Lyric Williams: The Humble Luminary Shaping Fiji’s Future
In the heart of Suva, Fiji, a rising star named Lyric Williams is making waves. With a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Psychology, topped by a gold medal in Linguistics, Lyric stands out not only for her academic brilliance but also for her dedication to community and service. Through her journey as a student and voluntary worker, she has become a beacon of hope, embodying the spirit of humility and grassroots engagement.
Inspired by UNA Fiji: A Journey of Discovery:
Lyric’s journey with UNA Fiji began with the Basic Diplomacy Training Programme in 2020. Here, she discovered that diplomacy is not just a profession but a calling. This introduction to UNA Fiji opened her eyes to the value of mindfulness, tact, and adaptability—traits that have now become part of her professional identity. But more than skills, UNA Fiji imparted a cause; it gave her purpose and direction.
Through UNA Fiji, Lyric learned about the pressing issues facing her nation and region. As she says, “It felt only right to stand by a noble cause.” That cause, educating and empowering others, transformed her understanding of service and cemented her commitment to creating change.
A Vision Beyond Borders:
Her experience with UNA Fiji reshaped her aspirations, making her keenly aware of the need for action on issues like climate change, public health, and education. This greater understanding of social needs has clarified her mission—to use her skills to uplift and give back to her community. For Lyric, true empowerment means helping others recognize their own voices and potential, a value instilled in her from an early age and reinforced through her work with UNA Fiji.
An Eye-Opening Experience:
Of all the memories Lyric has with UNA Fiji, her work alongside diverse individuals from all walks of life stands out. Exposure to different values, perspectives, and ideas broadened her worldview, teaching her to be both culturally sensitive and respectfully assertive. As someone deeply interested in psychology, Lyric relishes understanding people’s unique perspectives and has found UNA Fiji to be a perfect environment to learn and grow.
Yet one of her most significant challenges came when she was unexpectedly asked to be the Mistress of Ceremony for a UNA Fiji event. Overwhelmed at first, Lyric overcame her fear, crediting Mr. Akmal Ali, the President of UNA Fiji, for his role in empowering her to take on challenges that seemed daunting. “Mr. Ali believed in each of us, even when we didn’t believe in ourselves,” Lyric recalls warmly. This experience, facing her fear of public speaking, became a pivotal moment of growth and self-discovery, giving her confidence that she carries forward today.
Guided by Wisdom: A Mentor’s Influence:
For Lyric, Mr. Ali has been more than just a leader; he has been a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration. His unwavering confidence in her abilities and his knack for identifying the potential in others have left a lasting impact. “Mr. Ali ensures we have tasks suited to us, even when we’re not sure of our own strengths,” she says. His influence has instilled in her a resolve to lead with the same encouragement, empathy, and commitment to her values. His example taught her the value of believing in people, often more than they believe in themselves, and this insight has profoundly shaped her outlook.
Overcoming Challenges with Grace:
Balancing her academic and volunteer commitments has not always been easy. Time management became a challenge, especially with project deadlines and volunteer work. But Lyric took each challenge in stride, focusing on self-care and taking time to recalibrate her priorities. Grounding herself in her purpose and reminding herself why she began this journey helped her find the clarity she needed. Her resilience shines through as she faces each new challenge with strength, humility, and poise.
Giving Back: A Legacy in the Making:
Lyric’s vision for the future is filled with purpose. She aims to bring attention to mental health, effective communication, and social justice, working with established groups to create positive change. Whether it’s through education, healthcare, or social services, she is committed to making a lasting impact in her community. Her advice to others is rooted in her journey: “Do something that resonates with you and develop resilience. Be open to change.” These words reflect the wisdom of a young leader who understands that while the future is unpredictable, staying true to one’s values is the key to meaningful impact.
A Humble Heart with a Global Vision:
Lyric Williams embodies the qualities of a true leader: grounded, compassionate, and driven by purpose. Her work with UNA Fiji and her dedication to her community remind us that change begins with one committed individual. With the guidance of mentors like Mr. Ali and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs, Lyric is poised to make a lasting difference. As she steps forward into her career, she carries with her a vision for a brighter future—one she’s determined to help create, one step at a time.
With Class, Dignity and Elegance
