A difficult childhood and a whole lot of determination were the driving factors that set Tevita Rakula on the path to studying at the Fiji National University (FNU) in 2018.
Three years later, the Bachelor of Environmental Health graduate from FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) is already making his alma mater proud by being selected to participate in the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Summer School in August.
Originally from Nawi, a district of Mabuco in the province of Cakaudrove, Rakula spent his childhood in Taveuni.
Reflecting on his early days, the FNU student mentioned that the knockbacks in life have been the stepping stone for his career progression.
“Having gone through an abusive childhood and depression has taught me the importance of education and I thank the Fiji National University for allowing me to pursue my dreams,” said the 23-year-old.
“I was always keen to become a Health Inspector and the idea of joining FNU was born after I visited FNU’s Open Day some years ago. I remember coming across a booth where some students were displaying programmes related to Environmental Health which quickly captivated my attention.”
“The Bachelor of Environmental Health programme supports students towards mitigating and adapting to the risks and impacts of rapid and detrimental environmental changes on the health of people,” Rakula elaborated.
The aspiring Health Officer looks forward to participating in the 2021 Association of the Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Summer School which supports talented University students from around the world to come together, to tackle a global issue through a mix of interactive and interdisciplinary activities.
“Completing my Bachelors and the support that I had received from the Lecturers at FNU gave me the confidence and skills to apply for the ACU Summer School fellowship,” stated Rakula.
“I am elated to participate in the ACU fellowship which will increase my ability to respond effectively to challenges that come with this pandemic which includes understanding and responding to vulnerable communities and laid-off workers.”
The theme for the 2021 ACU Summer School is “Urban Disasters: Vulnerability and resilience in a pandemic” which will be hosted as a virtual event by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in India during the first two weeks of August.
“My presentation is aligned to the theme which focuses on the disaster. Fiji has tackled several Category 4 and 5 Cyclones in the past year whilst also dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. I chose to share this with other participants and look forward to learning from them as well,” said Rakula.
“As a future practitioner, I will be able to share my learning experience with my colleagues who work in the same field and are frontlines in disaster responses including epidemics like COVID-19.”
With future ambitions to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Health, Rakula advises those considering University studies to follow their passion.
“Even if you go through hardships, do not surrender to it. Never give up on your passion.”
Enrolment for Semester 2, 2021 is currently underway. Interested students can visit the FNU website on www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more.
Prospective students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information on enrolment.