On Wednesday, Phinalice Chung Kwan-Fereti walked up to the podium to receive the Dux Award for Leififi College. Even before she took the steps to the stage, she knew where she wanted to be in life.

The 18-year-old has set her sights on becoming an agricultural scientist. This ambition has been brought about by her desire to have Samoans consume more locally grown produce and be less reliant on imports.

She is from Moamoa and Sinamoga and is a science student.

"There are no words to express how happy I am about myself. I also want to accomplish something to please my parents" she said.

"For me, graduating as the Dux and being eligible to collect honours is a significant accomplishment as I prepare to advance to a higher level of education.

"Next year, I'm excited to attend the National University of Samoa to complete my education and work toward my goal of becoming an agricultural scientist."

Phinalice had several difficulties during her five years in Leififi, including difficult academic times, family issues, and absenteeism. She pulled through.

The Dux hopes the reliance on imported food can be stopped. She hopes that with science she can achieve this.

"Samoa needs food security since we help the environment by obtaining food locally; as we cannot depend on food from other nations because we never know what methods they use to produce it," she said.

"I am motivated to work hard. My parents inspire me. They constantly remind me of how difficult life is. How you can't find a job without education, and how you can't find enough money to feed your family without work. 

"O le mea lava e iai le loto e iai le auala e fai ai"' Where there's a will, there's a way" is my motto, which has guided me throughout my journey. I tell my sisters and brothers that life is not over and opportunities are still ahead. Never allow obstacles to discourage you from following your goals."