In 1996, Fiji faced a threat from a military coup against the newly elected government, consequently making my parents decide to leave Fiji. They packed up 5 of us kids at the time and left with the hopes that we would receive a better education and future, believing the best chance of that was in America.
Since then, my dad has taught me freedom is defined and attained in multiple ways. Whether its freedom from war, justice for equal or moral freedom, or education that sets us free; there are freedoms that Americans can practice that other countries simply cannot. Freedoms that would not be available to me in Fiji because of my gender and mixed race or available here if I wasn't a dual citizen. Freedoms that Americans, even foreign civilians, have given or sacrificed their lives for. Freedom has never been free.
Im grateful for my dad for showing me resilience and opening my eyes to a perspective more considerate and conscious of the people and places around me. For encouraging me to take full advantage of my freedom and never stop fighting for it. To use the privileges I have to help others that may not. And appreciate the people you meet along the way seeking the same dreams.
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