To pursue her academic dreams, Olioliilealiieleaunoa Faletoese is leaving behind a government job and believes this was the path chosen for her.

She received her Chevening scholarship on Friday to do her Masters in Global Development at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.

Olioli said she is excited about her new journey and hopes to return to the knowledge and skills gained from her scholarship to help develop Samoa.

"This scholarship has provided me with an opportunity to do my Masters so I'm very excited and very honoured to receive the Chevening scholarship to pursue further education in the UK," she said.

"I think today has been a mixture of emotions but mostly I'm very thankful for the opportunity. It's a rare opportunity, and not everyone gets awarded with this.

"We take up new challenges and new opportunities with the hope that we come back and build our families and contribute to the country and our communities."

She resigned from the Ministry of Finance on Friday as a Monetary and Reporting Analyst for the GCF-FCP project, a job she held for six years.

"It is built on my experience in Samoa as well as my previous studies in Development Studies, research, and project management around foreign aid and the current issues in Samoa and the world," she said.

"I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and skills in areas with academic research. Looking forward to experience the different culture, environment, not only with the school but with fellow scholars. 

"Very happy and grateful to God, my parents and families for their prayers."

She was very emotional as she looked back on her educational journey. She reminisced about her humble beginning. She was educated at Siumu Primary School, passed her national exams with flying colours and made it to Samoa College.

After graduating from Samoa College, she went on to the National University of Samoa for her foundation year where she got a scholarship to attend Victoria University in New Zealand. When the 29 year old was asked what advise would she give to the youth and younger generation of Samoa who are currently studying, she said to trust in God's plan.

"At this point, I don't feel I'm capable to give advice but the one thing that has kept me going is God. Trust in the Lord and His plans and keep going. Follow his path, it's the only pathway to success and stick to your goal. Keep your family values, spiritual values intact and you'll be fine."

"Being away from home has been a challenge for me, but I studied in New Zealand so this is not new to me. I've also travelled around the world for work. But I still see it as a challenge as this is my first time going to the UK. I don't know the culture, people and I'm going by myself. Homesickness is definitely going to be a challenge."