Lata excited to graduate from FNU

Press Release Posted On: October 14, 2021

Fiji National University (FNU) graduate Shinal Shayal Lata.

Graduation marks the culmination of a journey and the attainment of a personal goal, which opens up rewarding opportunities in the professional sphere. These sentiments were shared by Fiji National University (FNU) graduate Shinal Shayal Lata.

She attained a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry and Food Technology) from FNU’s College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST).

An elated Lata considers the achievement as a stepping-stone to furthering her professional development.

She is currently undertaking Graduate Certificate in Education from FNU’s College of Humanities and Education (CHE). Upon completing this programme, she plans to pursue Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry.

“Finishing the programme and holding my first graduation certificate in my hands felt surreal. The sleepless nights, sacrificing social activities and putting all my efforts into studies while I was enrolled in the programme finally paid off,” she said.

Whilst reminiscing on her tertiary education journey, Lata highlighted that she will always cherish pre-COVID learning and teaching methods.

“Education delivery has immensely changed due to the global pandemic, where most of the learning and teaching has shifted to online model – limiting face to face interactions. I can’t help but smile whenever I think about the times I spent with my friends doing our assignments and tutorials together in the ICT Labs or just having casual conversations after class.”

“These memories have become even more significant considering the current circumstances in which students are learning.”

Upon completing the programme she is currently enrolled in, Lata aspires to have a career in the teaching profession.

“I chose to study Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Food Technology because I wanted to learn and perform the scientific analysis of different food products and their components in testing. I will be able to impart this knowledge to other students through the teaching profession, hence, my decision to upgrade my skills and qualifications,” she added.

Students completing or have completed Year 12 or 13 also have the opportunity to undergo studies in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course at FNU through the 5,000 Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) placements.

Offered through the University’s TVET Pasifika, these courses are Certificate III, Certificate IV and Trade Diploma level qualifications. Students eligible for TSLS-funded studies must have successfully completed Year 12 with a maximum mark of 200/400 or completed Level 1 and II studies from the Technical College of Fiji.

Prospective students can choose from a wide range of TVET courses offered by the University in various fields of study, including Engineering, Medical, Tourism and Hospitality, Entrepreneurship, Fashion and Design, Cooking and Patisserie, Carpentry, Construction, Graphic Arts and Design, Film and Television Production, Hairdressing, Automotive, Electrical and Electronics.

Interested students can still register and participate in the Livestream sessions during the University’s Virtual Outreach Activities (VOA) from the 4th to the 22nd of October by emailing outreach@fnu.ac.fj or call the Outreach team on 9317582.

Parents, guardians and students who wish to participate in the dedicated Information Sessions for them can also register through the contacts above. This session will be held on Friday, October 15 in the English, iTaukei and Hindi Languages.