From a young age, Sheemal Bandana Prasad was geared to help shape the lives of future generations, and a Higher Diploma in Education from Fiji National University (FNU) gave her the foundation for a wonderful career launch in education.

The 28-year-old graduated from FNU with a Higher Diploma in Education in 2013 and a Bachelor of Education (Primary) in 2014. According to Prasad, the lessons she learned as a student contributed to her future success in education.

“FNU’s teaching was spot on with trends in education; what I was learning at FNU directly translated into the classroom where I was teaching. It was great to be able to implement my new skills right away,” she said.

“I genuinely enjoyed my first teaching posting at Levuka Public Primary School in Levuka, Ovalau. The knowledge I gained at FNU thoroughly prepared me for a teaching post in the maritime zone. I learned so much from the experienced lecturers, and all of the experiences I had helped shape me into the person and teacher I am today, said the Nadi native.

After teaching in the maritime zone for five years, Prasad was transferred to teach at Mount Saint Mary’s School in Nadi in 2020, which led her to upgrade her studies further. Last year she completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Education and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Education programme at FNU’s College of Humanities and Education (CHE) at Natabua Campus, Lautoka.

According to Prasad, her University preference was always FNU, and she was confident that she was being prepared well for a fulfilling career.

“At FNU, I learnt that education for students in the classroom is not one size fits all. It taught me that there are a lot of factors that can affect students that hinders their learning, but a teacher can make an impact and difference in a child’s life. In most homes, children are not treated as children but seen as adults, so as teachers, we need to let them be children while being responsible. Therefore, it taught me that it is vital to understand the child and what are they going through so assistance provided can be fruitful,” she explained.

Prasad emphasised that she enjoyed her studies at FNU as faculty members were approachable and always ready to assist.

“At FNU, you will find the lecturers care about you and will help you reach your best self. It is a university where being creative is encouraged and nurtured. It teaches you to be selfless and believes in giving back to the community; if you believe that children are our future and best nurtured when young- this is the university to go to,” she added.

Prasad’s advice to prospective students is to trust in their skills.

“FNU taught me that teaching is a noble profession and that teachers have the power to influence and bring out the best from the children under their care.”

Prospective students who wish to study Bachelor of Education (Primary), Post Graduate Diploma in Education, Masters of Education or any other programmes at FNU are encouraged to Apply Now for Semester 1, 2022 studies via the Admission Application portal on the FNU website. Click on https://www.fnu.ac.fj/study/apply/

Students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further admission information.