It’s back to school time and for secondary students about to undertake tertiary education at the National University of Samoa, it’s an extra special time. Reporters, Aruna Lolani, Seia Soloi and Fetalai Tuilulu’u conducted a ‘Q and A’ with some of the students to find out where they have come from and where they are heading.

Mika  Iakopo 

19, Vavau

Former Secondary School: Lepa College,  

Best Subjects: Samoan, English, H.P.E , Maths and Visual Arts

Programme: Foundation student entering Marine programme 

Why study at N.U.S.? I have dreamed of becoming a sailor and I believe that N.U.S. is the best university to study at with different courses that will help my dream come true.

Future career/job: 

How will you achieve your goals?: I am willing to do everything and by doing everything, I left my parents and my home in Vavau to seek education and am now staying at my dad’s sister’s place in Vaitele. 

After getting your qualifications, will you work in Samoa?: After getting my qualifications I prefer working around the world where I can explore life, get myself a massive envelope of cash, and somehow find a palagi wife. 

“MOM & DAD wish me luck, I hate leaving you two but I promise to  make this year worth it.”

Tauatua Taioalo

16, Papaloloa

Former Secondary School: Samoa College

Best Subjects: Biology, Mathematics, Physics

Programme: Faculty of Science

Why study at N.U.S.? Because it’s the main university in Samoa and there was never any other option I considered apart from N.U.S.

Future career/job: Surgeon Specialist 

How will you achieve your goals: Hopefully by getting a scholarship to study in overseas countries and studying more of the courses I need in order to achieve my goals.

After getting your qualifications, will you work in Samoa? Yes. 

Other comments: I know that this year is going to be challenging and there will be a lot of distractions but with God, I know that this year is going to be great. 

Christian Ilalio

20, Vavau, Aleipata 

Former Secondary School: Lepa, Lotofaga

Best Subjects: H.P.E, Visual Arts, Maths

Programme: Tourism (I.O.T.)

Why study at N.U.S.? Because it’s Samoa’s main university and this university is way better 

Future career/job: Hotel Manager

How will you achieve your goals?: I will study hard so I can achieve my Foundation certificate and also obey my parents. 

After getting your qualifications, will you work in Samoa? Yes and hopefully I will also gain an opportunity to work in overseas countries if I end up working for Samoa.

Tuiala. Tiotio

17, Aleisa

Former Secondary School: Pesega College at Pesega 

Best Subjects: English, Computing and Biology 

Programme: Science at the Faculty of Science 

Why study at N.U.S.? For this year I’m very excited to attend at the National University of Samoa and I’m looking forward to learn  new levels in the subject courses that I’m taking.  

Future career/job: I want to become a dentist in the future. 

How will you achieve your goals?: To achieve my goals I need to study hard, rely on the Lord’s help and use my time very wisely.

After getting your qualifications, will you work in Samoa? I n the near future, I want to work for my people and my country, Samoa. I want to help out to make our services better.

Ben Une 

17, Vaimoso 

Former Secondary School: Samoa College at Vaivase-tai 

Best Subjects: Maths, Biology and Physics 

Programme: Science at the Faculty of Science 

Why study at N.U.S.? I’m very happy this year that I have made it to the National University of Samoa because it gives me more opportunity to get a good education 

Future career/job: I want to become an Engineer or a Doctor in the future. 

How will you achieve your goals?: I’m aiming for higher marks by studying and putting God first in everything I do.  

After getting your qualifications, will you work in Samoa? I’d like to work for my people and my country, Samoa so that I can give the people whatever they need.

Adrian Roma 

16,Alafua

Former Secondary School: Samoa College 

Best Subjects: chemistry, computing and mathematics 

Programme: Foundation student in the Faculty of Science 

Why study at N.U.S.? I want to study and gain knowledge that will be useful in the future. 

Future career/job: Civil Engineer  

How will you achieve your goals? Everything is possible if you do your best. 

After getting your qualifications, will you work in Samoa? I am happy to work for Samoa and make a better life here if I do receive my qualifications. I know this year is very important to me in terms of trying my best to get a scholarship.