A single mistake does not have to define a lifetime, a message powerfully reflected in the story of Aisea Toribau, a young Fijian who has rebuilt his life through accountability, education, and perseverance.
Speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Toribau, who has recently graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Management, shared that growing up with a father who was a teacher and later a principal, he studied at several schools, which helped him adapt to different environments.
He says children of teachers often face pressure, as education becomes the main focus and parents consistently push them to excel.
He says they were taught good behaviour and received a strong education.
Toribau shares that while working at a bank, he committed a crime.
He explains that he was charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception, and took full responsibility for it.
He says it was due to immaturity, lack of self-awareness, and peer pressure.
Toribau says on the day he was caught, his father received a call from his uncle, informing him about a report made against him.
INSERT: Toribau on lowest point 15th Jan
Toribau says he even attempted to take his own life, but was fortunate to have very supportive parents who stood by him.
He says that when he was about to enter the interview room at the police station, his father told him that he would take full responsibility for the crime and be accountable for what had happened.
He adds that after the questioning, he could see the shame on his father’s face, and while walking towards the car, he simply lay down on the road.
INSERT: Toribau on support 15th Jan
He says his parents and family stood by him when they were informed of the case, and it was through their support that he faced the legal process and committed himself to personal growth through education and community service.
