WRITING notes on small pieces of papers for others to understand what you're saying might be uncomfortable and embarrassing for many people. But that is certainly not the case for Tuliana Waibuta.
It is something this brave woman has become used to and it makes her communication with others easy.
Tuliana, 30, is a teacher by profession and teaching others who are deaf like her is an achievement for her.
She says things do become tough in her silent world and she uses the help of a pen and paper to make it easier for other normal people.
The looks and stares she gets from others, she says, don't bother at her all.
Tuliana overcame the negative reaction from others when she was a small girl and fighting her way through in order to be treated equally, she says has made her stronger.
She is a true inspiration and despite her hearing disability, she believes she can do all.
"When I sit in the taxi, I write on a piece of paper where I want to go and give it to the taxi driver. I don't care how they look at me or what they think," she says, using sign language.
"When I go to the shop, I do the same with the shopkeeper. Even when I go to the bank, I will write my message for the teller and give it to them.
"I never thought I was different and accepted it when I was a small girl.
"I always show normal-hearing people that I am capable of doing what they can. I am positive about that."
Ms Waibuta was born partially deaf but because of her sickly condition, she completely lost her hearing at the age of seven.
She hails from Rewa and her mother was also a teacher for the deaf.
She now teaches at Gospel School for the Deaf. She is the youngest in a family of four children.
To be a qualified and professional teacher is her dream and Tuliana is completing an early childhood education program at the University of the South Pacific.
"I want to do the best for my students. They mean a lot to me," she says.
Looking after the little ones from all over Fiji, she said. was an honour for her.
"When I teach them, I can see that they have the desire to learn and that is a great thing," she says.
To be patient and being able to endure life is her motto.
