FNU’s College of Humanities and Education, Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (English and Geography) graduate, Daiana Mua.

While waiting for her name to be called to finally receive her Bachelor of Education (BED) (Secondary) (English and Geography), Daiana Mua gripped onto the wristwatch of her late father, wishing for his presence on her special day.

The multitalented and enthusiastic student at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Humanities and Education (CHE), based at Natabua Campus, lost her father last year.

Mua shared that her achievement was dedicated to her parents.

“He would have loved to have attended the ceremony, with him and his big smile, and then he would have quickly taken me back to Yasawa just so he could eat fish,” she said.

She said the journey to being where she was wasn’t an easy one.

“When you’re young, you think that the world is your oyster, and you tend to make many mistakes; that was the case for me,” said Mua.

“My parents finally had to step in and show some tough love. They encouraged me to enrol in Bachelor of Education (Secondary) programme in the two majors that I liked, Geography and English.”

“Everything that happened from there was smooth sailing; I adapted well, made great friends, kept under the care of amazing lecturers, and took on responsibilities that were way out of my comfort zone and did a pretty good job at it.”

Mua added that her passion to teach came from the heart.

“I like the idea that I can change the trajectory of a child’s life for the better. For the short amount of time that they’re with me, I can impart knowledge and show genuine care and concern for them as humans. Basically, apart from content in the curriculum, I can mould them into being a good person,” she added.

She highlighted that at times, she felt that she was not doing enough and had the thought of failing a unit at one point.

Mua was part of the 516 students that graduated from the College of Humanities and Education on 16 April.