Kalesi Bakani (left) during her graduation.

For many students, the extracurricular and campus life activities enrich their tertiary education journey at the Fiji National University (FNU).

This rings true for Kalesi Ukurua Veilomani Bakani, who was quick to share her experiences participating in various FNU events such as the FNU Science and Engineering Exhibitions, orientations and Open Days, fellowships, student camps and social events.

Bakani is a graduate of FNU in the Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Chemistry) that is offered by the University’s College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST).

Undertaking her studies at the CEST School of Applied Science at the Nabua Campus in Suva, Bakani said after choosing the two subjects at International Secondary School (ISS), she decided to pursue the field in university.

“My time at FNU was quite memorable because, in addition to the experienced and approachable lecturers, the hostel life and support services available like the library were what helped in my studies,” she said.

“Since I was a working student, I was grateful to be able to utilise the library at Derrick Campus in Samabula after work to complete my tutorials and assignments before I headed to the cafeteria for some late-night dinners.”

“I enjoyed the practical and lab components for the course as this made us understand the theoretical work we learnt. This was the best learning method for me and a highlight of this was creating a DNA model in 2017 with my classmates in my Food Biotechnology unit.”

“We used beads, wires and other materials to show the chemical building blocks of the DNA, which are the phosphate group, sugar group and the nitrogen bases.”

“In addition, we also undergo the compulsory industrial attachment during our studies and this prepares us to be workforce ready when we graduate from FNU.”

Bakani had undergone her industrial attachment at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Chemistry Research section at Koronivia Research Station in late 2016 and from late 2018 until July last year.

After graduating from FNU last year, Bakani received her first posting by the Ministry to her homeland of Levuka, Ovalau.

She is currently the Messenger (II) at the Ministry’s Levuka Station.

“I am glad to be able to apply my academic and soft skills learnt at FNU,” Bakani said.

“FNU has taught me the importance of tie management, being diligent in a task whether it is big or small, and to always be on time.”

She also acknowledged her late grandparents – Dr Bakani and her namesake Kalesi Bakani – for the role they played in her upbringing and support during her studies.

Despite 2020 being a challenging year for Bakani, given the COVID-19 pandemic and losing both her grandparents, she credited her perseverance to her late grandparents and her parents and siblings.

Bakani plans to progress in her career and venture into the research field. She also aims to undergo Postgraduate and Masters studies at FNU.

Prospective students interested in studying at FNU can visit our website on www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more about our programmes and submit an online application.

Applications for Semester 1, 2022 studies at FNU are now open.