Family first: The greatest show of love
Sometimes making sacrifices for others is the greatest show of love.
And for 21-year-old Tikele Fa’atiga of Faleasi’u, giving up his tertiary studies for the sake of his family’s welfare, is his greatest show of love.
Mr. Fa’atiga attended the National University of Samoa this year, and just recently pulled out because of financial constraints.
Mr. Fa’atiga said his decision was based on his family’s financial situation at the moment.
“I just recently dropped out from university after the first semester because my older sister was the only sole provider for our family and I just don’t want them to spend so much money on me, while there are my sister’s children here with us too.”
“My decision was a hard one because I know this will be my future but then my family needed that money more than me,” he said.
Mr. Fa’atiga met the Village Voice team while on his way to look for work around his village yesterday.
Mr. Fa’atiga is looking for a job and is currently helping his sister run a canteen at the primary school in their village.
“The only thing I’m thinking of right now is to look for a job so that I can support my family as well as support myself with whatever I need for myself.”
Mr. Fa’atiga also shared what led to his decision to pull out from school.
“I thought to myself that I would be so stubborn if I get my school fees paid and my family starved.”
“Another reason was that I wouldn’t even think about attending school with money on me while my younger nephews don’t have anything to eat.”
Mr. Fa’atiga also added his decision and his sacrifice did not disappoint him at all.
“I am looking forward to finding a job soon to be able to support my family and I am happy with my decision because I’m sure I’ll be back in school sometime in the near future,” he added.