(l-r) USP Samoa Campus graduates Ta’atialeoitiiti Agnes Tutuvanu-Schwalger and Tovale Auapaau Filipo.
By Staff Writer
Close to a hundred students, mostly adults, walked out today as brand new graduands of the University of the South Pacific, Samoa Campus, graduation at the EFKS Youth Hall, Sogi.
The event is an annual celebration of academic achievements in a wide range of selected fields of studies.
The occasion was highlighted by the official presentation of certificates, diplomas, bachelors and masters degrees to confirm the successful completion of studies.
Big smiles, tight hugs, flowing gowns, bouquet of flowers, balloons and loud joyful voices dominated the activities, inside the sprawling hall, as proud families and friends celebrate the moment.
The triumphant mood of the graduation was summed up well by the reaction of two adult graduates, Ta’atialeoitiiti Agnes Tutuvanu-Schwalger and Tovale Auapaau Filipo.
Tutuvanu-Schwalger or more prominently known as Galumalemana, is the CEO of the Land and Transport Authority as well as a proud mother who was the recipient of a postgraduate certificate in Business and Administration.
Tovale Filipo is a young legal secretary in her 20s at the Samoa Law Reform Commission, who graduated with postgraduate diploma in Business Management and Public Administration.
She also just happens to be the daughter of a proud but quiet and reserved Commissioner of Police, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, at the graduation.
As part time students both agreed that trying to schedule their studies among work, family and other social commitments was the major challenge in the academic quest for success.
“Trying to set aside a time for studies became quite a juggle with the hours I keep at work and as the mother of the family,” Tutuvanu-Schwalger unloaded after the ceremony.
“But I wanted to be successful so I can set an example for my staff at work to follow and credit must also go to our study group.”
Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo and his good lady joins graduating daughter, Tovale, at the USP Samoa Campus graduation..
The LTA boss success after managing to overcome the major obstacles in her studies has made her more determined to continue with her university pursuits although she is not certain what to take up next.
Legal Secretary, Tovale Auapaau Filipo, had her challenges too and admitted that the best feeling is the success of finally completing her studies.
“The feeling is quite rewarding of having this award to show for 2-years of studies from 2021-2022 especially with the COVID disruptions,” she confessed.
“It was not easy having to balance out the time for work, family, church obligations and studies, but I made it and firstly I thank God and my parents for their support.”
Filipo was non committal the same as Tutuvanu-Schwalger as to where next in their future academic challenges.
The pair appeared more pre-occupied with trying to take in their success to be thinking too far ahead at least for now.