Entering tertiary education was a daunting experience for Esther Catherine Komai, but determination helped the 19-year-old graduate with a Certificate of Attainment in Baking and Patisserie Skills from the Fiji National University (FNU) on Wednesday.
Ms Komai was among 60 students who graduated from FNU’s National Training and Productivity Centre’s Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Travel at the Namaka Campus in Nadi.
Originally from Kiribati with maternal links to China, the 19-year-old said adjusting to tertiary studies was a learning curve.
“My program started at the end of February; it was a six-month course, and I faced a lot of challenges because it was my first time attending FNU and it was very different from high school,” she said.
Her passion for cooking first sparked at home.
“When I was in high school the teachers would ask me what my hobby was and I would always say cooking. At home, my dad loves to cook.”
During her time at the Namaka campus, she enjoyed the diverse environment and meeting different people.
“I dedicate my achievement to my family, especially my mum and my three brothers,” she said.
Offering advice to other students, Ms Komai encouraged perseverance.
“Don’t give up, If you’re stuck somewhere and thinking of giving up, try your best.”
