Adi Ili takes a leap

Sacrifice finally pays off

JUGGLING marriage, motherhood and studies is no easy feat especially when circumstances demand separation from loved ones. Adi Iliana Christine Bulamaibau did not let her circumstance deter her from achieving her goal. Instead, she used it to motivate her to get enrolled into the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and graduate with flying colours.

In recognition of her diligence, Bulamaibau was awarded a Certificate of Excellence and Dean’s Honours. She described the decision to take herself back to school in 2018 as tough, but after completing her studies, Bulamaibau said she would cherish her struggles and achievement for the rest of her life.

Bulamaibau said she got married in 2016 and she gave birth on the same day she tied the knot.

After a year of marital bliss, the 27-year-old yearned to be more than a housewife and mother. She said the challenges she went through during her first year of marriage drove her to achieve something on her own.

“I used the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme (TELS) loan as a means to pay for my tuition and accommodation. For the first two years I stayed in the nursing hostel while my husband and mother-in-law looked after my eldest daughter,” Bulamaibau said.

“It was very challenging because I had to leave my daughter in Lautoka while I attended school in Suva. They were moments when I wanted to give up and run back home, but whenever I visualised my daughter’s face I knew that all my sacrifices were for the benefit of my daughter.”

Bulamaibau said life as a student was not easy, there were a lot of sleepless nights and outside pressure, especially from her family.

“Our staple diet at the hostel was tuna, biscuits, and noodles. But as soon as there was a semester break, I’d be back in Viseisei, Vuda Point looking after my daughter.”

However, in between living a life as a mother and a student, Bulamaibau said her relationship hit tough times, but she stayed in school and focused on achieving her goals.

The distancing between husband and wife, along with other factors proved to be a challenge, however, the mother of two said she became even more determined to attain a degree.

“Regardless of all the meltdown I went through in my marriage, I pushed through knowing I had to achieve a degree for my girls.

“I had to show my daughters that whatever circumstances you are faced with you can always succeed if you have a strong will and determination. God can make the impossible possible and he can move mountains.”

She attributed her success to family, lecturers and friends at university.

Bulamaibau said she looked forward to securing a job soon and at the same time felt blessed to be surrounded by supportive parents and friends.