My academic milestones were facilitated by my perseverance, inquisitiveness, and an unquenchable appetite for self-improvement. Observing my parents’ relentless commitment to teaching paved the way for my comfort and motivation from an early age, motivating me to become a teacher myself someday. Their efforts and sleepless nights designing lessons for their students inspired me further towards a passion for teaching. Now, I am proudly following their steps as a teacher myself. I will say that my quest toward obtaining a college degree was not without hurdles. Because of financial difficulties, my goals were constantly at risk of me being thrown off course, but winning a scholarship was the turning point that helped me remain steadfast and determined.

My undergraduate studies commenced at the University of the South Pacific Tongan Campus in 2021. There, I pursued a degree in Education and English Language and Literature, with the desire of improving my skills as a teacher. I immediately threw myself into academic life. I joined student organizations, partook in community service, took up research, employed myself, and achieved a semblance of equilibrium between dual part-time studies and full-time teaching. On occasion, a sense of hopelessness came in the face of the copious tasks, both pedagogical and administrative, that I was required to tackle. By my side through this journey has been my faith. It always encourages me to remain steadfast through challenges.

God had a plan for my future, though initially, I doubted that I would be among the recipients of the scholarship and its fund. All that was turned around when I received the Tonga Government Funded Scholarship in 2021. It was not just about offering money to me, but also a validation of my capabilities and a vote of confidence in my dreams. The scholarship allowed me to be able to focus all my attention on studying, enjoy academic enrichment experiences, and dedicate more time to worthwhile extracurricular activities. During my program, I managed to attend conferences, do internships, and have a strong and good GPA throughout my program.

Above all, the scholarship reinforced and strengthened in me the idea that education has the power to change human lives. With its sponsorship, I was able to achieve a Bachelor of Education-Secondary and am even more determined and look forward to continuing my study beyond this level in the next few years, while keeping myself devoted towards helping our beloved country's young aspiring students. Now, I still gladly mentor young students who are going through the same difficulties, sharing my experience and urging them not to quit. They can do the same as well, if I can do the same. Reflecting on it, my academic life is a tale of perseverance and the opportunities that arise when one has faith in you. My success was also backed by the Tongan Government Funded scholarship that I obtained, and I would never forget it as I struggle with all my energy to be the best and serve the people of Tonga. "God and Tonga are my inheritance."