Love what you do. Whatever that is.

That is the opinion of Apineru Apineru from Avao Savai’i 

Speaking to the the Village Voice, the 18-year-old believes life will be a lot easier if we love what we do – even when it’s hard.

 “I live to love my family,” he said. “I grew up in the village of Avao, Savai’i all my life until my uncle called me last year to come and help him out with some of our family stuff here at Vaitele-Fou.”

“I finished my school when I was in Year 12 so that I could look after my parents and family.”

“Back in Savai’i we have our own plantation to rely on, so we hardly buy anything from the shop. We grow bananas, taro and other crops which is both sold and used for daily meals.” 

“Even though, we earn a little from our plantation but we’re still happy.”

“The only time we need money is when it comes to fa’alavelave, village and church obligations...I think those are the most expansive ones nowadays.”

Apineru said there is a big difference between the life in Apia and Savai’i.

“Life is very peaceful and perfect in our village...I miss my family.”

Apineru had to forgo his education to help his family.

 “That is the main reason I quit school. I believe God has different talents for everyone and I think my one (talent) is to look after my family and love them.”

 “Many people ask me why; I answer them with a smile and say ‘I do it out of love’, I do it because my family is a gift and a blessing for me.”

“For me, my one and only priority is my family and now I’m staying with my uncle....yes it’s good to experience life in Upolu.

“As I’ve told you before, I want to stay back and help out around the house.”

 “Now, I’m with my uncle and his children here in Upolu, I’ll look try to find a job soon so that I could provide for my family.”

For the future, Apineru feels that he can serve his family better with his farming skills that he had when he was young.

 “Living in Upolu, I’m still trying to attach to the life here, I can see that people can do whatever they want to do, entitled to their own opinions....”

“At Avao, this is not the case, you have to make sure to take care of your actions, when you walk, talk, sit in wherever and everywhere you’re going.”

“We’re not allowed to eat and walk, talking while standing...and we all know, it’s all about respect (fa’aaloalo ma le ava fatafata).”

He went on to say “I have to be strong for those I love and that is all that matters most in life. I’ll try to live my life to the fullest and try to stay away from unlawful behaviour because it’s a waste of time.”