New junior doctor Tarah Fepulea’i returned to Sāmoa earlier this year, completing an elective at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, coming full circle on her long and arduous academic journey.
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland graduate Fepulea’i (Matautu-uta, Moata’a and Alamagoto) received a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree at the Auckland Town Hall on 10 December. Next month, the First Year House Officer (junior doctor) will start at Middlemore Hospital.
However, it’s been a long and steep climb to attain her new role; before entering into medicine, Fepulea’i first completed a three-year Health Sciences degree and a year of postgraduate studies.
“I have been in the academic world for quite some time… it has been quite long and arduous, but now being past the finish line, it has been well worth it!”
The 27-year-old started out at Vaiala Beach School before attending Sāmoa College for two years. As a 15-year-old, she left her beloved Sāmoa for Auckland twelve years ago in 2012 to complete her secondary schooling with the goal of entering tertiary education.
“I was pursuing further educational opportunities and gaining access to resources that otherwise wouldn’t be available to me in Sāmoa.”
She completed her secondary education at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School before enrolling at the University of Auckland.
She says adjusting to the challenges of university also brought new and lifelong friendships, making the academic experience all the more rewarding. MAPAS, the Māori and Pacific admission scheme, proved an invaluable source of ongoing support over the years.
“There have been many highlights during my clinical experiences, from assisting in the delivery of babies to translating health information for Sāmoan patients,” she says.
Although Fepulea’i was born in Auckland, she spent the majority of her youth in Matautu-uta, Sāmoa, and she says returning home for the ten-week hospital elective was a major milestone.
“Growing up in the islands was the absolute dream! For me to return back home to where it all began was a full-circle moment. It also marked the start of my final year of medicine and a long academic journey!
“An added bonus was spending quality time with my parents and grandparents, all of whom reside in Sāmoa.”
Throughout her academic journey, she’s been surrounded by a loving and supportive family and village, giving her encouragement with their continuous prayers to help her along with her studies.
“In particular, I am deeply grateful for the support of my grandparents, who set the foundation for me and fervently pray for my success.”
She says her parents, Sina and Lorenzo Fepulea’i, have been a constant wave of love and support throughout.
“They have made many sacrifices for me and my siblings to pursue further educational opportunities and have supported us in our chosen career paths.
“I would also like to acknowledge the constant support from MAPAS, namely my student support advisor Akanesi Moala, who has been an invaluable source of pastoral support throughout my academic and cultural journey.”
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