With the country busy with elections, a mini-graduation ceremony was hosted for Su'a Ulusapeti Tiitii by her family and friends in Savaia.

Su'a is a Principal Fisheries Officer for the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F) and had graduated with a Masters of Science from the University of Sunshine Coast in Australia after studying for two years.

Due to border closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Su'a was unable to attend her graduation ceremony in Australia.

Her family had hosted a graduation ceremony at their home in Savaia, while they watched the ceremony graduation in Australia through a livestream online.

Su'a told the Samoa Observer in an interview on Wednesday about how happy she was to be with her family through her graduation.

"It's an overwhelming feeling because like I said when I did my speech, its really different when you walk on stage at the actual graduation but when you walk in a house with the people that you really know and the people that love you, you know deep down you can really feel that you graduated," Su'a said.

Asked about the challenges she had mentioned the measles epidemic in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, including having to study online.

Despite the challenges she greatly appreciates that they believe in God and that he has done a lot for them. 

She had felt sad about not being able to attend her graduation ceremony in Australia due to border closures, as her parents were looking forward to attending it. 

Asked about her advice for future graduates she said to do your best and be able to complete what you have undertaken.

"And celebrating together with your family, you know it's, it's more meaningful than just walking on the stage you know with the people that you don’t really know," she said.

"But celebrating it with your family and people in your village, you know that's the main thing."

Su'a gives her thanks to God for always being there for her and was able to complete her journey with his guidance and help.

She had also given her thanks to her parents, family and friends, the Church Minister, and her village of Savaia.