Everyday heroes exist all around us, yet only when we pause to listen to their stories can we be inspired by their courage or learn from their wisdom, writes Linda Kavelin-Popov.

April Atirai from Aitutaki had a dream, which she shared with me several years ago. April has been completely blind since an illness at age thirteen suddenly took her vision, yet she was determined to do something meaningful with her life beyond selling coconuts on the side of the road to help pay for groceries for her family.

“I’ve been craving for a job for so many years,” she said.

Both Internal Affairs staff Tapita Solomona and Aitutaki Disability Society founder Joanna Patterson on Aitutaki tried several times to get her a job as a kitchen hand, yet she was continually rejected.

Attending workshops on human rights and disabilities in Rarotonga, Australia and Fiji ignited her dream even further.

“I was determined. I kept exploring my dream and fighting and fighting for it.” April is now in her early thirties, a woman who dresses for success in bright colours, has a radiant smile, and an air of confidence. She is caring, friendly, and lights up a room when she walks in.

April has a history of advocacy for people with disabilities. She advocated for doubling the modest benefit and she succeeded.

An internship with Internal Affairs was created with April in mind, as she had been known to them for years as a bright, capable, outgoing, and enthusiastic individual. Meanwhile, when April heard about the possible internship with Intaff, she was so excited, she shared it with others.

Some people tried to discourage her. One woman said, “You’ll never get a job in your whole life. You’re not going to get this either.” April responded assertively, “I’m not interested in your conversation. Whatever happens, you will see me there.”

“I already knew it was going to happen,” she added.

April’s vision came true when, before the job interview was even finished, she received the offer to be a disabilities intern in the Rarotonga office.

Ironically, the naysayer came into the office several weeks later, seeking welfare assistance. She was shocked to see April sitting at a desk with her own laptop and cell phone, ready to do her intake interview for welfare assistance.

April said, “Do I know you? Sorry, you will have to work with another staff member, not me.”

April has a rich life in Rarotonga, often out for meals with her friends or singing karaoke with her strong, melodic voice. She is deeply thankful to God and to all who assisted her on this journey.

When I asked Anne Herman, Secretary of Internal Affairs, to describe what was it about April that she received the job during the initial interview, she said, “She’s intelligent, has initiative, is passionate about change, has a great personality and sense of humour. April doesn’t just make changes for April. She advocates for change for all people with disabilities. We’re all learning so much from her.”

April said: “I hope I’m inspiring people at Intaff. I’ve never been so happy.”

April had a vision and never gave up on it. She kept her eyes on the prize.