Do not underestimate yourself  and always aim high. 

With that belief, Asiasiga Tualatamalelagi Naseri worked and achieved his goal of becoming the 2018 Dux at Samoa College. He was awarded during the school’s prize giving ceremony at the Samoa College Old Pupil’s Association hall on Friday.

The 17-year-old from Safa’atoa, Fagali'i, Siutu Salaiulu and Nofoali'i is the child of Temukisa Tuala and Tautiaga Naseri. 

Asiasiga was also the top Science student topping Biology and Chemistry. 

On top of being the Year 13 Dux, he also scooped the Asi and Mary Fruean trophy, the S.C.O.P.A. Shield, The Parents and Teachers Association Trophy, the Aliimalemanu Sasa Tevita Trophy, the Elia Fretton Trophy, the Rotary Club of Apia Trophy and the Waikato Alumni Trophy. 

“I am about to turn the last page of an awe-inspiring chapter in my story and so as my graduating class of 2018,” Asiasiga said. 

“I have been schooling for four years in Samoa College and I must say that it was the most challenging, memorable, adventurous years of my life.

“It felt like I was a forbidden cactus in Sahara as I walked the gates for the first time, and for the last time I’ll be leaving as a blooming priceless kadupul.”

Asiasiga told the Samoa Observer that it was times like these that make one feel hopeful, appreciative and thankful.

“And firstly, glory be to God, my helper, provider, and my source of prosperity because He is able and faithful, I am the living proof manifestation which is why I am forever thankful for God. 

“To my family especially my parents, the role models I look up to. I’ve always been propelled to become better and I thank you for all the sacrifices made to ensure that one day, I will make you proud, knowing that the sacrifices have flourished to become the foundation of my success.

“Behind every success is a difficult path of incorrectness, short comings, losses, and most importantly the hope and courage that after the 100th fall, I get up dusting my back off saying here comes number 101.”

Asiasiga yesterday marked the beginning of another chapter, which means find a purpose for yourself and let it guide you through. 

“Flip the pages to keep you going in discovering your true purpose in life and what you are destined to be. If we follow such protocol, success will eventually become the aftermath of our journey as we have established goals and unknown purposes with the impulsion that leads to our fate.” 

Asiasiga hopes to become a cardiovascular surgeon one day, due to the shortage of these medical specialists in Samoa. 

Samoa College Head boy, Cyrus Moamoa Liu, came second in the Year 13 level and also received the Samoa Stationery and Books and school prize for topping Samoan, the Parents and Teachers’ Association trophy, Samoa Chamber of Commerce Award and S.S.A.B. prize for top commerce student and head boy trophy.

Elizabeth Fegauiai Mulinuu was the Dux for Year 12 level and the first overall for Year 11 level was Victoria Avei. Caitlyn Soti topped Year 10 level and Bronwyn Matelina Areta was the overall dux in the Year 9 level.