When plans change, dreams still come true: Graduate Aditubuna

What began as a last resort has become one of Litiana Aditubuna's proudest achievements.

The 21-year-old from Navunitogoloa, Rakiraki, Ra, crossed the stage at the Fiji National University graduation today to receive her Bachelor of Dietetics and Nutrition — a programme she had never planned to study.

“I wanted to do nursing, then teaching like my dad,” she said. “But things didn’t work out, and I ended up taking dietetics. At first, I had no choice, but now I’m grateful I stayed.”

Her journey was not easy. Having grown up in a structured hostel at Adi Cakobau School, Ms Aditubuna said transitioning to independent living in Tamavua came as a shock.

“In the hostel, everything was done for us; meals, routines, everything,” she said.

“Here, I had to figure out life on my own: cooking, time management, balancing classes… it was overwhelming.”

But the challenge shaped her.

“It forced me to grow up,” she said. “Luckily, I had good friends who supported me.”

Today, Ms Aditubuna stood among hundreds of health graduates, feeling relieved and grateful.

“I was nervous at first, but now I’m really happy. I thank God,” she said.

Her faith and family, she added, carried her through moments of doubt.

“I dedicate this to God — if it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be here. And also, to my parents and my family who believed in me.”

To students struggling or losing motivation, she offered simple advice:

“Stay in school. Don’t give up. Put God first, and He’ll lead you even when your plans change.”

With her degree now complete, Ms Aditubuna hopes to join the workforce and gain experience before deciding whether to pursue further studies.