Happiness a coping mechanism for Sam

By Aruna Lolani 16 May 2017, 12:00AM

Life in Samoa is beautiful.

Ask Sam Leota, 26, from the village of Satapuala and that’s what he will say.

“Our family is very close and we are all healthy,” he said.

“That’s the most important thing. When we are healthy and well, that’s the best thing about life.

“My family is doing alright. There are no issues at all and we do our best every day to survive.

“I am the youngest of eight children and although it is hard for my mother to make ends meet, we always have enough to eat.”

Sam’s family works hard.

He says they make enough money from selling taro and banana. 

“We have our own plantation to rely on every day, not only for food but for money as well,” he said. 

“For us, money is not an issue because we work hard.

“People being lazy is the issue because money does not just fall from the sky. Money is hard to find but if you work hard and know where to find it, you should be okay.”

As for his life as a young man, he says there are a lot of distractions.

“There are times when I get distracted because of too many changes and influences,” he said.  “This is a challenge for most young people.

 “I am sure we can all agree that life is challenging.” 

But the most important thing for him is to try his best every single day to provide for his family.

“I do have a job but I believe growing bananas, cucumbers, and pumpkins at the back of our house is a big help for food and money as well.

“I have two siblings who work, but what we earn from our plantation really helps.

Sam reiterated that happiness is all that matters. 

“I don’t mind not having money but at least were happy and satisfy with whatever we earn from our own two hands. 

“We don’t want to depend on others.

“It’s a good life, though in some ways it is narrow, but everyone in our family work together for us to be happy.”

By Aruna Lolani 16 May 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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