New Zealand-born Samoan, Charm Tuala has been accepted into the prestigious Brown University, one of the eight Ivy League universities in the United States. 

The 19-year-old hails from the villages of Siumu and Leauva'a and is proud of his Samoan roots.

It was just a week ago when Tuala received the news. He relived the moment he and his family learned he would be attending Brown University in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

Tuala is still filled with excitement for his new journey and said he is stoked to meet new people and travel to the United States for the first time.

"It's just a whole new life - also knowing the impact that I could have on my community as well, I feel like a sense of just trying to make everyone proud," added Tuala. 

Tuala was born and raised in South Auckland and graduated from De La Salle College last year. At the time, he did not think he would have been accepted into an American university, let alone apply.

He said his perspective on international universities was shaped by his experience at the University of Auckland this year, where he not only met a diverse group of people and gained valuable experience but also completed a commerce paper.

"It's kind of not seen to go overseas; your perspective is just universities here in New Zealand, really," said Tuala.

Tuala plans to pursue business by taking Economics and other papers to aid his degree at Brown University. 

Although he is sad to be leaving his family behind, he hopes that this opportunity can inspire his community, especially his brothers at De La Salle College.  

"The importance was just showing other kids  [other youth] that it is possible; it doesn't matter your circumstances or where you're brought up - it doesn't have to play a part in where you end up in life," said Tuala. 

When asked what message he would give to Samoans in Samoa, Tuala responded work hard and be resilient.

"I would say it doesn't necessarily mean you have to go to an Ivy League School; that's not everyone's dream. Dream as big as you want to dream," said Tuala

"If you set your mind on it, you can always achieve it. I think a lot of important things for a lot of Samoans is just to make their family and parents proud, which they can do in different numerous ways and different pathways," added Tuala 

Tuala will embark on his new journey to America towards the end of July or the beginning of August 2024.

The Ivy League is an American collegiate athletic conference, comprising eight private research universities in the Northeastern United States. The term Ivy League is typically used outside sports to refer to the eight schools as a group of elite colleges with connotations of academic excellence, selectivity in admissions, and social elitism.

Its members are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University. The conference headquarters are in Princeton, New Jersey.