Leififi College Year 13 student Paskyarators Angel Siaosi has been announced as the school’s top student for the 2020 academic year.

The 18-year-old has come out the top student in English, Samoan, Computing, and Accounting.

The college’s valedictorian told the Samoa Observer in an interview that this year had many challenges, which she was able to overcome with the assistance of many people including her parents. 

“First of all I thank our heavenly father as if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have come this far, also my parents who have sacrificed a lot for me and all members of my family,” she said.

“My friends who never gave up on me, even though our journey gets hard at times but I managed to get through it because of them.”

Ms. Siaosi added that life in college was not easy and she was put to the test, though God helped her through it all.

“College life wasn’t easy, before I came, I thought it would be but I was proven wrong. I went through so many temptations, some I’ve failed and some I overcame, God helped me throughout it all.”

Ensuring that she stayed focused for the duration of her studies was also critical to her success, she stressed.

“To be honest, I’m that kind of girl who goes to school and gets tempted to do this and that but I guess I didn’t and that’s also all thanks to the prayers of my family,” she said.

The presence of her friends, who were there for her in what was a rollercoaster year, also motivated her.

“Erolini is my sister in class, my go-to person as well, there are things I cannot share with my family or my sisters but my friends have always been there for me so I appreciate them very much,” she said.

Initially, Ms. Siaosi dreamt of becoming a flight attendant with an airline, but she said the COVID-19 global pandemic changed her mind.

She now wants to work in the community and assist develop the country in whatever way she can.

“I wanted to become a flight attendant but I kind of changed my mind because I liked how one of my uncles is working here locally," she said.

“And he earns quite a lot and the way he does what he does and earns a lot inspires me a lot so I want to just want to chill and work locally and develop our country so long as I’m in Samoa.”

As for her father, Siaosi Alosia, he just wants her to continue to succeed in life for a brighter future.

“My daughter has been the best inspiration so far in terms of education especially for her siblings and I thank God for her. I'm so proud,” he said.

She is the daughter of Siaosi Alosia and Sauvao Alosia and is the eldest of four children.

Leififi College pushed through with their Year 12–13 graduation in their compound last Friday morning, despite the heavy downpour, which did not dampen the students' and teachers’ spirits as well as families.