Student Profiles

On this page:

• Emelihter Kihleng
• Paula Faiva
• Lolohea Bulamaibau
• Julie Ariihee
• Sadat Muaiava
• Scott McLeod
• Leutu Atatai
• Lagi Tuimavava

Emelihter Kihleng

PhD Student in Pacific Studies

"my urohs is me

daughter of the lien wai

and ohl en Nan U

a iehros, walking slowly"

This quote is taken from the last stanza of a poem of mine entitled, ‘My Urohs’, where I describe the significance and multi-layered/faceted nature of the urohs en Pohnpei or Pohnpeian appliqué skirt (My Urohs 2008). Urohs, made, worn, gifted and sold by Pohnpeian women, are a symbol of identity, femaleness and notions of beauty and power. They are also the focus of my PhD thesis.

I am a native of Pohnpei Island, Federated States of Micronesia, and grew up in Pohnpei as well as Guam and Honolulu, Hawai’i, where I collected, admired and even wrote poetry about these colourful, cultural works of art. I brought my most cherished urohs with me to Wellington, not knowing they would become the subject of my PhD study in the Pacific Studies programme. I’m excited to see where my research will take me.

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Paula Faiva

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Lolohea Bulamaibau

BA Media Studies and Pacific Studies

In 2007 I was a typically relaxed student at Taita College, I never really saw University as an option for me. It wasn't until the Victoria outreach programme came to our school that I became interested and inspired to take the next step to Victoria University.

In 2008 I enrolled in the Certificate of University Preparation; this made the transition from college a lot easier.  Initially it was nerve racking, because you feel quite small in such a big place, much like your first day of college. However, taking Pacific Studies courses helped me to find my feet; Gaining good friendships and expanding my knowledge not only on the Pacific but the issues the Pacific were facing during and after colonialism.

Being the first person from my family to attend university has given me more determination to persevere in obtaining a degree. My hope is not only to make my parents proud but also to encourage my family and friends to pursue tertiary studies. 

I have been blessed to have the assistance of the Pacific staff here, from the support staff to the lecturers; they have been amazing from the start of my journey at Victoria University and continue to be of great support.

I am still in the process of weighing up my options post tertiary; there is the option of staying on for Post Graduate studies or travelling abroad for some life and work experience. Being here has opened my mind to new ideas and opened the door of opportunities that I only dreamed of at college. I look forward to continuing on my journey and like Albert Wendt, paddling out into a new Oceania.

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Julie Ariihee

BA Development Studies and History 2010

After completing high school at Tereora College, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. I decided to gravitate towards tertiary study in New Zealand. I came to Wellington from Rarotonga in 2005 craving the pursuit of knowledge I began my journey into the unknown. Why Victoria University? Members of my family are past graduates and recommended I enrol. After taking a two year gap in between I graduated in 2010 with a BA majoring in Development Studies and History.

For me Development Studies encapsulates the economic, political, environmental and social issues that many nations face. As a Pacific Islander from a small island nation I wanted to explore these issues, associated with our globalising world. Taking Pacific Studies as a supplementary paper was the best move I made. There is more to the Pacific than tourist brochures and this course explores issues similar to Development Studies but from a Pacific perspective. I appreciate how the course content provides the necessary tools and knowledge to inform Pacific and Papa'a students of what it means to be Pasifika.

Looking towards the future, where do I see myself five years from now? I would like to be back in the Cook Islands to establish sustainable development policies that will benefit my people. But for now I am back at University back in Pacific Studies and I continue to o'e my vaka towards a new oceania.

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Sadat Muaiava

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Scott McLeod

BA/BTeach 2011 majoring in History and Samoan Studies

In 2011 I decided to finally chase my passion of working with children after many years in the workforce. Entering Victoria University as a mature student was going to be a huge challenge but one I was determined to pursue.

I took up Samoan Studies alongside History at Victoria to help my pursuit in a teaching career.

I have an interest in Samoan Studies, due to my wife and many friends being of Samoan descent. I really enjoy the Samoan culture and wanted to learn more about the protocols and customs that go with it.

With the great learning environment created by Lecturer Galumalemana Hunkin and the support from my fellow Samoan studies students, I have developed a basic understanding of the Samoan language and Culture. This environment has encouraged me to expand my knowledge on these in the future.

Attending Victoria University has been a great decision. I am thoroughly enjoying the new lifestyle it has presented me and would recommend it to any prospective student wanting to further their studies for a better future..

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Leutu Atatai

BA in Samoan Studies and English Literature

I finished high school in 2006 and when straight into the workforce. My main areas of experience were call centre and customer service. After a few years of working I became disgruntled with my career options. It was then that I decided to look into the Certificate of University Preparation and consider a tertiary career.

My mother was a teacher in Samoa before migrating to New Zealand and the tales she has told of her experience have encouraged me to pursue a career in teaching. Personally, I have always had an interest in the teaching profession and I intend to do a Graduate Diploma in Secondary teaching upon completion of my BA. I originally wanted to be a youth worker but I think that a Secondary teacher is in a better position to empower the youth of today.

My experience at Victoria University, thus far, has opened my eyes to the feasibility of tertiary education. I had never imagined that I would succeed in this environment but due to the support systems here I have exceeded my own expectations. The guidance of the academic staff as well as the support staff has been instrumental. My student colleagues also encourage me to persevere. In the short time I have been here I have been encouraged to open up my heart and mind to all the possibilities that this place has to offer. I would definitely recommend the experience, the support systems and the education here at Victoria University to any confused prospects.

In the future I hope to be a secondary school teacher of Samoan and English.

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Fa’alagilagi Tuimavave

BA in Samoan Studies and Cultural Anthropology/LLB

I grew up in Samoa and arrived in New Zealand in 2003 where I completed Form 2 as well as secondary school. I attended Wellington Girls’ College where I was reminded as a Samoan woman, that there’s a demand for more Pacific Islanders at university. Therefore, I had to come to university and this is where everything I’ve achieved and worked hard for really counts.

University has been the main motivation behind leaving Samoa and taking up education in New Zealand. Throughout the whole of my secondary school, everything was done in preparation for university. It was vital for my parents to see their children succeed at the highest level. More importantly for me, getting into university is an indication to my parents that I value their expectations and that I want them to be proud parents.

I came to new Zealand when I was 11. I was encouraged to learn English quickly and with that my Samoan slowly faded away. However, I was not quick to recognise that problem. Seventh Form approached and I realised that I needed serious reconstruction with my Samoan. And because Wellington Girls’ didn’t offer the language, that made it worse for me. That is why I am here, studying Samoan because I believe that  fa’asamoa needs us (the new generation) to nurture it, grow it and utilise it in order for it to survive in the future.

In the future, I would like to see myself graduating from university with both degrees. Additionally, getting into any sort of Honours programme will be fantastic. And maybe in six or seven years, I am praying that as a proud Samoan, I will either be practicing Law in Samoa or even a Samoan translator. I am thankful to Va’aomanu and all its staff for teaching and assisting me so far in this long journey.

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