New junior doctor Tarah Fepulea’i returned to Samoa earlier this year completing an elective at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, coming full circle on her long and arduous academic journey.

University of Auckland graduate Fepulea’i received a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree at the Auckland Town Hall on 10 December. In January, the first-year house officer (junior doctor) will start at Middlemore Hospital.

She hails from Matautu-uta, Moata’a and Alamagoto.

It's been a long and steep climb to attain her new role; before entering into medicine Fepulea’i first completed a three-year health sciences degree and also a year of postgraduate studies.

“I have been in the academic world for quite some time … it has been quite long and arduous, but now, being past the finish line, it has been well worth it,” she said.

The 27-year-old started out at Vaiala Beach School in Samoa before attending Samoa College for two years. As a 15-year-old she left her beloved homeland for Auckland in 2012 to complete her secondary schooling. The goal was always to enter tertiary education.

“I was pursuing further educational opportunities and gaining access to resources that otherwise wouldn’t be available to me in Samoa,” she said.

She completed her secondary education at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School before coming to the University of Auckland.  

She said adjusting to the challenges at the university also brought new and lifelong friendships, making the academic experience all the more rewarding. MAPAS, the Maori and Pacific Admission Scheme, provided ongoing support over the years.

“There have been many highlights during my clinical experiences, from assisting in the delivery of babies to translating health information for Samoan patients,” she said.

Although Fepulea’i was born in Auckland, she most of her youth in Matautu-uta. She said returning home for the 10-week hospital elective was a major milestone.

“Growing up in the islands was an absolute dream! For me to return back home to where it all began was a full circle moment, and also it marked the start of my final year of medicine and completion of a long academic journey,” she said.

“An added bonus was spending quality time with my parents and grandparents, all of whom live in Samoa.”    

She said while studying she has been surrounded by a loving and supportive family and village, giving her encouragement with continuous prayers to help her.

“In particular, I am deeply grateful for the support of my grandparents, who set the foundation for me and fervently pray for my success.”

She said her parents Sina and Lorenzo Fepulea’i have been a constant source of love and support throughout.

“They have made many sacrifices for me and my siblings to pursue further educational opportunities and have supported us in our chosen career paths.

“I would also like to acknowledge the constant support from MAPAS, namely my student support advisor Akanesi Moala who has been an invaluable source of pastoral support throughout my academic and cultural journey.”