The head of the National University of Samoa's media and journalism department, Misa Victoria Lepou, was among 500-plus students who graduated from the National University of Samoa Friday.

She dedicated her postgraduate diploma in journalism to media practitioners in Samoa. 

“This is for the media industries as there’s a shortage of qualified journalists and media practitioners in the country, so this is for them," she said.

She added that it is the university’s vision for all staff to upgrade their qualifications, consequently graduating with a postgraduate diploma was a milestone for her, as she’s already looking at trying to improving the qualifications for the media and journalism programme. 

Media and Journalism has the Bachelor’s program in place with Misa saying the long term goal is to ensure that journalists attain higher education despite working in the media already. 

“Today (Friday) is just another special day, it’s just another step further up but there’s a lot of work to do.”

On top of commitments, both personal and professional at the same time, Misa said her success is mostly about her mother, who recently had a stroke.

With tears, Misa said despite her mother not able to attend the ceremony, she wouldn't have made it this far without her mother's support. 

“Most nights she would watch television and point out the slight mistakes in a joking way and she also reads the newspaper.

“She’s a very strong woman behind the principals of doing your job well and being trained while in whatever profession.”

Misa also acknowledged colleague lecturer Joshua Lafoai and the media and journalism department, especially the students for being patient.

"It’s all about improving the line of work that we do and being at the frontline of taking and disseminating information to the public. There are more aspiring journalists and working journalists who may want to come back and take up the opportunity as well," she added.