Believe in yourself – graduate says

By Ilia L Likou 30 November 2016, 12:00AM

Leanne Elisara has made her parents and family proud.

She was among the graduates who celebrated sweet success during the University of the South Pacific graduation last week. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology and Politics.

Leanne’s parents are Bishop Tuasivi Elisara and Ana Elisara of Moamoa.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Leanne said she is grateful.

“I’ve always dreamed of becoming a lawyer but it was cut short when some of us who wanted to take Law School were asked to take up other options,” she said. 

“Reason being is that there are already a lot of unemployed lawyers  (as we were told)  and there is a lack of workers in the other fields of study such as Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work to name a few.” 

“So I decided to major in Politics and Sociology and I came to realize that maybe being a Politician isn’t such a bad idea. However, I still dream of accomplishing being a lawyer in the near future.”

Three years away from family has been challenging. 

“It was a great experience, it has been the most amazing three years of my life,” she told the Samoa Observer. “I couldn’t ask for a better place to be away from home.”

“I faced a lot of difficulties at first with things like culture shock, missing home, time management etc. but I managed to get hold of everything.  

“Being away from home was the hardest part however through prayers and putting my priorities first, it healed me pushing me to try my best to pass all my courses.” And now her goal is to find employment.

 “It’s such hard work trying to find one especially with all the new recruits graduating from different universities but as long as I get a job that’s the most important thing.”

“I still feel I have a long way to go, I wish to continue studying until I can no longer take it, serve a full-time mission and help my parents and my family.” 

Leanne also shared some life lessons. “During the period I was away from home, I’ve learnt to become independent. Self-reliance is what I think every student who studies aboard should learn from being away from home.   

“I’ve wanted to give up a couple of times but never let it get to your head.” 

“Believe in yourself and believe you can do good and better things and seek help from the Lord ... he is always there and He helped me through.”  

“Learn to love yourself, family and everyone around will push through to greater happiness and by doing so you will never quit.  She also thanked everyone for their support.” 

“My parents, my grandparents and all my families they have supported and challenged me that school requires a lot of work but the ending result is what’s more important.

“To my friends and Moamoa Ward they have been so supportive and friendly.”

“To the friends I made in Fiji and to my Fijian family I wouldn’t have won the battle if I didn’t fight it alongside with all of you, especially to AUSAID, thank you for being my sponsor for the last 3 years.”

By Ilia L Likou 30 November 2016, 12:00AM

Trending Stories

Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>