Adi Mere Ravunawa is an aspiring environmental health student who plans to implement an effective approach towards preventing environmental hazards.

Ms Ravunawa is originally from Nakaile, Tokatoka, Tailevu with maternal links to Tavea Island, Bua.

She is one of three siblings. Her elder brother Akuila Ravunawa manages their father’s dental clinic, Daily Care Dental Clinic, in Suva.

Her younger brother Usaia Ravunawa is in Year 13 at DAV College following in their father’s footsteps of studying pure science.

The 22-year-old said that growing up life was full of blessings.

“I would say I was blessed growing up,” Ms Ravunawa said.

“There was always food on the table and clothes on my back.

“I owe my grandparents (mum’s side) a whole lot of gratitude because they lived with us and raised me from the moment I was born.

“They both had a big part in molding me to discover myself. My grandma was the warmest person you could ever meet, she was my rock.”

Ms Ravunawa recalls the special bond she shared with her grandmother.

“I remember I would hate seeing my tutor come home. I would run to my grandmother and cry.

“She would calm me down, give me a cup of milo, a pep talk and convince me to go for my tutoring lesson.”

The environmental fanatic proudly looks up to her parents for being a pillar of strength to the family and the church.

“My parents are both strong believers in God.

“They both go out of their way to help out the church and people in any way, shape or form. So, that was how my brothers and I were brought up.”

Currently, Ms Ravunawa’s father is the president of the Apostles Fellowship International (AFI) and was recently elected a youth leader for the church in Suva.

As a child, Ms Ravunawa was always intrigued with her dad’s profession, however, as time moved, so did her dreams and aspirations.

“Growing up I was always fascinated with my dad’s profession, dentistry.

“At the same time, I loved to be outdoors whenever I got to see my grandpa working on the farm or when dad would be doing work around the yard.

“It wasn’t until Year 11 and 12 at DAV College that I attended an open day for FNU and USP.

“The environmental health program caught my interest because it was sort of a mix of being in an office yet also going out to communities to help them live in a healthier community.”

For such an important time in her life, she became certain of the career choice she wanted to undertake.

“Environmental health focuses on promoting healthy communities, basically from taking complaints from citizens to inspecting supermarkets.

“This field encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the public, including monitoring air and water quality, managing waste disposal, controlling disease vectors and enforcing regulations to prevent environmental hazards.”

Now in her final year at university, the adventurous young woman has her fair share of challenges, more so on the personal side, such as time management. But, during her free time she helps out in her father’s clinic.

“Meeting that deadline at 11.59pm will always haunt me.

“I would say during the COVID-19 outbreak when we all had quarantine, I couldn’t really keep up with school because it was all online, and I prefer listening to someone talk in person rather than in front of a screen because my mind lingers elsewhere mid lectures and it’s just hard to focus.

“During my second year of school, I began helping my dad in the dental clinic where I worked as a receptionist during my free time.”

Besides studying and helping out in the clinic, Ms Ravunawa enjoys spending time with her mother.

“These days I don’t really have free time, but one thing I love doing is taking my mum out for a coffee date.

“My mum is a strong woman of God and so these dates are when she usually drills spiritual lessons in me. Other than that, I love baking, but I am still a beginner.”

The tremendous support provided by her family has allowed her to excel both spiritually and physically to become the woman she is today.

“I count myself to be so lucky for the support of my family, especially my parents.

“My parents, although I don’t tell them everything, are my rock and I look up to them with gratitude.

“We have had our ups and definitely some downs, but they show me love and continue to support me throughout.”

Ms Ravunawa’s advice to anyone planning on following the exact career path is to just go for it.

“You will gradually fall in love with it.”