Keep education a priority says Tamo'e Junior Tuiali'i who graduated with a Master of Business Administration from Victoria University in Melbourne Australia last week. 

He moved to Australia with his wife Faasina Taueva and his children, Layzer and Ljvicuni seeking a better life but he kept his education as his priority.

He knew education was the only way to ensure progress in life. This is a message he hopes to pass to the children of Samoa who are thinking about giving up. 

Last week, hundreds of people graduated from Victoria University and the man from Laulii and Sapo'e Falealili was among them. He said he was able to reach this point in life because of the support and guidance from his late father and grandmother.

"I dedicate this to my late father, Tafuamaseafa Rev Tamo'e Tautu, and my late grandmother Tausiva Iutita Tuialii. I just want to take this opportunity to thank the Sa'o of our family in Laulii, Tuialii Motootua Tuialii and our whole family in Laulii, Fagalii, AOG Laulii, Sapo'e Falealili, thank you for all your prayers," he said.

"Also want to take this opportunity to thank my wife's family in Vailuutai, Pastor Olo Taimi and Sereisa and family for all your prayers. Also, thanks to all my family in Sydney, Brisbane, and New Zealand for all your support. 

"Thanks to Macarthur AOG church in Sydney, Pastor Tafa Fuimaono and Sally Fuimaono for their prayers as well. Special mention to the Sister Sweet Aroma Bakery, Sydney for all your support."

His academic journey started at Laulii Primary School. He then moved on to Lalovaea Adventist College. When the opportunity opened up for him to move to Australia with his little family, they decided to do so. It was not an easy ride for Tamo'e but he did it.

"It was not an easy journey as I working full-time as a National Business Development Manager for Air Liquide Healthcare Australia. My goal to achieve an MBA means a lot for me and my family, as I couldn’t do it without them," he said."

While many would be happy with an MBA, Tamo'e is seeking more from the world of academia.

"I have another three years to go to achieve my Bachelor of Laws from Charles Stuart University of NSW Australia," he said.

Tamo'e is hoping that he can inspire others to pursue education or to at least complete their secondary school and have the option to further education later in life.