Shania, a role model for students
Alittle bit of struggle in the sun has many more benefits than a white-collar job. That was the message from 20-year-old Shania Kumar to students who opted to pursue their dream in agriculture studies at the primary level.
Ms Kumar is a third-year Fiji National University FNU student at Koronivia studying Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies. She was educated at Namaka Public School and Sabeto College in Nadi. She works for Flame Tree Ltd in Nadi as a casual worker on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ms Kumar also has registered a small business called Plant Planet Nursery at Sabeto where she sells plants.
“The investment in my business was through the savings from my Toppers scholarship allowance which I am grateful to the government as well,” she said.
“I provide service to two companies in Nadi in maintaining plants. They are Corner Cafe and DHL3. I make fortnightly visits to these two companies mostly on Friday.”
She said her inspiration was from her father who was a staff at Tuners and Growers.
“My dad used to motivate me towards the agricultural sector. He knew the importance and demand of agricultural produce.
“As the saying goes ‘Behind every successful man, there is a woman,’ I believe that my dad is behind my success, and I am very much grateful to the Almighty God.
“My hard work is dedicated to my grandfather who left us a year ago.”
Ms Kumar said her plans after studying were to extend her nursery and provided care and maintenance services to more businesses. Her message to students is, “A little bit of struggle in the sun have many more benefits than a whitecollar job. Healthy living, less stress, more saving will lead to a happy life.”
She acknowledged her former schoolteachers, her FNU lecturers, and Mike Watson of Flame Tree for contributing to her success.