I was born and raised in the beautiful island nation of Fiji. Growing up surrounded by the lush tropical forests and crystal-clear waters, I developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and spent most of my childhood exploring the outdoors with my geologist parents. As soon as I could walk, they would take me on hikes through the dense undergrowth, pointing out fascinating rock formations and teaching me about the geological wonders that lay beneath our feet. Those early years instilled in me a sense of wonder and curiosity that has stayed with me to this day.

As I grew older, my parents began taking me on more extensive expeditions throughout the Pacific Islands. We would spend weeks at a time camping out in remote locations, collecting samples and conducting research. It was during these trips that I developed a particular fascination with the unique geology of each island we visited. The way the different rock types interacted with one another, the formation of volcanic peaks, the intricate dance of tectonic plates - it all captivated me.

Eventually, my parents encouraged me to pursue a career in geology myself, and I went on to study at university back home in Fiji. After completing my degree, I joined a team of geologists working on a project to map the geological history of our beloved islands. We spent months trekking through dense jungles, sampling rocks and soil, and analyzing data. It was an incredible experience that honed my skills as a geologist while allowing me to stay connected to my roots.