A young woman from Sataoa Safata, Aliceaevapoley Wong See, currently pursuing a Certificate in Arts at the National University of Samoa (NUS), was one of the recipients of the Rotary Club of Apia’s scholarship.

This is a timely and life-changing opportunity for the aspiring 21-year-old academic.

The scholarship opportunity has been a huge help in financial support for the young scholar and her family. She stated that this opportunity also inspired her with the stories behind the Rotary Club. 

“With how Rotary Club and its volunteers are working together to serve Samoa. Reflecting on my mission, I have come to love and enjoy serving the people of the Philippines without being paid, and that is something that I'm seeing in the Rotary Club," she said. 

"People are just helping everyone else, not for the fame and not for the money, but just because it's what they love doing and it's what's inside them that's pushing them to do it, and that is “love”.' 

The stories behind the Rotary Club have somehow motivated Alice to keep doing what her heart says, and that is pushing her more to keep studying. Passionate about nature, human behaviour, and world history, Aliceaevapoley chose the Certificate in Arts program out of genuine interest. Her ultimate goal is not just a career, but a life guided by purpose and heart.

Aliceaevapoley's journey to higher education has been anything but ordinary. The youngest of five siblings in a family of seven, she grew up in a household led by a primary school teacher father and a housewife mother. Tragically, she lost her mother while in Year 8, a devastating moment that became a defining influence in her educational path.

“My mom's passing was the hardest thing I had to go through at such a young age,” she shared. “But it shaped my determination to succeed.”

Despite financial hardships, Aliceaevapoley remained committed to her studies. After completing her primary education in her village, she attended Safata College, where she graduated as the Head Girl and Dux of the Class of 2021. In 2022, she enrolled at the University of the South Pacific in Alafua but later chose to take a leap of faith and serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines Tacloban Mission.

“Serving in the Philippines was something I always wanted to do. It helped me grow spiritually and emotionally, and it’s what reignited my desire to study again,” she said. She returned home in December 2023 and, with the support of her family, decided to restart her academic journey through NUS's foundation program.

Although she has faced criticism and discouragement, Aliceaevapoley remains steadfast. “Some people question why I was in the foundation when I graduated two years ago, but I’ve learned to trust God's plan. The negativity only makes me stronger,” she said.

Her faith was again rewarded when she stumbled upon the Rotary Club of Apia’s scholarship announcement on Facebook, just one minute after it was posted. “I applied immediately and prayed for the best. Being selected means so much not just for me, but for my family,” she said gratefully.

Aliceaevapoley Wong See’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, faith, and the impact of community support. Her journey stands as a beacon of hope for many young Samoans striving to pursue their dreams despite life’s challenges.

To the youth of Samoa, she offers this message, “Always believe that God will make the impossible possible. Follow your heart, ignore negativity, and remember that serving others is one of the greatest forms of service to God.”