A teacher at Samoa College, Marie Therese Senio Chung Kwan topped the education course at the National University of Samoa. 

She said it was a challenge to balance teaching and studying, expressing gratitude to her family for their unwavering support. She said her motivation to continue her studies stemmed from her desire to set an example for her six children, three of whom are still in school. 

"It's tough to manage your time wisely, to try to fulfil your goal of getting a degree and having that passion as a teacher, that you have to be there on time to provide lessons to the kids as well. That they could learn and also be inspired to work hard and achieve their goals," she said. 

"It was hard but I was able to get through it. I thank God for giving me the strength, I've sacrificed a lot, but I'm grateful to my husband, my kids, especially my mother and siblings who were there for me. They made time to pick up my kids while I attended my classes here until 8 pm. I owe it to them.

"The motivation is my children. I want to set an example for them, to learn that after their studies and get a career, that is not the end of it. This was the challenge I'm giving my kids, getting a bachelor, and then that's it. No, there's another degree, you have to climb up the ladder. If you fail, it is not the end of the world but get back up and start again. 

"I have six children, my eldest is in New Zealand while the other five are with me. Two of them are in university, one in foundation year and the other is in her second year in the Bachelor of Arts (secondary teaching)."

The teaching profession is very tough due to the need to be punctual and the time going into providing lesson plans for the students. She advised the younger generations to persist despite failures, emphasising the importance of teaching in Samoa's future.

"The challenging part of teaching, especially at Samoa College is you have to be on time. Time is the most important thing and it challenges me to be there on time. Every day you are learning to be the better version of yourself, and that is one good thing about being a teacher. 

"I would also take this opportunity to thank my principal for her understanding and for letting me do this. She encouraged us to go back to school and to get more qualifications to better the education system in Samoa."

Her advice to the students of the Faculty of Education is to keep on keeping on. She has experienced it and has seen that some students fail and then give up but she wants them to know that failing is all part of learning. They must get up, and try again. According to Marie, teaching is the most important profession in Samoa as the future of Samoa is in their hands.