Smiles and tears of sweet success filled the air at the Piula Theological College on Saturday as 13 graduates received their certificates after years of endurance.

Held at the Lupetaumafa Hall at Piula, the graduation ceremony was led by the President of the Methodist Church in Samoa, Reverend Faulalo Leti Paaga who reminded the 2023 graduating class that this is not the end of their challenging journey.

Out of the 13 graduates, nine of them successfully graduated with a Diploma in Theology, one graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity and three with a Master in Theology.

One of the nine final-year students who graduated, Daniel Tulaga is representing his family and the Werribee Methodist church in Victoria, Australia. He said the struggle has been real but God has been with him through it all.

"I feel awesome. Nine long years God has pushed me through and I let go and let God take control, all praise to God," he told the Samoa Observer in an interview. "I would like to further my education all for God but it's up to the church what is up next for me in my journey."

For the aspiring Piula theological college students, Mr. Tulaga said "If I can do it, anyone can do it". That is his message to all the youths of the church who aspire to serve the church through the same calling.

The final year class was topped by Tim Tuilaepa who is serving alongside his wife, Anela Tuilaepa, Rev. Takashi F. Galo graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity with his wife Lemusu F. Galo, and  Rev. Eteuati and Daphnie Iosia, Rev. Talalelei and Moli Mata'u, and Rev. Numia and Siufaga Tauauvea graduated with a Master of Theology.

There are currently nine foundation-year students, 18 second-year students with Diploma 1, and 16 third-year students with Diploma 2.

The 12 new intakes this year will be recruited after the Methodist Church's annual conference this week and will serve as foundation year students this year. Subsequently, all theological students will be upgraded to the next classes.

As for the nine final-year students who graduated on Saturday, the church will decide during the annual conference which calling is in line for them, whether it's pursuing further studies overseas or locally, serving as missionaries overseas, or serving at the Faleula campus.