As the school gates opened once again in the last week, students stepped into another year of learning, friendships, and personal growth.

While some may feel excited and others a little nervous, one thing is certain—education is a gift, and we should embrace it with all our hearts, minds, and strength.

Our parents work hard to send us to school, sacrificing their time, energy, and resources to ensure we have the best opportunities. They wake up early to prepare our meals, work long hours to pay our fees, and support us in ways we may not always see.

Education is not just about getting good grades—it’s about shaping our future, discovering our strengths, and becoming the best version of ourselves.

How often do we stop and appreciate what we have? Many children dream of going to school, but they don’t get the chance. If we remember this, we can shift our mindset from “I have to go to school” to “I get to go to school.”

This simple change in perspective helps us study with more purpose and determination.

Since our parents believe in us enough to invest in our education, we should also believe in ourselves. Whether it’s through listening in class, completing assignments, or helping our classmates, every small effort adds up. Going to school with the right mindset—not just to pass, but to truly learn—will make a huge difference in our lives.

School is not just a place for textbooks and tests. It is where we make memories, learn life lessons, and prepare for the future. So, as we begin this school year, let’s go forward with all our hearts, minds, and strength.

Let’s make our parents proud, not just through our achievements, but through our effort, gratitude, and dedication.

Education will help us achieve our dreams. This success will be celebrated by us. We will enjoy the labours afterwards but it will be our parents who believed in us who will be the happiest.

Education is the answer to social issues such as poverty, and labour shortage and it will make Samoa a better nation.

Best of luck in your education endeavours, make it an adventure, a journey that you enjoy.