The deadly coronavirus shot down the hopes and dreams of many young people, who by this time, had envisioned a future for themselves.
Nevertheless, that hasn’t let one determined young woman give up on her future.
That multitalented young Shakshi Priyeta is a final year environment science student and the recipient of the national toppers award scholarship.
Ms Priyeta is also a volunteer with world wildlife fund and currently works part-time as a pass leader at the University of the South Pacific.
While in high school, Ms Priyeta planned on becoming a doctor of medicine to make her parents proud.
“I spent 18 years of my life thinking that is what was meant for me,” she said.
“Towards the end of my final year of high school, I fell into a state of despair and much confusion after discovering that MBBS had been completely taken off the list of scholarships offered that year due to the coronavirus outbreak.”
However, she would not let that feeling of despair and sadness consume her.
“I distinctly remember coming back from a USP open day and finding a pamphlet on environmental science placed inside my desk.
“We need the environment as much as it needs us. What point is there in ensuring that the people around us are healthy and happy when the only planet we call home is not.
“When we hurt people, they get up and leave, but sadly our environment cannot do the same. Nature is the mute observer of all our actions, thus I made the decision that I would dedicate my life to, to understand and protect our only planet earth.
Ms Priyeta says choosing to pursue a degree in environmental science has changed her life for the better, where the sadness of not becoming a doctor does not overshadow her present endeavours.
“I will never regret making that choice. I started my academic journey with a full sponsorship by the Government (National Topper Scheme) and now I’m nearing the end of my studies.”
She hopes to use her degree to the fullest in trying to make an impactful change in our nation as a whole.
“This degree, with the help of my diplomacy certifications by the UN, has allowed me to represent Fiji in countries like New Zealand and Japan.
“We need more Fijian voices to be raised where it matters the most because I hope I can be that voice and inspire others to raise their voices as well”.
Her goal in the next 10 years is to advocate and learn more about moving our nation towards sustainability.
“My goal is to build a career around safeguarding the natural environment while also raising awareness of our responsibility as human beings towards our beautiful planet.
“I hope I travel to more countries, meet more like-minded people globally and learn more languages and more about the world we live in.”
