Success is sweet. Ask more than 500 graduands from the National University of Samoa who celebrated with families, friends and loved ones at the Papaigalagala gymnasium on Friday, and they would happily tell you.

The 541 graduates were rewarded with qualifications ranging from Certificates, Diploma, Graduate Diploma, Bachelors and Master Degree in different fields. 

The graduation also saw the first two graduands from the Master of Science paper now being offered at the university.

One student, Sooleoso Mayleafatia Palaamo, from the Otago University was capped with her Bachelor of Commerce alongside the local students.

Although the Government has lifted the proclamation of the State of Emergency for pandemic the students and those in attendance were required to wear face masks. 

The Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane, who is also a teacher by profession, said in his years in the field he believes no one is a fool. 

“Each person has their own talent and calling,” Seuula said.

He compared students to roses saying some bloom early and others are late. 

“When they do bloom they are no different from the rose that bloomed early,” he added. 

“No one can rush the timing for a rose to bloom…when the sun rise its rays will provide warmth to help the rose that did not bloom on the first day.” 

Seuula acknowledged parents for supporting students during their years of studies. He also thanked teachers for their tireless work in nurturing students and their patience. 

The Minister told the graduates that there are important lessons and qualities that one must have to persevere and reach their goals. 

He said there are many qualified people but only a few of them are honest, a quality that is crucial. 

Graduates are also encouraged to be alert and be someone that inspires or motivates their colleagues to turn up to work. 

“Use your time wisely,” said Seuula. 

At the conclusion of the graduation ceremony the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II congratulated the graduates and reminded them to rely on God on all that they do.

Tuimalealiifano added that a qualification is only another step that prepares you for your service. 

Like every other graduation celebration, the relatives of graduates came prepared with creative lolly leis, decorative helium balloons, crown made out of money and other gifts to shower the graduates with. Some were more traditional and simple settling with flower lei and envelopes.  

From the 500 plus students that graduates only a few were given special awards for being top students in their fields. 

One impressive achievement from a student in the medical field was from Crystal Rukhshana Umar that needed help from her mother to carry six trophies she received as top student in six papers for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.  

From the villages of Faleapuna and Toamua uta, the 25-year-old pursued a career in the medical field because of her father Professor Mohammed Umar. 

Ms. Umar said her father who was an Associate Professor for the University of South Pacific (U.S.P.) and was former head of Alafua Campus had always wanted her to become a doctor and she wanted to achieve that for him.   She added she has plans to become a doctor in Samoa and to serve her people. 

The top students from the various fields are; 

1. Diploma in Nursing     -  Fualilia Peni 
2. Bachelor of Arts          - Zelda Pouono Ah Ching 
3. Bachelor of Arts (Secondary Teaching) – Christina Pelepesite Schwenke 
4. Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education – Asenati Alaiasa 
5. Bachelor of Education (Primary) – Brianna Kaleopa 
6. Bachelor of Nursing – Elizabeth Murray 
7. Bachelor of Science – Summyrossie Nonoa 
8. Bachelor of Samoan Studies – Deacon Ielome Ah Tong 
9. Graduate Diploma in Education – Launceston Wright 
10. Postgraduate Diploma in Education – Susau Ueta Solomona 
11. Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing – Temukisa Faasavalu 
12. Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies – Grace Morita Manuleleua 

 Bachelor of Commerce: 

i. Eka Fa’auli (Top Economic Student) 

ii. Grandeur Leota (Top Marketing Student) 

iii. Soteria Tapumanaia (Top Overall Accounting Student) 

iii. Alva Tulimalefasi (Top Commercial Law Student) 

iv. Maxzynne Taula (Top Management Student and Bachelor of Commerce Top Student)

 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 

1. Faasulu Nettie Faasalaina (Trophy for Clinical Excellence in Primary Health Care) 
2. Sila Fanene (Trophy for Clinical Excellence in Surgery)
3. Persia Caffery Petaia (Trophy for Clinical Excellence in Obstetrics and Gnaecology) 
4. Jerome Vili (Trophy for Clinical Excellence in Paediatrics) 
5. Crystal Rukhshana Umar (1. Clinical Excellence in Internal Medicine 2. Clinical Excellence in Emergency Medicine 3. Clinical Excellence in Anaesthesia 4. Top Pre-Clinical Student 5. Top Clinical Student 6. Top Overall MBBS Student)  

 MASTER OF EDUCATION – Loimata Tuuu