300 foundation students of the National University of Samoa have graduated.
After a long year of studies they graduated in a ceremony in the presence of family, and friends on Friday.
Speaking to the graduates, Head of State Afioga Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II congratulated the students.
“Many congratulations for your achievements and success today,” he said.
Acknowledging their diligence and hard work throughout this past year that has made their graduation a special day and a happy day for families and friends.
“May God bless you in the years to come.”
Claiming the Top Foundation Student title was Felicia Lilly Margaret Ott who encouraged the graduates to turn their dreams into reality.
She graduated with a Foundation Certificate in Science and aims for a Bachelor in Engineering as a Chemical or Environment Engineer.
Growing up studying at Samoa Primary and St Mary’s Primary, she has come a long way to where she is now and looks forward to the journey ahead.
“Today I reflect on the many lessons we have learned throughout the year and like many of you I experience moments of doubts and difficulty,” she said.
“There were nights when the textbooks seemed heavier than ever and the physics equations refused to make sense, but in those moments I was reminded of the values instilled in me by my parents, family and former schools Samoa Primary and St Mary’s College.”
NUS has also provided us with more than just an education said the Foundation top student.
But also a determination to contribute meaningfully to the development of our beloved Samoa.
According to Felicia they worked hard to get to this point but have not done it by themselves, as they have become the people they are today not overnight but as a result of our decisions, the choices they make and those who surround and support them.
“It is those people we need to thank. For me I thank my family who support me in more ways than that was easy to reconcile, especially my parents who have sacrificed so much, not only for me but also my 5 siblings.”
She thanked her mother who is her comfort on hard days and who has believed in Felicia since day one.
“I thank my father who never hesitates to make me smile with his dry jokes and has always taught me that failure is not the end but the beginning of something more.”
Lastly and most importantly says Felicia let us give thanks to God, our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ for He was the one who truly made any and all of this possible.
“I don’t know where it goes from here for any of us, for you, for anyone, not even for me but I wish you the very best in your journey and thank you for all being party of mine. Wherever we go and whatever we do may we always be friends when we meet again.”
