Being the youngest of eight children has never deterred Rachel Bula Lomani Waqabaca from reaching for the stars and achieving her aspirations.
From Waciwaci Village, Lakeba, Lau, Waqabaca proudly graduated from the Fiji National University (FNU) this year with a Bachelor of Accounting, Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management degree.
“Hard work and never giving up always pays off in the end and I strongly believe in that,” Waqabaca firmly said.
“I have amazing and fond memories of my time at the Fiji National University.”
“The University resources and lecturers were helpful during my student journey, which began in 2015 when I undertook the TVET course – Diploma in Accounting (Level 5) programme.”
Education
During high school studies at Jasper Williams High School, Waqabaca said she was certain that FNU would be her tertiary institution of choice as it was aligned with her academic goals.
“My family moved to the Central Division at the same time I began university studies, so I undertook the TVET course at the Nasinu Campus.”
“I made the right choice in studying at FNU as the compulsory component of industrial attachment supported my personal and professional growth.”
“My confidence level and ability to interact with people confidently were due to first-hand industry experience that I gained during the attachment. I was also able to apply my theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.”
Waqabaca also shared about the developments undertaken by FNU over the years to enhance the learning experience of all its students.
“I have noticed that the University infrastructure has changed over the years which has led to an enjoyable learning environment. For instance, in 2015 we used to use the tennis court beside the Main Hall at Nasinu Campus for sporting activities. However, now that FNU has a Sports and Wellness Centre, we have alternatives.”
Career
“My tertiary studies have prepared me for my first formal employment at Ram Sami & Sons (Fiji) Limited, where I was the Accounts Officer. I recently joined Value City SPE Ltd as the Accounts Receivable Officer,” Waqabaca shared.
“My work as an accounts officer fueled my passion for Accounting and motivated me to pursue further studies and graduate with a degree.”
Waqabaca graduated from the TVET programme in 2018 and completed her degree four years later.
Family
“I had met my husband at FNU in 2016, had my first child in 2017 and welcomed my second child in 2018,” she shared.
“My small family was always my beacon of hope whenever I felt like giving up during my studies, particularly when COVID reached our shores.”
“The assignment and work deadlines, coupled with trying to juggle a young family was a challenge I was proud to overcome.”
“Learning to adapt to the new mode of learning was a great learning experience and I am grateful to the lecturers and FNU staff for checking in on the student’s welfare and allowing time for students to complete assignments.”
“I thank God, my husband, children and family for the constant motivation and support.”
Words of Wisdom
Waqabaca said her student and graduate experience at FNU allowed her to motivate others to study at FNU.
“My studies at the Fiji National University have enabled me to be able to work well in a team and excel in my current field of work,” she said.
“If you have a dream of pursuing tertiary studies and becoming successful in life, then FNU is the place for you as it will help you turn your dreams into reality.”
Alumni Connect
Graduates of FNU and its former institutions can register to be part of the exclusive Alumni Connect portal and remain connected to their classmates and the University.
Registered alumni can receive news and updates on key University activities, read alumni success and feature articles, scholarship and upskilling opportunities, networking events and professional development and training seminars. To register, please visit https://www.fnu.ac.fj/alumni/
Apply Now
FNU is now accepting applications for Semester 1, 2023 studies.
Students interested in joining TVET courses at FNU can apply now for one of the 4,600 placements available through the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS).
Eligible students must obtain a pass in Year 12, Certificate I, Certificate II or secure a final offer letter for any Certificate Level III, IV or Diploma level 5 programmes offered at FNU.
Under the TSLS Skills Qualification Scheme, 200 awards are eligible for students who have completed and passed with a minimum score of 250 in the Year 13 Examination or completed and passed with a minimum score of 270 in the Year 12 Examination. Further details on eligibility are available at www.tsls.com.fj
For ease in admission and registration, FNU has dedicated Enrolment Centres at the Nasinu, Derrick, Koronivia, Ba, Natabua, Namaka and Labasa campuses.
These centres have staff available to assist students with enrolment, IT requirements, and academic counselling.
For further information, students can visit our website at www.fnu.ac.fj, email the Academic Team via admission@fnu.ac.fj or Text (Toll-Free) 857 for Vodafone and Inkk users.