Feagaimaleata Sarah Tanielu, a 20-year-old law student from the villages of Tulaele, Falefa, Laulii and Nofoalii, has become the first in her family to receive a university scholarship — a milestone she says was made possible by the unwavering support of her father. 

The scholarship from the Yazaki Kizuna Foundation, in partnership with the University of South Pacific, will cover her tuition fees for both semesters this year.

“It is an honour, honestly. It's been a humbling experience knowing that it will be a first for both families,” she said. “It comes with all the privileges of being a law student... financially, it will be such a big help for both families, especially with my parents.”

Standing beside her at the award ceremony was her father, Esau Tanielu, whom she credits as the person who steered her toward studying law.

“He has been my constant reminder of why I’m doing what I’m doing," she said. Her father echoed her gratitude, noting the financial relief the scholarship brings during difficult times.

“I am very proud of her,” he said. “This will save us a little bit from the financial problems we’re having, especially this time of the year and what we’re going through in life now. We’re very thankful and very blessed.”

He added that the application process required persistence. “I had to keep pushing her to, you know, keep asking around... Like every other parent would want that.” Tanielu described the scholarship application process as especially challenging.

“It was hard,” she said. “One of my biggest testimonies was being the last one to take the last spot... I got interviewed right before they went back to Japan, so I’m honoured for that.”

Now in her third year at the university, she balances her law studies with her role as a legal intern at Stowers and Su'a Law Firm. Asked what motivated her to pursue law, Tanielu reflected on personal passion and professional impact.

“Law gives you that privilege to have to speak, to have to make a change,” she said. 

She also finds inspiration in real-world experiences during her internship and leadership responsibilities.

“Being in the private practice that I am doing now, seeing all the different issues that we have in Samoa and being able to be in the field that comes up with solutions to that — I’ve been loving that experience,” she said.

Tanielu plans to pursue her Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP) after graduation, with hopes of being admitted to the bar and work for the Office of the Attorney General in Samoa.