Mele Tuuefiafi - Bachelor of Sport, Healtn and Physical Education

"When I was growing up education always played a crucial role within my family with both my parents being teachers back on the islands and having the mindset that education will lead to a better future.

"Because of this it was necessary that my siblings and I go to university. I am profoundly grateful to my parents for pushing me at school because I know many people do not have that type of support system, that is why my parents are one of my main motivations to complete my studies.

"There have been a lot of sacrifices that have been made by my parents, some I witnessand  and others I do not. That is why I do try hard in school as well as all other areas of my life, just to give back to them in any way I can, they are my reason. 

"Like all things in life there are always challenges and there were many throughout my studies, some related to school and others were not but had an equal impact on my study.

"One solution to those challenges was my faith. I grew up in a Christian household so every time I came face-to-face with a challenge, I would pray for the means to overcome it and if not, then the heart to accept the circumstances.

"My favorite verse from the Bible that kept me going in and out of University is found in the book of Matthew Chapter 5:1-10. To me it was a testament that even though things are not going so great right now, I look forward to a better and greater future.  

"In high school we had learning extension, which was a couple of teachers who helped students including Pacific students. Coming into university I was fortunate enough to come across something like learning extension, called Pasifika Success (PS). I mentioned how my family plays a big part in supporting my studies at home, Pasifika Success is like my family support within school. PS is not big in numbers, but they provided a home for me on campus where I was able to make connections that lasted even after my graduation. 

"After graduating with my degree, I never really thought anything was different, but I have come out as a different person - a more confident person. My goal coming into this degree is to become a teacher, however, I am postponing my extra year teaching and taking this time to work for my family. I have become more willing to use what I have learnt in other areas of my life and I am more willing to join my Church health committee and even coach in sports, which is something I would not have done without the experience that I gained from my three years of studying. 

"My advice for students still studying is to focus on YOUR journey. 

"It is okay to retake a first-year course as a third year. It's okay to take a couple more years to graduate than the class you began with. It's okay to refuse to go out with your classmates because you need some extra time to study. They say comparison is the thief of joy, so don't worry about what pace everyone around you is going and never question where you're at in your studies, because Isiah 6:22. 

Gods timing > Ours."