Education is a master-key that can help to open every door of opportunity, says the 2021 National University of Samoa’s top student in its Foundation Program, Czarina Rumar Elisaia.  

Over a thousand people gathered at the N.U.S. Gymnasium on Thursday to witness the graduation of the university's Foundation Program students.

Czarina – is the youngest of children to parents Maria Lei Sam-Elisaia and Samoa’s Ambassador to Fiji, Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia from the villages of Satupaitea and Taufusi – was announced as the top student overall in the program.

She topped the program this year in technology, chemistry, human biology and came top equal in computing studies.

Speaking about the importance of education, the 18-year-old said: “But education or knowledge acquired without wisdom and compassion for others is no use."

“The word gratitude best encapsulates the feeling and mood today. Remember, your future is in your own hands and education is a master-key that helps to open every door of opportunities before you.

“It provides a level playing field for all people to succeed, irrespective of your gender, where you were born or live, and whether you come from a rich or poor family.

“With the knowledge we have acquired so far, let’s continue to make wise decisions in life that can contribute to the well-being of our families and saving our Samoa for our future!”

Czarina acknowledged God for his continued guidance, protection and blessings, especially during these challenging and unprecedented times and dedicated her achievement to her parents.

“I feel like I’m on cloud nine with what I have been able to achieve, it has not been an easy journey growing up overseas, I was not used to the school system here," she said. 

“One of the most difficult things I had to deal with knowing that my dad could not make it to my graduation and also my sister and brother they are overseas, although they aren’t able to be here today, I know they are with me in spirit.”

She aims to study disaster risk management under the bachelor of science undergraduate program with the hope to help address or mitigate the impact of climate change, especially with Samoa being a small island nation.

“I hope I can follow my father’s footsteps and help continue to save our country. And one day I could become a teacher like my mother.”

 Czarina also spoke on behalf of her Foundation class mates in thanking their N.U.S. lecturers and administrative staff.

 “I would like to place on record our utmost appreciation to the N.U.S., its staff and more importantly the lecturers that we had the privilege and opportunity to learn from this year," she said.

“Your teachings have left a lasting impact that will equip me and my fellow classmates to cope with our respective educational pathways into the future.”

 “While there are many people I could thank individually, I would like to take advantage of this unique opportunity to thank my family and friends for I am certain that I would not be the person that I am today if it wasn’t for their constant love in my life.”

She also expressed her gratitude to her father, Aliioaiga, who has been away in Fiji for almost a year now.

“[He] has always been a pillar of support and an inspiration in my life. 

My [mother] Maria, who has always been beside me every step of the way and I am humbled to be able to receive this year’s top-overall award and top Science student, much like she did, 34 years ago here at N.U.S. 

"And of course my siblings, especially my older sister Francine, who has always been my best friend and eternal cheerleader.

“In the same spirit, I want to acknowledge all of the parents and families here today, I think I can speak for my classmates when I say that thank you doesn’t quite capture the indebtedness that we all owe for all the sacrifices you have done for us.”

Czarina also congratulated her classmates, saying: “To my classmates, hearty congratulations indeed!

“We’ve done it, all of our hard work has finally paid off and I’m certain that we are all ready to continue on with our individual journeys, wherever they may take us.

“Today is a defining milestone and I’d like us to not only reflect on our shared history, but to also reflect on our own personal histories, and the journeys we’ve taken to get here.”

She said there is no doubt that they have proven themselves to be a collective of resilient, committed and talented young adults, who have all fought battles, both known and unknown.

“And I am proud to say that despite those struggles, we have made it here to this moment. So find strength in having overcome those obstacles and for finishing this chapter in our academic lives," she said.

“As fulfilling as our Foundation year has been, it is not the end, it is merely the launching pad ready to catapult us into the world where we each have the potential to make incredible contributions to our society, and to the world as a whole.

“When you leave here today, be proud, celebrate your achievements, and what you have accomplished, and most importantly, look forward with an eye toward how you can be an inspiration for others. 

“May all the lessons learned and struggles endured due to COVID-19 pandemic for the world including our small nation; continue to be a constant reminder to us gathered here today, of God’s existence and love during this Christmas season.”