Pacific student stories 2024

Samoan. Afega, Nu’usuatia, Letogo and Solosolo
Student: Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Year 1

“The differences in architectural structures in Samoa and New Zealand piqued my interest. I was invested in the concept of creating spaces that fit the needs of their users. In this area of expertise, I see an opportunity to infuse and showcase a sense of Pacific culture in modern architectural designs. Pursuing this qualification also allows me to gain the required skills and knowledge to help our smaller islands advance in the structuring, designing, and construction of houses and other buildings.”
“I enjoy the encouragement of my lecturers and tutors to think ‘outside the box’. We are given the freedom to design structures according to a given brief. This allows me the space to use certain influences, such as culture, to be woven into my designs. Also, working alongside likeminded people give me a boost of confidence in my work.
“Learning to say ‘No’ has really helped lighten my workload. Taking on small things one at a time enables me to work around a timetable that includes both my studies and extracurricular commitments without feeling overburdened. Having a strong support system is also vital for juggling things in life.
“Setting goals for yourself helps you categorise and prioritise things that need to be done. It is a way to prepare and plan for university so that when it begins, you won’t feel overwhelmed. Once your goals are set, it’s time ‘TO DO THE MAHI.’ Doing little by little each day proves to be the best way. Just stay consistent.
“Unexpected occurrences are bound to happen, and sometimes we just need to rest. Take a break every now and then, rejuvenate and then get back into it.”
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established

Fijian. Tacilevu and Tubou
Student: Tertiary Foundation Certificate – Education and Social Work Pathway
Year 1

“Going through high school, I began to pick up an interest in standing in front of a class and presenting. Similarly, standing in front of a class to teach has become an interest and a passion for me. I hope that this qualification will take me into a classroom to teach at secondary school level.
“The topics we cover are interesting, and they dive into what interests me most, such as the history of schooling in New Zealand and understanding the significance of Early Childhood Education (ECE). We have an awesome lecturer, Dr Tanya Samu.
“If I was to tell my younger self three things about coming to university, they would be: be prepared to make new friends; making the right decision is a struggle but you’ll overcome it; and embrace the Fijian culture and language.
“Growing up, my parents have always told me that nothing comes easy. Wherever I go, I will eventually have to miss some sleep and break sweat just to get to where I want to be.
“The journey to wherever one desires to go will always include obstacles but learning from my mistakes, working hard, and going that extra mile teaches me to value hard work.”

Samoan. Afega, Matatufu, Fasito’otai, Vailuutai
Graduate: Bachelor of Arts
Student: Master of Arts in Pacific Studies

“As I immerse myself in the pursuit of knowledge, I have learned that it is as much of an intellectual pursuit as it is a personal one. A heartfelt and sometimes gut wrenching pursuit. It has ignited a fire within me, igniting the desire to make a positive impact and contribute meaningfully to society.”
“For too long, our stories have been written by others, and many of our knowledges have been lost, misrepresented, or neglected. With research being a form of tautua, I hope to tell stories and share histories in ways that bring meaning to who we are as Pacific people.
“Throughout my university journey, I struggled with imposter syndrome – I often felt small and that I didn’t belong. In times like these, I was grounded by my family and village. And I drew on my Pacific identity to empower me to push through. I was inspired by the Pacific role models. I could see ‘myself’ in them. It made me hope that one day, I too could be a role model for those coming through university and feeling like me. So, with a curious mind and a heart full of love to serve my communities, I find myself here, pursuing this qualification with determination and purpose. I am driven by the desire to break down barriers and pave the way for other Pacific Islanders facing similar challenges and doubts about their place in academia.
“What I like most about the Arts programme is that it is constantly evolving and there is always something new to learn. We challenge established norms through learning about things that we see in our everyday lives. With a wide range of subjects, from literature and history to visual and performing arts, it encourages exploration and enables an interdisciplinary approach. Embracing contemporary issues and integrating technology, Arts remains relevant and inspiring, prompting students to critically engage with societal and cultural matters. Overall, this programme instils a passion for lifelong learning, equipping students with valuable transferable skills and nurturing their love for the arts beyond formal education.
“You are already good enough. It is easy to feel that you’re inadequate or that you don’t belong but I have proven to myself time and time again that I am more than worthy.”

Tongan.
Student: Tertiary Foundation Certificate (Science Pathway)

“So far, TFC has given me a lot of help as well as opportunities to make sure I am well prepared for my degree next year. It has also given me much needed information to make sure I have the knowledge to succeed when I start my degree.”
“I became interested in biology and sciences during my time at Auckland Grammar. A great, engaging teacher made me want to learn more about cell biology and other related topics. I plan to pursue a medical degree and explore the opportunities it would offer for my future career.
“When it comes to my studies, time management has been important when juggling study and other commitments.
“If given the opportunity to tell my younger self important things about coming to university, I would make sure I say to choose a career pathway before year 11 – but also that you can change it. I would also say that there is always support available for me and that it is important to work more now so I can work less later.”

Samoan. Sala’ilua and Lano.
Graduate: Bachelor of Arts, PG Dip in Dance Studies, Master of Dance Studies
PhD Candidate

“Pursuing a PhD went from being a far-fetched possibility to a tangible reality. Now I get to do what I love every day, which is: write, read, research, perform and also bring my Pacific ethnicity and Samoan heritage to my work.
“I wanted to do my PhD to help under-served and marginalised communities like the Pacific Rainbow community. They deserve resources and literature that is written from a Pacific lens. My aspiration and hope are to become a tenured lecturer as I love teaching and research in a tertiary context.
“I enjoy being the one in control of my narrative and reading and writing about something I am passionate about. To specialise in a subject area that makes you so liberated is the best feeling. Getting to meet diversely talented people and having the best nerdy/academic/funny/serious/intellectually stimulating conversations. These are my favourite type of talanoa (non-linear/open/tangential conversation). Being a Dance Studies student, I have seen how creative performances from the undergraduate and postgraduate classes are always so powerful. Getting to know the lecturers who taught you, and then being inspired by them even more is another highlight.
“One of the most valuable things I received while studying was financial support from my scholarship. A lot of students are able to excel and are capable individuals, but they start to dwindle academically due to their financial circumstances. This has happened to me in parts of my journey. Therefore, scholarships are such a valuable contribution. I highly recommend applying for them even if you think they’re beyond your reach. It is brave to put yourself out there and you have nothing to lose. “Failures are inevitable so be content in that. And never give up.”

Samoan, Cook Islander. Vaisigano, Salani (Samoa) and Aitutaki (Cook Islands)
Graduate: Bachelor of Arts (in Classics, Ancient History and History)

“University definitely isn’t an easy journey but something I would tell my younger self is to remember the people that get you to where you are. It always comes down to your family and sacrifices that were made to allow you to be here.”
“I have had a passion for History since high school. This adoration led me to pursue a degree at tertiary level. With this degree, I wish to become a university professor in African American History.
“Something I absolutely loved about my programme of study was the range of topics we were able to cover. In Ancient History, we started as early as the Ancient Greeks and Romans, thus following the timelines of different civilisations that existed. History is similar as it looks at the medieval period, the period of slavery, the rise of civil rights movements, and the different ways society has evolved and changed over time.
“My other favorite thing about this programme of study are the lecturers. Every lecturer I have come across is so passionate, which makes me enjoy the content so much more.
“In my first year, I didn’t know how to juggle my commitments when it came to my studies. However, I changed my mindset and finally realised that university was a priority for me. Being at university has become such a humbling experience for me and I am grateful I had the opportunity to do it.”

Samoan and Niuean. Taufusi, Falealupo and Tuana’i (Samoa).
Hakupu (Niue)
Student: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws conjoint
Year 1

“Firstly, you will be fine, so stress less. Secondly, be unapologetically you. Be confident to represent your story, your people, where you come from. Finally, just get out there and make the most of every opportunity, don’t let your thoughts prevent you from applying for internships, jobs, or other opportunities. Just do it.”
“I enrolled in Arts just to meet requirements of a Law degree, but I fell in love with my Arts majors and have almost completed them. Besides satisfying my interests, my conjoint degree benefits me by opening alternative avenues and career pathways. Instead of offering only one road to travel down, my conjoint degree has made a little city of streets for me to explore if I wish to.”
“Often, Law can be very black and white, or theory driven. My Arts degree helps me to identify real issues and see why things happen in practice. My favourite subject is sociology. I love being able to analyse social problems through different sociological lenses.
“One of the most valuable things I have learnt from my studies is resilience. There have been so many obstacles, tough times, doubts and so on throughout my university experience. But I am still here today!”

Samoan. Tapatapao, Moamoa, Papa Sataua, and Mulifanua
Graduate: BA, BA (Hons), PgDip in Health Sciences, MA (Hons)
Student: PhD
Final Year

“You need a village to support you during a PhD, and Pacific Studies becomes part of your village. The awhi you receive from your supervisor as well as the department is greatly appreciated. Everyone wants to see you succeed and so they always have time or words of advice that they can provide.”
“When I finished my BA (Hons), I felt dismayed that my options to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Pacific people seemed to be the ambulance at the bottom of a cliff, as opposed to fence-building at the top. I spoke to Associate Professor Jemaima Tiatia about what my options were, and she told me that I needed to get to a place where I could influence policy. At the time Jemaima recommended I do a masters with the goal to complete a PhD. I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences before returning to Arts for my masters and it continued to reaffirm and strengthen the determination to complete a PhD.
“In the immediate future, continuing to do research for Pacific mental health and wellbeing is my priority. That includes publishing my findings. My long-term goal is to enter government to help create the policy changes that my findings, my communities and my research call for.
“I have gone through various challenges through this PhD journey and my Pacific Studies aiga have had my back the whole way through. I am a proud Pacific Studies student, and I am so glad I decided to check out the Pacific Studies lecture during the 2011 Open Day. Who would have known that 12 years later I would be completing a PhD in Pacific Studies.
“A quote I learnt during my Honours year was, ‘You can do anything, but not everything.’ And I try to keep that at the forefront of my mind. It has taken some time and hard lessons around over-committing but I feel like I have gotten better at knowing my capacity and at setting boundaries.”