You’ve got to help yourself first

By Aruna Lolani 29 June 2017, 12:00AM

Being your own boss is a blessing.

So says Ropene Fa’anofo from Fagalii, regarding his situation; not only as a single man but also someone with a job.

Speaking to the Village Voice, Ropene said he works as a gardener at the Fagali’i Golf Course and his reason for being at Tuanaimato yesterday was his interest in watching the Samoa Golf Open 2017.

“I work at the Golf course at Fagali’i, you know cleaning, mowing, all that kind of work on the lands.”

The 43-year-old said he hasn’t had any thought of starting any family yet until he knows he can afford that life.

“So I may live with my siblings but one thing we agree on is that we depend on our own work.

“And I can’t have a family of my own because my job right now only covers for what I need and the truth is, a loaf of bread is not that cheap anymore.

“That is why I’m thankful to God for having a job because without it, I would be relying on other people for survival.

“Sure it doesn’t seem much or important to other people but it’s okay enough for me because it’s helping me live each day with something good in my stomach.

“I depend on myself, on my work and I have a plantation not only as a way for extra money but also as a back-up plan when I don’t have anything to eat.”

Ropene said sometimes, learning to do everything by yourself is not always a bad idea as some Samoans tend to believe.

“I know some people are struggling because they can’t handle doing all the work alone but I’m telling you, this is a challenge for all of us and what challenges usually do to us is that they build us into better people.

“People aren’t always going to be there for you, that’s why you have to learn to handle things on your own.

“Life is so much better when you stop relying on others and work for your own good.”

By Aruna Lolani 29 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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