High achiever makes her mark

30 May 2016, 12:00AM

Although she is unsure if she is the first Samoan woman to hold a Juris Doctor degree from America, 27 year old Saisamoa F. Grey Price is definitely a high achiever.

The daughter of Tuilaepa Soioamoa Mary Grey & William R. Price, she was born and raised in Malifa, educated at St Mary's Primary, St Mary's College, and N.U.S.

She has gained some impressive qualifications along the way beginning with her Foundation Certificate in Art from the National University of Samoa, followed by an Associate of Arts Degree in Pre Law from American Samoa Community College (A.S.C.C); an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from ASCC; and an Bachelor of Arts Degree in Administration of Law from University of Hawaii at Hilo.

“On May 15th, I graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa along with three certificates, “ said Saisamoa. “International Law, Environmental Law and Native Hawaiian Law.”

“Sadly my mother was not able to make my graduation.”

“But  I am the first of my law school to graduate with all three certificates in addition to the Juris Doctor degree,” she said.

And as if her studies didn’t keep her busy enough she was the managing editor of the Asian-Pacific Law and Policy Journal, the most highly cited legal academic journal focusing on Asia and Pacific issues. 

“I was also the President of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society, the Secretary of the Law Student Government, and President of the BLSA Moot Court Team. I was the first dual recipient of the Sam L. Cohen Fellowship for International Human Rights and the Advocates for Public Interest Law. 

I was also, a presenter at the recent International Law and Policy Conference on Marine Diversity, Climate Change and Maritime boundaries.” As far as I know I am only the second Samoan, born and raised in Apia to graduate with a law degree from America. The other is current Minister of Justice, Katopau Ainu'u born and raised in Savaii, she said.

“Earlier in March I, along with my team mate from law school competed and were placed 2nd in the International Nelson Mandela Negotiations Competition that was held in Baltimore, Maryland.

“I am a proud child of Samoa and hope to one day give back to my Samoa.”

30 May 2016, 12:00AM
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