Despite his visual impairment, nothing can stop Tu’ulua Tu’ulua of Vaitele from reaching for the stars. 

The 20-year-old, is currently a bus driver assistant (supakako) and makes up to $70 per week. He knows he is capable of more.

“I want a better paying job. Despite being visual impaired I know my capabilities and I know I can land a good job.” 

Tu’ulua who became blind three years ago, has always wanted to be a Police Officer his whole life. 

However his dream went down the drain when he was injured during a traffic accident when he was 17 years old. 

“I got into a car accident when I was 17. 

“Internal bleeding in my head caused this, while I am blind I am thankful that I am still alive. 

“It was hard accepting the reality that my vision won’t be 100% but nonetheless, I had to accept it. 

“Otherwise my energy would be focused on pitying myself. 

“Yet what I should’ve been doing was learning how to adapt to my new reality and that I had to start depending on my hearing and the little vision I have to move with my life. “It’s one of those things where you cannot do anything about it.... life happens,” said Tu’ulua. 

He told Samoa Observer that his inability to have a full vision will not stop him from looking for a better paying job. 

“My quest in terms of looking for another job has been difficult. But I have to try, its what I need to do if I want to live a happy life. 

“I want to have an actual job, where I can buy nice things for myself. “The money I am making right now only allows me to purchase cigarettes,” said Tu’ulua. 

Tu’ulua has no capabilities to offer other than being a handy man to carry groceries, packages or goods for any company that wants to offer him a job. “I know its hard for anyone to consider a blind man for any job, given my condition. 

“But I challenge you, to try me. I have a little vision and observe my surroundings, especially what I hear to help me with what I’m doing and where I’m going,” said Tu’ulua.

He told Samoa Observer that he wants to have kids and settle down when the time is right, but in the meantime, he has to look for a good job first. The young man can be reached at 766-3326.