While Ilisabeta Sili Matakarawa was forced to miss a semester of university last year following Tropical Cyclone (TC) Winston, it did not stop her from pursuing her bachelor’s degree.

Yesterday, the 37-year-old, mother of three, received the Dean’s Honours in her Bachelor of Dietetics and Nutrition at the Fiji National University’s (FNU’s) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences graduation ceremony.

“I had to stop my studies last year because of TC Winston – I was deployed out into the community,” she said.

“I worked in Ba Mission Hospital and was deployed as part of the medical team without borders, so we were out for a straight six weeks working in the community.”

Ms Matakarawa said the last two years of study was also a challenge due to full-time work commitment and supporting her young family.

“Being a worker, being a civil servant and being a mother to three children – I’ve had to juggle work and family,” she said.

“And with my husband being away doing his masters in Health Science in New Zealand it hasn’t been easy.”

While Ms Matakarawa first graduated with a Diploma in Dietetics and Nutrition

16 years ago, she had an urge to return to university to further enhance her knowledge.

“Time is changing – you need new knowledge and you need to upgrade,” she said.

“I’ve been a dietician for the past 15 years and after working for about 13 years, I decided to come back and do my bachelors.

“I’m happy because it has really helped me with my work coming back to study.”

With Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) regarded as one of the biggest health issues in Fiji, Ms Matakarawa said she remains a champion for proper nutrition and diet.

“It [the NCD epidemic] is a big challenge,” she said.

“I’m considered a wellness champion for the Ministry of Health – I’ve lost many kilos working on my diet and I have always been advocating for nutrition and wellness out there in the community.”

Ms Matakarawa dedicated her degree to the Lord, her mother, children and in particular her husband, Saula Matakarawa.

“I am thankful to my husband for the support; I mean he just paid his fare just to come over to be with me for my graduation.”

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

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