Being admitted to the bar was a bittersweet moment for Amele Adikula Waqairawai, who wished her late father was alive to witness her accomplishment.
The 25-year-old was one of 29 USP graduates who became lawyers during their admission ceremony at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.
Ms Waqairawai was emotional when she spoke about her father, Ratu Tevita Bolakivei Waqairawai, saying that he would have been happy to see her become a lawyer, just like he always wanted.
The former Adi Cakobau School student who hails from Ucunivanua Village in Verata, Tailevu with maternal links to Yavulo Village in Nadroga said: “Today I had the best and worst feeling at the same time; best feeling in the sense that I finally finished my law studies and worse feeling because the person I shared this dream with is not here today.
“How I wished my dad was here to see me finally becoming what he wanted me to be. I am so thankful to my mum who had to step up and play both the role of a mother and father and therefore she is my superwoman.
“I had support from my maternal and paternal side who was there for my siblings and I when my dad passed away and for that I am thankful.”
Her mother, Kiti Waqairawai, acknowledged her daughter for never giving up.
“My daughter wanted to become a lawyer and my late husband encouraged her to take up law,” Mrs Kiti Waqairawai said.
“I believe that my daughter is the first lawyer from her father’s side, and I know her dad is proud of Amele.
“We had a strong family back-up; my family and my husband’s family have always been there for us even when my husband passed away.
“When my daughter had to study in Vanuatu for two years, one of my husband’s aunts, Adi Ema Tuivanuakula, gave her an apartment there to stay in and that helped a lot.
“My daughter was a private student and she worked hard which enabled her to reach this far.”
Amele is currently on attachment at the Nausori Town Council legal department.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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