Study. Study. And study some more

 

This entry is going to be quite reflective, focussing on what I have learnt and observed about the value placed on study by every person I have met here in Samoa so far. 

At the moment, all Samoan colleges and universities are in full exam mode. The junior students are preparing for finals, whilst the senior students are completing their ‘mock exams’ before national exams come up in a few weeks. The focus and diligence I have observed has blown my mind. The girls I am staying with are studying night and day, on little to no sleep in order to ensure they are fully prepared. The junior students I am teaching are all laser focussed, absorbing everything I utter. Students who I haven’t even taught are bringing me essays that they have written so I can give them feedback. I haven’t met one student who ‘doesn’t care.’ I haven’t met one student who says they will ‘study for the finals, the mocks don’t matter.’ 

To be honest, this SHOULD be normal behaviour right? Understanding and respecting the opportunities education can provide for a person’s future. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m absolutely an advocate for following the path that feeds your dreams and is guided by your passions. I know the uni isn’t for everyone, and - yes, I’ve heard it before - some of the most successful people in the world don’t even have a degree. Blah blah blahdy blah….. 

But that’s not the point I’m trying to make here. I have been humbled by the respect education is given in Samoa. Unfortunately, it’s a respect that many people in NZ can afford not to have. Life in NZ is comparably easy. Free education. Student loans. Allowances. More scholarships than you can shake a stick at. However, there are no student loans here. No allowances. No free education in public schools after Year 10. To gain a world class education, a young Samoan student needs a scholarship, or to be able to obtain residence through a legal adoption by a NZ citizen. Life in Samoa is not glitzy or glamorous. If you don’t get a decent education, you’ll be pumping gas for $12 tala an hour (and that’s if you’re lucky) It’s just more important here. I have always heard the stories of aiga who brought their families to NZ for a ‘better life,’ but now I can truly see the reality of this. It’s humbling. 

I want to come back to NZ with a few messages to the students I adore. Please don’t take your education for granted. You are truly blessed to be in a place that provides the means for anyone who works hard to gain a decent qualification. YOUR future is in YOUR hands. 

Don’t waste it.