Maria Theresa Mafulele has achieved her 2023 goal of becoming the dux of her primary school at Lalovaea. She continues her journey towards her career goal of becoming an architect. The 13-year-old was announced the school dux yesterday morning, having excelled in Bible, Mathematics, and Science.
In an interview with Samoa Newshub, Maria reflected a sense of humbleness when considering her classmates, who set high standards throughout this academic year. “Everyone is a winner today. My friends are all smart, and this is for them as well because we have been inspiring one another to go beyond our limits,” she said.
When asked about her accomplishments, Maria shared with Samoa Newshub, “Coming this far, I feel grateful, thankful, and I am very happy with my achievements, and I’m filled with gratitude. 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.”
Her proud parents, Penina Tuala and Petaia Mafulele, expressed their pleasure with their daughter’s achievements and the completion of her primary school education. The Seventh Day Adventist Primary School dux credited her parents’ prayers for positively influencing her journey.
Maria, from Siumu, will be attending Samoa Adventist College in Lalovaea in 2024. “I’m really looking forward to attending high school next year,” she said.
Maria also shared a message for other students in Samoa: “Hold on, you are on the right track. The road to success is quite difficult, therefore we have to be strong, believing that God is always there. Work hard and smart, be active, and always remain humble.”
