Through my journey in Pacific Studies, I have learnt to embrace my Afakasi (mixed) heritage.

Originally, Pacific Studies had been recommended for interest only, but within the first few classes I made it my major—one of the best choices I have made here at the University.

I have completed my BA(Hons) and my MA thesis at Wellington. My research focused on Pacific ‘mixedness’, identity and creative arts, which developed from my own mixed Pacific heritage and my interest in art history.

I never imagined that I would have come this far in academia, but with the support, belief and encouragement given through Va’aomanū Pasifika I have not only grown as an individual, but have also learnt to embrace and appreciate my Pacific heritage. This brought me closer than I have ever been to my ‘aiga (family).

I was born in Sāmoa and having resided in Sāmoa, American Sāmoa, Otara and now Wellington, I have become the complete 'stranger' in many environments meeting new people and facing new challenges.

These experiences have led me to explore the tagata 'ese (stranger) experiences of Sāmoan Faife'au (pastor) Kids in New Zealand at postgraduate level. My MA thesis in Pacific Studies was the first research to focus on Sāmoan (and/or Pacific) parsonage children.

I liken Pacific Studies to a craftsman carving the traditional pate kilikiti (Sāmoan cricket bat). The kilikiti is carved skillfully through the implementation of indigenous 'know-how'. The weight, interwoven sinnet fibres and triangular dimensions portray balance and unity.

That is what Pacific Studies is to me. It is about awareness and balance of both traditional and contemporary ideas and issues. With these skills and kilikiti, I can 'play ball' in the academic playing field, gaining knowledge to share with my family and future generations to come. Soifua ma ia manuia!

A highlight from studying Pacific Studies is gaining skills to think critically whilst examining the content of academic articles. This creates an opportunity to unpack key and essential points within academic articles.

A highlight from Studying Sāmoan Studies and MICAT is the ability to gain a deeper understanding of the Gagana Sāmoa (Sāmoan language) and adapting different theories of translation and interpretation that could be applied in understanding a language.

The perspectives of academic authors explored within this programme may not necessarily sit well with you as a reader and the issues that arise within the readings will be uncomfortable. But it is within this sense of discomfort you will realise the rawness of our Pacific stories, indigenous knowledge, languages, cultures, histories and silenced voices.