Becoming a teacher is not everybody’s cup of tea, but with passion and willingness to serve, one can truly make a difference in a child’s life.

With more than 20 years experience as an educator, Sereana Tuapati says her love for teaching has taken her to many classrooms across the country, even to the most remote school on the island of Rotuma.

Ms Tuapati is currently the principal of Rotuma High School – the only secondary school on the island.

Originally from Rewa with maternal links to Uto Village in Nadi, she has been teaching in Rotuma since 2017.

After accepting the post from the ministry of education seven years ago, Ms Tuapati has never looked back.

She said she took on the new challenges and moved to the island with her two sons.

“I’m a bit adventurous. To teach in the most remote school in Fiji was going to be a challenge but I said ‘you know what? why not!,” Ms Taupati shared with this newspaper.

“I teach geography, social science and history and because I did counselling and guidance, I became a school counsellor.”

She said teaching in an environment where the local people did not speak your language language was challenging, however, she was able to learn the culture.

“I came here with my family, my two boys and they even attended Rotuma High School.

“Respect is very big here especially the children, I work well with the teachers.

Since a young adult, the former Adi Cakobau School student developed a strong desire to take up teaching.

She first began her teaching career at Gau Secondary School in 1998 and later moved to Dilkusha High School, Waidina Secondary and Mulomulo Secondary School.

“There were a lot of openings. Somehow I discovered this was something I was good at and passionate about as well,” Mrs Tuapati said.

Despite its isolation, she said most Rotuman students at her high school were hardworking and moved to Viti Levu to pursue tertiary studies.

“We had two of our students that secured Chinese scholarships. They are currently in China.

She said one of her students was now studying medicine and others have been encouraged to take up vocations that were in demand.

“Every year we always make sure that we have students heading towards these fields (like teaching and nursing) because of the opportunities that will come after that and because they are in demand.”

Retiring and settling down in Rotuma seem appealing, however, she thinks she has to carefully consider the idea as she wants to spend more time with her family back on the mainland.

She urges Fiji’s youths to consider taking up the noble profession of teaching because of the role it plays in moulding the lives of children and communities.

“Teaching is a commitment to a lifelong of learning,” Mrs Tuapati said.

“This is not everyone’s cup of tea but if you discover you’re good at it, then perhaps head towards fields that are in demand, like maths, physics, computer, industrial arts.

“Because not only will a job be waiting for you, but you will also have an opportunity to influence young minds to be responsible and productive citizens of the future.”