Wati Tomasi Mocevakaca, is blazing a trail for women in the veterinary field. And in doing so, the enthusiastic 26-year-old is ticking off items on her education list — one degree at a time .
“Took me about five and a half years to complete my Bachelors in veterinary science at the Fiji National University (FNU),” the Lauan native said.
“I ended up graduating at the end of 2021 and to date it is one of my greatest achievements…”
Ms Mocevakaca got to work with so many intelligent men and women in the science field. She has faced many hardships but through lots of prayers and by keeping a strong faith she managed to complete her studies.
” I enjoyed being young and living on my own but it was a real struggle living away from family.
“During my second year of university I had to live on campus because I was catching two buses to get to school in the morning.
“It was hard surviving on my own especially cooking my own meals and doing everything on my own but I somehow managed and lived in the dorms for two more years until I rented out.”
Ms Mocevakaca said she initially wanted to go into the medical field after high school but instead chose to work with animals so she joined FNU and enrolled into its veterinary course. “I didn’t really have an interest in this field while I was in high school but now I have many fond memories of my time at FNU.
“The agriculture field is mostly male-dominated so to be a competent female was always in my mind, not only finishing my undergrad studies but getting something out of it.”
She said during school holidays she would volunteer at animal shelters and livestock sectors around the country.
“While on attachment I met so many great people at attachment sites and learned practical things related to my field that I did not learn in the classroom, such as cat manicuring and climbing coconut trees to get fresh coconuts on farms we used to visit.”
While pursuing her undergraduate studies entering the academic and research field was always on her mind.
“I believe in thorough research so I can contribute to my country and community, taking into account what is needed in my field of study.
“Financial constraint was always an issue, however, I was fortunate to be awarded the toppers scholarships for 2016-2021 to help me through my studies.
“I was awarded the Australian Centre for International agriculture research PASS-CR Scholarship in 2021 and now I am currently pursuing my two year masters study and research, focusing on health antimicrobial resistance.”
Ms Mocevakaca’s advice to young ambitious women who would want to follower her footsteps is to not limit themselves to labels or opportunities but aim further than their dreams.
“Take one step at a time,” she said. “God’s grace and love got me through some dark times along with my strong will power and very importantly the support of my family and friends.
“My advice to any other female or student is to remember that God is always there, in good and also in bad times … always believe in yourselve and your purpose in life.”
