Anusheelta Kristika Kumar (left) and Geeta Anjali Singh at the Department of Aviation Studies hangar at the FNU’s Nadi Campus.

Best friends, Anusheelta Kristika Kumar and Geeta Anjali Singh are pursuing their studies in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, embarking on a shared journey into the aviation industry.

The pair are in their second year of studies in Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Mechanical) (Level 4) under the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Engineering and Technical Vocational Education and Training (CETVET) at the Namaka Campus.

For Singh, continued sacrifice, hard work and determination were some traits she had to have with her after the passing of her mother in her first year of studies.

Her father, who is retired, is currently her biggest supporter of her dream of becoming an aircraft engineer.

The former Votualevu College student’s interest in the field grew as she has always been a fan of traveling and exploring.

“I chose this programme because of my interest in aircraft and traveling overall. I love the vibe at the airport and can never imagine myself at a desk or confined space doing a job for the rest of my life,” she said.

“When I came out of high school, I was confused about what to do, but when my friend told me about this programme I was really interested in it. I doubted myself in choosing this field as a female because I had no idea about what I was getting myself into or any idea about the tools or nuts and bolts.”

She said being one of the two girls in the programme who are Fijian of Indian descent, was inspiring for her.

“It gives us the platform to advocate and be an inspiration to other girls,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kumar, a former student of Sabeto College was inspired by her father to become an aircraft engineer.

“I grew up looking at my dad, fixing cars and tractors and that is where my interest built,” she added.

“I thought to do something different, so I did aircraft engineering.”

She is grateful to her parents for supporting her decision to be in the aviation field.

Her advice to all girls and women – “Be proud of yourself and what you are doing. If you think you can do it, then no one can stop you from doing what you aspire to become.”

FNU stands proud to offer such programmes that allows women and girls to succeed in.