Determined to make a difference

08 September 2017, 12:00AM

Luma’ava Ava Tuna Papali’i Tautaloleua is determined to make a huge difference in the classroom.

It’s one of the priorities that Miss Tahiano Mauga Lui, contestant number three in the McDonald’s Miss Samoa Pageant 2017, will pursue vigorously when she graduates from the National University of Samoa with a Bachelor of Education.

Now in her second year of study toward her Bachelor degree, the 21-year-old says that from her experience as a student, there is a lot that needs to be done on how teachers deliver their lessons and lectures in the classroom.

“Not all teachers,” she was quick to point out, taking note that only some of the teaching techniques are outdated, obsolete, old-fashion and ineffective.

“As an advocate for education, I will use the pageant as leverage to promote and improve teaching techniques in classrooms, from infant to primary and college levels, before tertiary education,” she said.

She is a product of Apia Primary School, Leifiifi College and is currently studying at NUS. Luma’ava also applauds the initiative by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture to conduct classroom assessments for all levels from Year 1 to Year 8. The assessments are designed to identify the weaknesses in the system which has resulted in poor passing grades -- for both students and teachers.

Describing herself as a “passionate, optimistic, dedicated young person, who takes up responsibility with enthusiasm,” she says that her passion is for “the betterment of students.”

As contestant number three, it’s a dream come true for her to be in the pageant.

“Every year I watch the pageant and I imagine myself as one of the contestants,” said the youngest of six sisters, in a family of 11 siblings. “It’s my dream and I’m living it.”

As for the outcome, while winning is the ultimate target, she says it’s not the end of the world if she doesn’t, and she will learn as much as possible from her experience to build her character and confidence as a determined young woman.

Her parents, Tuna and Mrs.  Selesitina Mutaaga Tautaloleua, are supportive of their daughter’s quest as she is the first in the family to enter a beauty pageant.

Contestant #3: Miss Tahiano 

Mauga Lui 

Sponsor: Tahiano Perfect Fit and 

Mauga Lui

Full Name:  Luma’ava Ava 

Tuna Papalii Tautaloleua

Age: 21

Village: Palisi, Sapapalii, Faga, 

Papa Sataua, Salailua  

Education: Currently studying toward a 

Bachelor of Education, National 

University of Samoa (2nd year)

Occupation: Fulltime student

Hobbies: Netball, touch rugby, 

reading and singing.

08 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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