Building discipline and self-control results in a significant impact on the choices made in life and contributes to ensuring a better and promising future. This is the path that has led Lini Pone to a successful career. 

She is a proud Samoan woman serving in the US Navy based in Mississippi, USA.

That path was only realised when the rebellious teen came to stay at the Campus of Hope. It was an eye-opening experience for her.

She expressed gratitude and dedicated her achievement to the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) for the profound impact they had on her life.

"My life now is very different from the life I led on the SVSG campus, and though it was hard and tough at the time, but I gained fresh insights that shaped who I am during my stay at the SVSG," she said.

"I acquired a handful of great insights like discipline, and self-control to name a few, and I was fortunate to walk away with an appreciation for simple things in life and learnt to extend forgiveness to others even when it isn't earned."

She was admitted to Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) Campus of Hope in 2018 for less than a year owing to her peer control issues and disobedience to her parents.

"Growing up as a rebellious teenager, I struggled with life's challenges, leading to admission to the SVSG. Despite my free will, I didn't understand the importance of hard work and was resentful of all that I was told and taught by directives, and prioritising my benefits.

"I feel ashamed to say that my desire to settle down at a young age and a guy were the root of all of my misdeeds towards my parents.

"Though I was in the SVSG for not long, I learned discipline, self-control and determination.

"I was able to work towards my goals better and more determined. I ended up in the navy through discipline and truthful work. After earning my diploma from the HYCA program, I was able to take my Asvab test and score enough to enter the US Navy."

She also acknowledged that it was tough and thought her life had been ruined when she became aware of the circumstances surrounding her, but she additionally stated that the minimal time spent under Siliniu's supervision and care opened up her mind and strengthened a lot of choices she made.

Lini is one of SVSG's great testaments to its purpose to provide help and assistance to not only the abused victims but even wayward adolescents.

Ms. Pone highlighted the SVSG President, Siliniu LIna Chang, for her constant support and efforts in shaping the lady she has become.

"Mama Lina Chang saw right through my rebellious antics and always stood up for me. She supported me during a time when my life was falling apart, and I was ashamed of all the harm and wrongs I had done to my parents and other family members.

“Her motherly love and support had transformed me into the better person that I am today and for everyone, particularly my parents.

“Even though I detested being in the SVSG, I must admit that I am grateful for the people I crossed paths with and the chances to develop, gain knowledge, and above all-heal."