Prior to joining FMA, Mereta Teirabwati had never been on a ship before.

Considered one of the few females from her home country to pursue Nautical Science as a programme of study, Mereta Teirabwati knows she has a lot riding on her shoulders.

The first-year student at Fiji National University’s Fiji Maritime Academy has never been on a ship before and could potentially become one of Kiribati’s leading mariners.

What was initially her father’s dream, has now become hers and while she is navigating uncharted waters, the knowledge that she could excel in, what is a predominantly male-dominated field, has motivated her to see her academic journey through.

“This is my first year and I have learnt new things,” she said.

“I have never been on a ship before and here I am learning about it. My parents wanted me to take this course to fulfil my father’s dream, so I am doing this for him. I want to make my father proud of me.”

Having been granted a scholarship, Teirabwati feels she has been given an opportunity to better her family’s circumstances.

“Back home, it’s kind of tough. Sometimes, I didn’t have money for school, but I was so fortunate I got a scholarship. I had to work and study hard to be able to get here.”

The 19-year-old’s transition to everyday life in a different country has not been easy.

“It’s different here in Fiji. Back home we speak our own language and here we speak English, but I’ve made a few friends and am slowly coming to terms with things here.”

Teirabwati believes she is in the right environment to succeed given the resources available at her disposal.

“There are very good facilities here that I believe will help me in my studies. I know I will have to make a lot of sacrifices to become a captain.”