By Mohammed Aruf Yasin
At the age of 41, I am very excited to announce that I am now a Fijian Legal Practitioner. Fit and proper person inter alia.
On Friday, 19 November 2021, I was officially admitted to the Bar as Legal Practitioners and to the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of Fiji.
It was a truly a challenging experience; I pursed law not to practice as a lawyer but to enhance my skill and better support member States of World Health Organization while working as a Technical Officer after realizing the legal knowledge gap surrounding aspects of health care planning, patient care and health system.
Not just Bachelor of Law but to stay current with the latest developments, skills, and new technologies I successfully completed while working,
Bachelor of Nursing
Master of Business Administration
Master of #International Relations and #Diplomacy and on the verge of completing Master of Public Health.
Nevertheless, after 18 years since I first graduated as a nurse, 10 years working with World Health Organization, 4 graduation later, over $100k self-funded education and several years of successfully juggling university education and full-time employment, it all came to a juncture where I was left with no option but to resign so that I could pursue 6 months of full-time practical legal training, a mandatory requirement to be admitted to the bar.
The circumstances have now changed. I am more confident and have no doubt that I can excel as a Barrister and Solicitor. My path has been winding, but I've seen things, learned things, and grown in ways not possible by any other means. At this point, it would take quite a bit to shake me.
I remain extremely grateful to Mohammed Saneem for moving me to the Bar, to all the The University of the South Pacific legal fraternity, WHO and Pacific Ministries of Heath colleagues, nursing fraternity, and my friends who always remained a call and text away.
I truly appreciate those who’ve supported me in the process. Sincere thanks to Rina Kumar, Rachna Prasad, WHO Dr Narayan and Dr Dipesh Raniga.
Alhamdulillah, I am truly blessed to have been able to achieve this goal of mine. I am glad all my hard work pays off!
I am sharing my story in hopes that it will encourage someone else.
Never let your present circumstances deter you from pursuing your wildest dreams. Anything is possible.
Just trust the process and do your best. What’s meant for you is already yours.
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