Students of Technical and Vocational Training Programmes at the National University of Samoa celebrated sweet success yesterday.

More than 400 graduates received certificates, with some getting diplomas, in front of parents, families and friends who came to witness the special celebration.

The Managing Director of the Samoa Water Authority, Seugamaalii Jammie Sa’ena, congratulated the graduates as the keynote speaker.

 “Some of you are questioning what the next step is? Where will you be able to find a job,” she said.

“There is one thing I want to share with you the graduates when it’s time for you to enter your appointed work places. Firstly, there will be a time that you will make a mistake. You will make mistakes.

“You will inevitably make mistakes, but that is a good thing for you. When you do, you need to learn from them and you’ll never make it again.”

“Secondly, don’t be complacent.

“This is just the beginning, never stop looking for opportunities to further your education,” she said. “Never stop looking to increase your knowledge base.”

Top electro Engineering Student, Christian Lam Sam, said yesterday was a joyful occasion for many of them.

He acknowledged the support from their families, friends, lecturers and everyone who has supported them in the journey.

“The truth is we entered N.U.S with nothing, we didn’t know anything,” he said.

“We didn’t know how to be engineers, tour guides, how to fix refrigerators and so forth but thanks to this University and all the lecturers that we are able to leave here with our minds full of wisdom and knowledge.

SPECIAL AWARDS

• Top Electro Engineering Student – Christian Lam Sam

• Best All Round NUS Horticulture Student – Tolofai Niualele Isaia

• Top Journalism Student – Katalina Tovia

• Top Tourism & Hospitality Student – Fetuao Nuuvali

• Top Diploma in Office Management Student – Hannah Malotutoatasi

• Top Diploma in Tourism Student – Pa’i Crichton