A nun and a deacon with the Catholic Church were amongst the 203 graduates of the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) who celebrated their successes at the N.U.S Gymnasium on Friday.

Deacon Ielome Ah Tong who graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Samoan Studies after one and a half years, said his journey hasn't been an easy one but gave thanks to God for his blessings and guidance which he believes is the pillar of his success.

"Happy and praise God for I completed my Postgraduate, it hasn’t been easy because I had to take six papers in Development Studies and it surely has been a tough one but God’s been faithful to us and our journey," he told Samoa Observer in an interview.

"I also take this chance to thank those who have been with me during my academic journey, supported me and helped me succeed, heaps of people did and I owe this success to all of them."

The 54-year-old is a father of eight from Vailele and Luatuanuu and is a certified deacon of the Catholic church.

Since his family and he took a temporary break from their church duties in 2022, he focused more on his education and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree last year and this year on Friday, he graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma.

He endured one and a half years for his postgraduate diploma, taking two papers in one semester.

Going forward, Deacon Ah Tong said he is willing to pursue his Masters next year to grow further in his career and gain more knowledge.

Sister Maria Imakulata Tevaga of the Catholic Church also graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Primary School. She said she has a passion for teaching.

She is currently the principal for St Therese Primary School in Lepea. She has been teaching for over 15 years and has been a nun for 23 years serving God through the Catholic Church.

"All praise to God for He owns the knowledge instilled unto us as a gift as well as the support of our Sisters of Nazareth in Lepea and the world, as well as my mother," she told this newspaper in an interview.

"All this is in the name of God and I also use this chance to dedicate this success to my late father, Vui Lolesio Tevaga who has passed on. I have always loved teaching and it has been my passion before I became a nun, I just love teaching the kids."

Her advice to the younger generations of the country is to make use of the opportunities and never take advantage of them.

"This life is different from days back then. First we should be grateful for the advances of the world we’re living in today in terms of technology which makes things easier for the students nowadays," she said.

"However this should not stop us from teaching our children or students by using the old way of teaching which is in the classrooms or with parents at home. Most importantly, nothing beats the power of prayer and through prayer, anyone can achieve their bigger goals and dreams in life."