The top student in the National University of Samoa Foundation Commerce stream, Valasi Talosaga, wants to help grow Samoa’s economy by becoming an economist.

The top scholar said this after the NUS Foundation graduation ceremony that was held recently at the university gymnasium.

The 18-year-old from Gautavai and Falelauniu said with Samoa being in the developing nation category, she wants to make a difference and contribute to the country’s economic growth through her future profession.

“I know that I am young and I have my life ahead of me to live and explore various options but I have already made up my mind.

“I want to stand for change, the kind of change that makes a great difference upon the lives of all the people in Samoa.

“I believe that being an economist can help with changing the current situation we are in,” she said.

Valasi is the child of Kerisimasi and Talosaga Tanielu and was the top student overall in economics.

“I am extremely content because all the hard work throughout this year has been paid off with great results.

“I thank my parents for their love and support that helped me a lot, not forgetting my grandparents, my grandmother Vika Talosaga.

“I dedicate my award to my grandparents Faleupolu and Toalafoua, Vika Talosaga and Tagaloa Tanielu,” she added.

The scholar overcame many challenges along the way and credited her faith in God for the guidance and assistance from various quarters including her family. 

Valasi received the Digicel Company Limited’s Trophy for top equal Foundation Marketing student alongside Cathlinn Domenica Chrichton.

Cathlinn is the eldest out of five of Liki and Kuini Chrichton’s children from Vaimoso and Leauvaa.

The 18-year-old felt humbled and honored with her achievement and praised God for his assistance.

“All the glory and thanksgiving must be given back to God because without him I would not have been able to do this and that is why I dedicate all my success to the Lord.

“I faced obstacles like the vast numbers of competitive students within my field, I thought I would not be able to be at the top but thank God I did it.

“I encourage students to study what they love to study and what they have interest in because out of what they love comes the passion to study hard and fight for it,” Cathlinn said.

With her eyes set firmly on becoming an economist but with a marketing background, she hopes she can give back to the country and God.