Apisalome
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours majoring in Civil Engineering
Hometown: Suva, Fiji
Why did you decide to study Engineering?
In high school, I was really interested in maths, physics, a little bit of chemistry. Seeing all those calculations come to life and seeing things you’ve built out in the real world, being used by people – I think that's pretty cool. I chose civil engineering because it’s the type of engineering that affects people's lives the most.
I think it's important to show people of Pacific Island descent that engineering is something that you can do. I would like to encourage more Pacific people into engineering. The more of us that there are, the more we can support each other in our journeys.
What do you want to do when you’ve finished studying?
I'd like to be able to help out my family in Fiji. There are a lot of issues there that I could help solve with my degree, like housing and effects of cyclones. I hope to go back and try to balance the culture with modern amenities to improve the quality of life in Fiji.
What is UC’s Engineering community like?
We often have group activities and I've met lots of good mates through them. We also have a lot of field trips and labs.
Engineering at UC pulls you out of your comfort zone and helps you make each other better. Iron sharpens iron; when we all learn together, it's better for everyone involved.
Do you have a favourite project from your studies?
I really liked the bridge building competition. All the second year Civil Engineering students compete in teams to build the best bridge with the same materials, and you have to get three people in the middle of the bridge before it breaks. We started off as six random people that never met each other and by the end of it, we were basically best friends.
What other kinds of practical experiences have you had?
We had a field trip to Living Springs at Governor's Bay where we ran a lot of tests on the water quality, the soil, the foundation, and the land out there. It was another cool group project where I made really good friends. The hands-on, physical work helps give me a better understanding of what I’m learning about.
Does UC have good facilities and ties to industry?
The labs and workshops are all world class. We use a lot of tools that actual engineers use in the field. It’s really important to be familiar with them for our future careers.
Guest speakers come in often and there are lots of networking events. I've met a lot of big names in the industry and they've all given me great advice. There are also programmes that help you find internships. It’s a lot easier to go through the university’s connections than if you were to do it on your own.
What does your work as Pacific engineering mentor involve?
I do engineering mentoring for the Pacific group, and it feels good to help them avoid the mistakes I made in first year. I’ve already been through what they're going to experience, so I can give them pointers and help them succeed. It’s especially important to have that support for Pacific students, to help expand the horizons and put more people in the industry.
Are you involved with any other clubs on campus?
As Vice President of the UC Fiji Club, I helped the club grow and get more Fijian students involved. We do barbecues, play a bit of volleyball, hold cultural ceremonies and events. I grew up in Fiji so having other Fijians at the university makes me feel more at home, and I enjoy sharing our culture with non-Fijians as well.
I am also a founding member of UC Volleyball. It’s grown to be way bigger than we expected, and I’ve met a lot of good friends through the club. We organise tournaments and competitions, and it brings everyone together through our mutual love for volleyball.
How have you seen yourself grow since starting at UC?
Having to work for my marks has improved my discipline a lot. It’s really improved my studying and even the way I carry myself. I'm always trying to do better and improve every day.
Any advice for other students considering UC?
If you’re thinking about university, just give it a crack. Even if you think you don't have the skills, put yourself out there and try your best. It’ll seem scary at first, but it’ll get easier. Trust the process. Eventually you’ll make it, and you’ll be proud of the effort you put in.
Another big piece of advice is to apply for every scholarship you can. And if you're looking to do engineering, I suggest you come to UC because it’s the best engineering programme in New Zealand.
