Hurdles in life are not permanent and this was proven by 29-year-old Katerina Charity Alapae a proud mother of three children and wife who graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Technology in New Zealand last week.

While financial hardships and sacrifices that needed to be caused a temporary roadblock, Katerina achieved her dreams.

Katerina is from Vaimoso and Tauese. She began her early education at Vaimoso Primary School, moving on to Samoa College where she graduated in 2014 and was accepted into the University of Samoa(UPY). Due to financial constraints, she was unable to continue. She then moved to New Zealand in 2016.

In 2021, the young mother continued pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse and began studying at UNITEC in Auckland. She completed the Nursing Foundation Year and earned Certificates in Health Levels 3 and 4 in 2022, then transitioned directly into the Bachelor of Nursing programme.

Starting over in a new country, raising a young family, and adjusting to a different education system were all major challenges Katerina had to navigate while pursuing her nursing degree along with her work at the hospital.

"Balancing motherhood, studies, and life has been a constant juggling act. Prioritising my time meant learning how to be disciplined, setting clear goals, and leaning on the support of my husband and family. Their encouragement helped me stay focused and determined throughout my academic journey," Katerina said.

Katerina dedicated her achievement entirely to her late grandfather, Alefosio Silva, who was a guiding light in her life. 

"I feel incredibly proud and truly blessed to have reached this milestone in my life. Earning this degree means so much to me—not only because it represents years of hard work and sacrifice, but also because I am the first in my family to graduate with a degree. I dedicate this achievement to my late grandfather, Alefosio Silva, who was a guiding light in my life," she said.

"My biggest motivation has always been my family, especially my three young children. Watching them grow reminded me daily of why I was doing this. The unwavering support from my husband, parents, and extended family around the world gave me strength for the entire journey."

Looking ahead, the newly registered nurse aspires to pursue a Masters degree in the future. 

"One of my long-term goals is to open my clinic. My background in Commerce from Samoa College, combined with my Bachelor of Nursing, provides a strong foundation for this dream. I am passionate about serving our people, and I believe that respect, care, and service are at the heart of everything I do," Katerina said.

The young nurse hopes her story will be a light for anyone who feels like giving up, especially single mums and dads, full-time working parents, and those who feel like the odds are stacked against them.

Katerina shared that there were times she cried in silence, feeling like the world was moving too fast. 

"I studied late into the night while my children were asleep, went to class tired from night feeds, and worked through assignments while my heart was still with my family. But every sacrifice, every tear, every prayer—I carried them all with faith and purpose," she said.

"To my fellow Pacific Islanders: never think that your background defines your future. We come from strength, from resilience, from villages that raised warriors with love. To every single parent: you are more than enough. To every full-time working parent studying at the same time—your grind will not be in vain. 

"Do not let fear or struggle stop you. Lean on your faith, your culture, and your ‘āiga (family). Take your time, rest if you must, but never stop. Education opens doors, but it also heals, empowers, and uplifts generations. You are not just doing this for yourself—you are rewriting your family's future.

"Hold your head high, walk proudly in your journey, and always remember—you are capable, you are chosen, and you are worthy of every success that’s coming your way."