside me today, but I know that they are rejoicing in Heaven,” the mother of two said emotionally.
In spite of her parents passing, Ms Ratumaibulu said she was blessed to have her husband and two sons by her side supporting her throughout her journey in school.
“My husband could not make it today because he works on Castaway Island and it is too far for him to come here to attend my graduation,” she said. “However, I am forever grateful for having my two sons, Jone Tabuadrau, 5, and Peni Junior, 2, to be here.
“Even though my husband is not with us most of the time because of work, my children have been my rock throughout my journey and I love my children so much for also supporting me as well.” She said it was no easy task being at home, looking after the two boys and then travelling to school to complete her assignments.
“It was a struggle for me for six months, but I am blessed that I was given the time to stay with them and also be by there side,” she said. “I will come to school and spend about two to three hours and then I would go back home and just be by their side because I wanted them to know that although I had a career to focus on and an education to complete, no matter what I would always be by their side.” Ms Ratumaibulu hopes to secure a job at a resort or hotel and serve people with a smile.
Edited by Naisa Koroi