Leisina Rasmussen, the Year 12 Valedictorian of Church College Pesega for 2024 is among the many students who are counting down to when the results of the national exams will be announced.

Currently awaiting her Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exam results, Leisina hopes to enrol in the Foundation Year Program at the National University of Samoa (NUS).

“I’m hoping to prepare myself for further studies in New Zealand or Australia, and I’m looking into Engineering,” she explained.

Leisina credits her older brother, Sumner Rasmussen, as a significant influence on her interest in science. 

“He took Physics and Biology at Pesega, and I saw his love for Physics. It inspired me to love Physics and math too. Even though he moved to New Zealand, he has always encouraged me, helped me do my best, and has been my cornerstone,” she said.

Leisina highlighted the unique challenges faced by her class due to curriculum changes during their time in school.

“We were the first year to go through the changes, the junior exams in Year 10 and not sitting the Samoa School Certificate (SSC) in Year 12 but going straight to SSLC. It was quite stressful, but through all the challenges, we worked together, grew, and developed unique abilities,” she said.

“Everyone is going to grow up with different career paths, but I encouraged everyone to be the light to their community and use their unique talent wherever they go in the future.”

Despite her demanding academic schedule last year, Leisina managed to balance her time between school, sports, and church commitments.

“I did sail, track for the school, and had church and family commitments. Through the help of my parents and making sacrifices like staying home from night outs and late-night studies, I was able to focus on my goals,” she said.

Leisina credited her track coach, Brother Nemes, for his encouragement during difficult moments. 

“Even when I was nervous on the start line, he reminded me to take deep breaths and do my best. That advice helped not just in track but also in my academic journey, learning to accept that my best is all I can do,” she said.

Leisina expressed gratitude to her teachers, especially Sister Jahnke, her chemistry teacher.

“Her love for science and dedication to her students motivated me to take science. She always simplified complex concepts so we could understand them,” she said.

She also acknowledged Brother Iafeta, who helped her with calculus tutorials. “Even though I wasn’t in his class before, his way of breaking down complex concepts made a big difference.”

Leisina’s advice to future students aspiring to become valedictorians is simple yet profound: “Everyone is gifted in different areas—commerce, science, or arts. No matter which track you’re on, you need to do your best. Even if you don’t make it to the top three, knowing you did everything you could is what truly matters.”

As she prepares for the next chapter of her academic journey, Leisina is excited about the future. “Yes, I am ready and excited to meet new people, learn new things, and see wherever it takes me.”