A village boy from Manunu and Lufilufi has high hopes of returning to Samoa to serve in the Computing Science industry specialising in cybersecurity. 

Micky Leafa was born and raised in Manunu and his roots shaped who he is and inspired his journey.

"My academic journey began at Manunu Primary School, where I studied from Year One to Year Eight. These were foundational years filled with lessons, values, and a strong sense of community. After completing primary school and college, I embarked on a new chapter that took me beyond the shores of Samoa to New Zealand, and eventually to Sydney, Australia," he said.

"In Sydney, I enrolled at Sydney International Business College, where I studied for two years. Afterwards, I moved to Melbourne where I spent another two years at Melbourne Polytechnic Institute. My love for learning and growth didn't stop there. 

"I started my professional journey as a manager at Febest Auto Parts, a German company based in Melbourne, where I worked for three years. While I enjoyed my time there, I realised that the ever-growing reliance on technology in our world was creating a new set of challenges- online security threats. This realization inspired me to pursue a degree in cybersecurity."

He enrolled at Melbourne Latrobe University to study Computer Science, specialising in cybersecurity. After three years of hard work, he graduated on 18 December with a Bachelor of Cybersecurity. 

"As the only Samoan and Pacific Islander to graduate in cybersecurity at Latrobe University, I felt a profound sense of pride and responsibility. It was a moment that symbolised not just my personal achievements but also the potential of our Pacific communities to excel in this field," said Leafa. 

"What inspired me to pursue cybersecurity? It's simple: technology is an essential part of modern life. Almost everyone interacts with technology daily, and with that comes the growing risk of online threats. I wanted to equip myself with the knowledge to help others navigate this digital world safely and protect sensitive information, whether for individuals, organizations, or governments."

He believes he could not have done it without the support of his loved ones. He is grateful for everyone who has helped him with his journey.

"I'm deeply grateful to my family, my mother, and my family members who travelled from abroad to celebrate my graduation with me. Their love and encouragement have been my greatest strength. As I step into the next chapter, I'm excited to spend quality time with my family, especially those who travelled from overseas," he said.

"Professionally, I hope to apply my cybersecurity expertise to serve either in my home country of Samoa or in a global role that makes a meaningful impact.

"Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish all my family and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for being a part of my journey."