As a teacher, Lynett Vinita Reddy is living proof to her students that hard work, dedication and perseverance are valuable traits that enable individuals to achieve their desired goals in life.

The quiet yet determined lady from Labasa, Vanua Levu said hearing about the success stories of others that undertook tertiary studies at the Fiji National University (FNU) prompted her to pursue her academic ambitions.

“I came from a background that wasn’t financially stable,” Reddy shared. “However, this did not stop my parents from ensuring that my siblings and I received the education we needed to improve our conditions.”

“Working hard and not giving up is something that was instilled in me from observing the struggles my parents went through and this is my constant source of motivation in life.”

“Both my parents worked hard to send me to Labasa College and thereafter supported me in my university studies.”

Education
Reddy completed primary school at Naleba Bhartiya School and high school at Naleba College and Labasa College.

She then studied at FNU’s former Fiji College of Advanced Education, which is now the College of Humanities and Education (CHE).

Reddy graduated with a Diploma in Secondary Teaching majoring in Accounting and Economics and has been a teacher since 2011.

In 2017, she was inspired and motivated by her husband Randhir Raj, to undertake a course of interest and fulfill her dream.

“I had a keen interest in Accounting from a young age and after encouragement from my husband, I decided to become a part-time student at FNU,” Reddy recalled. “I enrolled in the Bachelor in Commerce programme
majoring in Accounting and Economics.”

“To be honest, this was a challenge for me as I had to manage my work, family and studies at the same time. However, I was excited and determined to overcome this and complete my degree.”

Offered by the University’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS), the three-year full-time course provides graduates with a good understanding of accounting principles, financial statements and analysis, management and cost accounting, budgetary control, tax accounting, law and accounting, auditing, accounting standards and corporate reporting and business information systems.

“Through the programme, I also gained knowledge in accounting theory, research methods, business ethics, professional codes of conduct and accounting and accountability of public sector and not-for-profit organisations,”
Reddy said.

Academic Achievements
“Throughout my studies, the stories of others who had succeeded at FNU inspired me to also achieve the same.”

“I was pursuing my dream of gaining qualifications in the field of Accounting at a very flexible and conducive learning environment at FNU and one of my highlights was receiving all A and A+ grades throughout my undergraduate course.”

Reddy’s academic achievements were evident when she received the Pherrus Pty (Fiji) Ltd Prize for Best Student
in Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) during the FNU’s December 2020 graduation.

She was also awarded the TK Jayaraman and Family Annual Prize for Topper in Bachelor of Commerce (Economics).

In 2021, Reddy decided to continue upskilling and enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting.

Upon completion, she was a special award recipient of the Office of the Auditor General (FIJI) Prize for Best Postgraduate Auditing Student.

“I am equally humbled and proud of these achievements, which were only possible because of the support I have received from lecturers and my family.” Reddy said the prize money she received from the three special awards, in addition to the facilities, resources and guidance of her lecturers at FNU, led her to enrol in the Masters in Accounting programme, which she is currently undertaking.

Motivation
“I credit my success to my husband, parents, siblings and the entire Reddy family,” she shared with a smile.
“It is always a privilege to know that you have people supporting you in your endeavors.”

Words of Wisdom
“Put God and your Parents first in life, and all good things will come your way,” Reddy said. “Be honest in everything you do as this is one of the crucial characteristics of your student and work ethic.”

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Study at FNU
Students interested in studying at FNU can visit our website at www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more about our programmes, minimum entry requirements and the application process.

Those who wish to pursue a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programme at FNU can also study through placements provided by the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS).

Offered through the University’s TVET Pasifika, these courses are Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma level qualifications. Students eligible for TSLS-funded studies must have successfully completed Year 12 with a minimum mark of 200/400 or completed Level I and II studies from the Technical College of Fiji or equivalent institutions.

Applications for Semester 2 studies are now open.