Watching news presenters on television deliver updates in a confident and professional manner introduced a young Unise Fuaki to the world of media and journalism.
The soft-spoken Fuaki was intrigued by how journalists carried out their work in obtaining and disseminating news and current affairs to their audiences.
Her after-school routine would include watching the news with her family. While this may have seemed like a normal routine for others, Fuaki would imagine herself as the presenter delivering the news.
“I enjoyed watching the 6pm news bulletin on Fiji One. Not only did it keep me informed, I was inspired by how the news presenters delivered news with so much confidence and clarity,” she shared.
During her school years, she looked forward to her English lessons, especially when it came to writing.
“I like writing creative stories and reports. I’m good when it comes to expressing my thoughts through words and it became easier for me to do so with writing,” she said.
“I found that writing and journalism are connected. So, when I engaged in both, it only deepened my passion to inform and connect with people. I always saw myself as a journalist. I love watching people work to let others know what is happening around them.”
“This inspired me to be part of an industry that works daily to keep our citizens, communities and nations informed.”
As the youngest in her family, Fuaki was also taught at home to help others in need in their community.
“These are teachings I hold close to my heart,” she said. “I want to be able to help the vulnerable in our society by putting a spotlight on the challenges and issues being faced.”
Hailing from Dravuwalu, Totoya in Lau, Fiji with maternal links to Vadravadra, Gau in the province of Lomaiviti, Fuaki was faced with grief after losing her mother whilst she was in Year 10.
“This was a really difficult time for my entire family as we lost our mother,” she shared.
“Since then, I am grateful that I can always count on the support of my father and three brothers in my academic pursuits.”
“Their encouragement and sacrifices have shaped me to be the person I am today.”
Fuaki completed Year 13 at Delana Methodist High School in Suva and was determined to pursue further studies.
“Unfortunately, two of my older brothers did not have the opportunity to undertake higher education studies, so I was determined to succeed in my university endeavours.”
Blending her love for watching news presenters and her desire to help others, Fuaki enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts majoring in journalism and social work programme at The University of the South Pacific (USP).
“Through this programme, I intend to utilise my skills in media and journalism to advocate for social issues affecting our marginalised and vulnerable communities,” she explained.
“There are many avenues in journalism that I could utilise to highlight these issues, through investigative reporting, human interest features, videos and online content to help spread awareness.”
“There are many pressing matters of concern such as the drugs crisis, health and education that people should be aware of.”
Fuaki began her first year at USP with an open mind and attended the scheduled orientation sessions to understand her responsibilities as a tertiary student.
As a sociable person, one of the unique characteristics of USP that Fuaki immediately enjoyed was the diversity of students studying on campus.
“Besides being a globally recognised institution, one of the amazing things that appealed to me was the many cultures present at the university,” she shared.
“I look forward to connecting with students from all over the region and learning about their cultures during my time at USP.”
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is still accepting applications for Semester 2, 2025.
Students can submit their applications online via www.usp.ac.fj/apply or visit the nearest USP campus.
New and continuing students must also register for courses online via https://studentsols.usp.ac.fj/
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