What a fruitful week it has been. Congratulations to all graduates who’ve worked hard to finally be rewarded with that piece of paper. A most valuable piece of paper that will open many doors and allow for better opportunities. Three years for a degree feels like forever when you are just starting – when there are stressful situations when your parents or parent is struggling to make ends meet – but at the same time trying to pay your university fees. Every student goes through trials and hardships at some point in the learning journey. Every student will stand at a crossroads in the middle of this, choosing whether to stay in school or leave and find a low-paying job, to support their families. I know it hasn’t been an easy journey for many of you.

Well done in your pursuit of higher education. Knowledge is valuable and even more so when you use that learning in life. You can do anything with that knowledge and qualification now. Life is supposed to be better with more knowledge and higher education. Jobs and opportunities are supposed to come find you and vice versa when you are good at what you do for some time. Get your experience, learn as much as you can in those starting roles, and always find better opportunities for yourself and your family. The world is at your feet and your finger tips.

The next step is finding that job, somewhere to start and launch yourself from. You can choose who you want to work with, have a plan and set goals. Look at your CV because that is what you are presenting to your future employer. Have a relative or friend who is already working check your CV. It is your passport to the workforce so don’t be careless about that.

I’ve gone through hundreds of CVs in my previous roles as a business development consultant and a business owner. High grades are alright, impressive but employers don’t just see that. At least I hope they don’t. A holistic view of your new hire and whether they are a good fit for your organisation is more important than straight As. Some of the most qualified people are not the most dedicated or involved. Some are there to just get paid and warm the seat to move on to the next job in less than 2 years.

As an employer, having a piece of paper means you can finish projects and can stick to deadlines. It means you are intelligent, analytical, make good decisions, and can use your knowledge to meet the goals of the organisation as well as your own. Ambition is a good thing, working hard and turning up on time is highly valued. Life is not that complicated.

In every workplace, there is order just like when God created earth. There are authority figures that we must submit to and work within the boundaries of our role. God established boundaries from the very beginning. Adam and Eve were told that they can enjoy the whole garden except for one tree. Having a boss and knowing your role including boundaries is not a new pop culture idea. God didn’t set that boundary to restrict Adam and Eve. He actually had order in order to protect them from evil and live happily in the garden. The human heart was never supposed to carry the knowledge of evil and God was clear on that. Once Adam and Eve disobeyed, they were booted from the garden and their lives became much more complicated after that. Sin came into existence and pain was introduced to humankind.

When you start your working journey, remember that. Bosses and managers are there to guide you and fulfill the goals of the organisation. As a new employee, understand your role and know why you are there. I’ve seen far too many bright graduates come through the system only to fizzle out and become careless about their jobs. Everyone wants to be appreciated at work, be rewarded for their sweat, and be the best version of themselves. While we enjoy another peaceful Sunday Samoa, I congratulate you all, especially the parents who have been faithful in supporting and paying for your children’s education. Celebrate and enjoy this moment. You are doing an awesome job and you should be proud. Malo lava!