Life can be hard and sometimes burdens people but if you let that get the better of you, then you lose that battle but this 67-year-old woman will not let her situation get the better of her.

Senerita Taua, a mother of three children from Levili sells shellfish (faguvaga, aliao, and sava'e) beside Matautu road on Saturday afternoons and whenever she has a supply.

The 67-year-old said selling shellfish (figota) is the only source of income the family has and that it earns money to support her family with financial demands and helps pay for her grandchildren's school fees.

Mrs. Taua usually sells six to eight bottles of shellfish which earns $80 tala or more at the end of the day.

"This is the only way to earn money for our family, it pays for my grandchildren's fee and to buy our food while saving some money for our family faalavelave, "she said. "At the end of the day, I make at least $80 selling six or eight shellfish bottles."

In an interview with Samoa Observer, Mrs. Taua said she had three children with their spouses and children, but none of them were employed.

"I have three children and their spouses but no one has a job, so all we do for living, go out fishing and sell them to get money."

Mrs. Taua reveals that she used to sell seashells in her childhood, it was the only way her parents supported their school and took care of household needs.

“I used to do this job when I was 20-years-old, it was the only way that helped my parents to pay for our fees and provide for our family needs.”

Despite the challenging situation, the grandmother appreciates her work because it is the means of financially supporting her family especially her grandchildren with their education.

She said life was challenging not for only her but many others like her. She said one has to be focused and work hard.

"I may not have the riches to buy fancy things but I have the love of my family. We do this together and we look after ourselves. I hope that my grandchildren finish school and get good jobs so they can have a better life," she said.