Don’t ever change to impress and please anyone.

Change because it makes you a better person.

That’s the advice from Derek Suetena, 18, of Fasito’o-uta when he spoke to the Village Voice yesterday.

“Life is all about being true to yourself,” he said. “Don’t try to be someone else.” 

Derek lives with his parents and six siblings. He is the eldest. 

He quit school to help his family.

“I know people at my age should complete tertiary education because it’s a must, but that is not the case for me… I’ve been trying my best in the past few years but it just wasn’t for me.

 “I’ve decided to stay home and help out with our family chores but that doesn’t mean it’s the end for me.

“I will start looking for other careers that I am interested in, I don’t want to end up as a youth with no meaning in life at all.”

Derek said he knew that by quitting school, he would save his parents’ money rather than continuing to waste it when he was not interested.

“I don’t think it’s something everyone should do but it worked for me.

“Also I’m not saying school has done nothing to me at all… no … education has given me so many opportunities to learn how to read and write also to add, subtract and multiply etc…

“Giving up on education is where I am starting to realize who I  really am and what I want to do… because to be honest, I am good at mechanics and that’s what I want to do.

“I can fix broken electric stuff and I can also fix cars. I will probably return to study that field.”

Derek said he comes from a family of mechanics and that will make his career choice even more interesting.

“My father has always been my role model and one day I want to be the man he is… that is the true meaning I want for my life,” he said.

“I hope the future can read my mind and help me get through this journey by making all my dreams come true.”

The young man also sends out a strong encouraging message to students who have not yet found their purpose in life.

“Don’t force yourself to be someone else. Be true to yourself, don’t give up easily. There are so many opportunities out there that can help shape you in the future.”