The most challenging day of Jason Toese Candelario’s life occurred when he had to part from his mother, whom he affectionately calls his heart, to stay closer to his university.
“Leaving my mother in Savaii was never in my plans as I grew up. She is my entire world. The bond between us is incredibly strong; she is my number one supporter.
“I realised that attending university would open many doors to opportunities that could ensure a successful life for both of us. Thus, I made the difficult decision to move to Upolu to live with other relatives and friends.
“Before I left, I promised her that she would see me walk across the stage to collect my degree one day.”
At 22, Jason said his separation from his mother and family in Tuasivi impacted his studies due to feelings of loneliness. Despite this, he was determined to stand on his own and fulfill his promise to his mother.
Distractions couldn’t deter him because he felt his mother’s presence with him in spirit.
“I could sense her prayers, along with those of my family, giving me the strength to persevere,” he said.
This year, Mr. Candelario accomplished his goal, fulfilling the promise when he graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing, much to his mother’s delight.
His mother, Vaoatea Alalatoa, watched with immense pride as her son sat among the graduates, waiting for his name to be called.
Jason expressed gratitude towards his family, especially his mother, the prayer warrior, and his siblings overseas who provided financial support for his education.
He also acknowledged the support of his relatives and friends in Upolu, where he resided.
He attended the Primary School of St. Theresa in Fusi Safotulafai, as well as Don Bosco College and Vocational Centre.
“I chose to become a nurse so I could acquire the knowledge necessary to care for my family’s health, especially my mother’s.”
His family, brimming with pride, attended his graduation last week.
Tala i le Gagana Samoa
Ua fa’amalieina le loto o le tinā ia Vaoatea Alalatoa, ina ua fa’ataunu’uina le folafolaga a si ana tama o Jason Toese Candelario, i le fa’au’u ai ma lona fa’ailoga tikeri fa’atausi soifua, mai le Iunivesite Aoao o Samoa.
E le’i faigofie le folauga a Jason ona o le valavala ai ma si ona tinā ma lona āiga i Savai’i, ae peitai o le naunau ina a fa’ataunu’u lana folafolaga i lona tinā, o lea na finau ai.
O lea ua i’u lana taumafai, ma ua ia talitonu ai i le mana o talosaga sa tu’u atu ai i le Atua ana a’oa’oga.
Na ia fa’afetaia si ona tinā, o ona aiga i Tuasivi, ona āiga na nofo aoga ai, fa’apea ona uso ma tuafafine olo’o aumau i atunu’u mamao mo le fa’atupeina o lana aoga.
Na ia saunoa,
“O lenei galuega ua ou filifilia ona e telē se tāua i lou nei tagata, ae sa fai fo’i ma mo’omo’ooga a’o laititi e fia avea ma Tausi Soifua. E le gata e tautua atu mo le atunu’u ma tagata lautele, ao le mea taua, ua iai ia au le tomai male agava’a e fesoasoani ai ile matou aiga ile itu tau soifua maloloina.”
