A bitter sweet moment for students

By Soli Wilson 15 December 2019, 10:00AM

While some students anxiously await word on when they will resume unfinished exams, others have already gotten results and are celebrating.

The students include foundation students of the National University of Samoa, whose graduation was cancelled last month due to the measles epidemic.

The vocational studies graduation is postponed until April 2020.

Students who have been awarded scholarships have been told to collect their certificates and results from administration in order to start processing their applications.

Foundation student, Alden Isitolo Godinet, who will be undertaking Biomedical studies in Australia next year said he felt downhearted knowing his year wont be having the full experience of celebrating together claiming their certificates in front of families and friends.

"Claiming my foundation certificate privately with my dad alone felt very proud yet underwhelming," said the 18-year-old.

"The measles epidemic has broken our [Foundation students'] hearts but it is nothing compared to the agonizing pain the loved ones of the people whose lives have been taken by the measles are currently feeling."

Foundation level graduating students have received a full refund for their graduation fees as processes had already begun before the cancellation.

The same sentiments were shared by another scholarship awardee, Daniel Koria, who said it was definitely "heart breaking".

Despite missing out on the 'heart break', the students are now looking forward and hopeful for their future.

"As one of the fortunate students to be blessed with an opportunity to study overseas, I know for a fact that not having a graduation is not the end but a beginning of a new and most likely challenging academic chapter," said 18-year-old Daniel. 

"Throughout all the harrowing news reports on the statistics of sick and critically ill patients with the virus as well as the number of deaths, it was very much a great change in tone when I got the good news of being offered a scholarship. 

"This meant a lot not only to me but also my family who appreciated the positivity that this news brought into our home despite all that was happening around us."

Daniel looks to study within the areas of Political Science and International Studies with a minor in Sociology where he is now looking forward to finishing and eventually get that graduation experience.

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Education
By Soli Wilson 15 December 2019, 10:00AM

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