Although their academic journey continues, two former Head Prefects from Maluafou College have reached a key milestone worth celebrating. Gardenia Satiu and Junior Leiataua, who led their college in 2020, graduated last Friday from the National University of Samoa.
Their achievement is more than a personal success. It’s a moment of pride for their families, former teachers, and peers who have watched them grow from student leaders to young professionals.
Gardenia Satiu graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, and Junior Leiataua with a Bachelor of Science. Both were emotional as they reflected on the challenges and support that shaped their paths.
For Junior, now a teacher at Aana 2 College, graduating was both fulfilling and symbolic.
“I am humbled and excited at the same time. I have achieved what I have always wanted,” he said. “My dad was a teacher back in the days, and now I have also become a teacher. The Lord is faithful always.”
The 23-year-old from Leupuia’i, Manono Tai, said his teaching journey began in the church, where he first served as a Sabbath School teacher and piano instructor. He is the youngest child of Leiataua Tuimauga Sulu Ioane and Talaleu Leiataua, and a former student of Manono Primary School and Maluafou College.
Beyond teaching, Junior also dreams of becoming a pastor—another calling he hopes to pursue with the same faith and dedication.
For Gardenia, the road to graduation was demanding but filled with purpose. She was named Dux of Maluafou College in 2020 and has always aimed high.
“Coming this far, I feel grateful and I am very happy with my achievements,” she said. “It’s been a long year of many late-night studies and early mornings, but I made it because God has been my main provider and source of knowledge.”
The 22-year-old is from Siusega, Salimu, Fagaloa, and Saanapu, and a proud graduate of Vaitele Primary School in 2015. She hopes to pursue a career in accounting and is eager to put her degree to practical use. Gardenia also credited her mother, Tumua, as her biggest supporter throughout her academic journey.
Both Junior and Gardenia agreed that humility and resilience were key to overcoming the many obstacles they faced at university. They extended their gratitude to their former principal Lasi Tavae, the teachers at Maluafou College, and their lecturers and tutors at NUS. They also acknowledged their churches and families for their constant encouragement and spiritual support.
As proud alumni, the pair expressed joy in graduating alongside other Maluafou classmates, referring to them as “brothers and sisters” they were honoured to share the journey with.
Their shared message to students:
“Never give up, keep pushing.”
