Seventeen-year-old Leisina Grace Rasmussen, who dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer, was the Top Overall Foundation Student for 2025 at the National University of Samoa (NUS).

"Today feels very surreal. At the beginning of the year, I didn't think I would be standing here in this position," she told the Samoa Observer.

 "After high school, where I was valedictorian, I thought coming here there would be so much more competition, and I wouldn't be good enough. But this year has taught me that it's not just talent, it's hard work. I remained resilient and hardworking all year. I made sacrifices, both socially and with sports, and I'm thankful I did because I get to live this moment now."

Leisina credited her success to her parents and grandparents, saying their financial and emotional support helped her reach this milestone.

At the Foundation Prize Giving ceremony on Thursday, Leisina received multiple awards, including Top Overall Foundation Student 2025, Top Foundation Science Student, Top Foundation Technology Student, and Top Equal Foundation Computing and Chemistry Student.

Leisina was the Year 12 Valedictorian at Church College Pesega in 2024 and enrolled in NUS’s Faculty of Science in February 2025. At the graduation ceremony on Friday, she delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude to God, lecturers, and her family. She reflected on the challenges of online learning and navigating the dengue fever lockdown, overcoming self-doubt, and drawing inspiration from her peers.

She concluded with a reminder to fellow graduates: to carry their roots, values, and families with them as they embrace new countries, courses, and challenges ahead.