Apelu Sulamanaia
Faith and friends made it possible for 19-year-old Tauga Faatiu Amituanai to successfully complete a challenging Foundation year at the National University of Samoa.
Photo: Diana Mark Leulua’ialii
An excited Amituanai who was awarded with a Foundation Certificate of Commerce in the Foundation Graduation ceremony held last week said she was pushed to the limit throughout the year but found the experience made her strong. At the end she was beyond excitement and grateful when she was able to successfully complete her Foundation year…
Wanting a better future for herself and her family determined Amituanai to succeed in her studies.
“I want a better future, and I want to make my family proud—that’s what motivated me,” she said.
One of the biggest challenges Amituanai faced throughout the year was mental health issues which she openly shared.
“I had sudden migraines, not enough rest, and I wasn’t eating properly. I felt like I was drowning, but I still showed up every day,” she said.
The experience she explained taught her to be more aware of her limits and the importance of looking after herself.
To manage the pressure, Amitunai said she turned to her faith and learned to slow down.
“I drew myself closer to God and tried not to overdo things. I learned to relax sometimes and enjoy,” she said.
She also credited her group of four close friends as her strongest support system, especially when family support was not always there.
“My family didn’t always understand my journey this year, but my friends were there when I felt worthless and hopeless,” she said.
She added that her friends supported her with notes, resources, money, and emotional encouragement.
Next year Amituanai will be pursuing a Commerce degree majoring in economics, a subject she has enjoyed studying since Year 10.
(Note: Apelu Sulamanaia is a National University of Samoa journalism student)
