Suva, Fiji. Terry Suliana was one of the Fiji National University’s (FNU) proud 2020 graduate who received his certificate in the presence of his parents at FNU’s Tamavua Campus this morning.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions halting traditional graduation ceremonies last year, FNU graduates are now able to receive their certificates at the venue until January 15. More than 1640 students who were to graduate last month will now receive their certificate, degree or postgraduate level qualification.
Suliana, a Diploma in Marine Engineering graduate from the College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST), Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA), said he was pleased to be rewarded for his sacrifices and commitment.
“For anyone undergoing studies, you need to be dedicated and set goals for yourself,” he said.
“Since high school, I wanted to be either an aircraft or marine engineer and today I have finally achieved that by becoming a qualified marine engineer. This is an interesting field to have a career in as you get to travel and meet people and gain experience along the way.”
“There are also challenges that you will be faced with, but the important thing is to be committed and more importantly, be passionate about what you’re studying because this is the field you will be working in after you’ve completed tertiary education.”
Suliana is employed by Interlink Shipping and acknowledged his parents and family for their unwavering support.
“It may have taken me years to achieve my Diploma as I had to balance sea time working on vessels and then coming back to do units at FMA but I am grateful to always have the support of my family and today they also get to celebrate this achievement.”
Suliana encouraged high school students and those unsure about what tertiary studies to pursue to choose a field they are interested in and do research about what programmes are available to them.
“You need to take advantage of the opportunities you have to help you become successful,” he said.
FNU is a dual-sector university that provides vocational education and training and higher education programmes in Fiji and the Pacific region.
Enrolment for Semester 1, 2021 is now underway.
