Aliti Cua Delailoa graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Commerce in Tourism Management from the University of the South Pacific.

What makes this graduation special is her perseverance.

Late last year, her husband was installed as the Tui Dravuwalu, in Totoya island in Lau.

As the wife of the new Chief, Delailoa has made the decision to support her husband’s traditional role.

She said she will be educating her people with what she has gained, with the hope of inspiring younger people.

“To get a degree is not only for you to look for higher paid jobs. Why don’t you go back to your village. It will be very useful if you take back your knowledge, and skills, back to your very own people who need it the most”, she said.

Despite her age, she demonstrated the true value of perseverance and hard work.

In her late 50’s, Delailoa collected her degree from the University of the South Pacific last week.

The Naroi, Moala Lau native joined the tourism industry in the 80’s and has an extensive experience in the entertainment and operations department.

Five years ago, she was encouraged by her colleague to continue her studies in higher education.

“He motivated me to go back to school, and I said, oh I’m old now, how can I go back?”, she said smilingly.

She-credits her years of experience as a guiding factor to achieving her degree.

“It helped me a lot with my studies, as I was experience, i have been already in the field”, she said.

She remembered during her studies, she has to travel from Outrigger Fiji to Suva daily to attend classes, and work at the same time.

She graduated with her diploma in 2019, and collected her degree earlier this month.

With determination, the mother of 5 hopes to pursue her Masters and PHD in the near future.

“Its never too late, its never to late”, she added.