A primary school child who was inspired during the nurses' normal check-up programmes in schools some 13-years ago is only a few steps from completely achieving her dream after she was named the top foundation student in the nursing programme.

Louise Teva Eli Papaliitele Lemamea, 19 from Matautu Lefaga and Vailoa said she found inspiration and a dream to care for others, especially her family when she was in primary school and when the normal medical check-ups were carried out in schools.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Louise dedicated her success to her family for helping her along her academic journey.

"I am pretty excited and I'm so grateful that today has ended and everyone's happy, I made my family proud as well as my church members and village, I am just excited," she said.

"My mum wanted me to get into nursing and become a nurse but it was actually my dream when I was pretty young. You know those nurses that come and do these normal checkups in school, when I saw those nurses, it really encouraged and challenged me to become one and care for other people.

"Not just other people but to care for people in our family, school and the community. I would like to thank everyone for all the support and their unending love and encouragement to me so that I was able to pull through this year but I thank God for his mercy and love."

Louise was announced as the top nursing student during the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.)'s 2023 foundation graduation on Friday. She will start her three years degree programme next year before she becomes a registered nurse.

One of the current challenges in the nursing career which Samoa Observer understands is that the nurses are leaving the public health system for seasonal work or for other career opportunities overseas for better salary.

Asked whether this would discourage her in the future, she said "no" with advice to the young aspiring nurses to never give up on their dreams.

"I just really want to encourage the young ones to chase their dreams and care for our country," she added.

Louise is the third of nine children and her siblings together with her parents and other family members joined in on Friday in celebration of her achievements.

Meanwhile, a day earlier 100 nurses graduated as registered nurses and joined the workforce. The Ministry of Health is also looking at reviewing the salary of the nurses.