Vanisi
“Being a woman does not mean you are any less, being a woman means independence, confidence, beauty and uniqueness in your own way.”
Vanisi, or Dr Nisi, is a selfless person who is determined to serve everyone around her. This led into her to a career as a doctor, where she works in General Practice and Urgent Care in New Zealand's largest city. She was raised by a single mother who worked long and hard hours to provide for her family. They moved around a lot, and Vanisi was bullied, which prompted her to doubt her own self-worth. But the difficulties she has faced in the past, as well as the principles she acquired from her mother, have moulded her into the incredibly strong woman she is now, a woman who has dedicated her career to helping others. She is a courageous and confident leader, who is learning to love herself. Meet Vanisi. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
V: Malo e lelei my name is Vanisi Prescott, I was born in the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga. I am a mother of 3 gorgeous children and I am a doctor currently working in General Practice and Urgent Care in Auckland, New Zealand.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
V: I am a big softie with a big heart. I tend to always put everyone else’s needs before my own. I guess that comes with being a mother and the struggles I have been through in life. I love surrounding myself with people, especially ones who are vibrant, positive and full of life. Over these past few years I have become more confident in myself and I have learned to love and appreciate myself a lot more.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
V: I did not have a great upbringing. I’ve been through a lot growing up. My mother being a single parent, we struggled significantly. I went to so many different primary schools, I never had a chance to adjust or make friends so I was always alone. My best friends were my cousins. I was bullied and mocked from primary school right through to high school. This affected me both mentally and emotionally. I hated looking in the mirror because I hated seeing the person staring back at me. In high school, I started in the learning assistance class and it was that class that taught me a great deal of resilience and perseverance, thanks to my teachers. As I became a senior I slowly started to find myself but still lacked a lot of confidence. It’s taken me a while to accept myself for me and find that inner confidence I never had, I don’t hate my past but I am grateful for it because it has shaped me into this strong, confident and resilient woman I am today.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
V: I don’t just have one but I have few. You are beautiful and amazing and never forget that. You don’t need approval from anyone but yourself. You were put on this earth for a reason and that reason is far greater than you can ever imagine. Love yourself more because you are worth it.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
V: Being a woman does not mean you are any less, being a woman means independence, confidence, beauty and uniqueness in your own way. Not only can we be powerful and assertive we can also be vulnerable and show compassion to everyone around us. We strive for the best even in times of hardship or adversity. Being a woman is truly amazing.
Vanisi uses her TikTok @dr.niniprescott to promote public health messages, combat misinformation, and connect with audiences through storytelling and dancing
P: Who is one woman that inspires you?
V: Definitely my mother, as mentioned earlier she is a single parent. She went through so many struggles and I witnessed it all. I learned at a young age to be independent and take care of myself because I knew she was working tirelessly to care for us. I am forever grateful for everything she had been through and the sacrifices she had made for us children to be who we are today. I am so blessed to have a mother who has a big heart, so kind and full of compassion. She is a superwoman, she is my rock and my friend and she will always be my number one idol. I do what I do because of her and I just want to be able to make her proud and give back everything she’s done for us.
Thank you mum, I love you so much.