Tuʻungafasi family. L-R: Rev Sione Tuʻungafasi (father), Paula ʻIlohefaiva Tuʻungafasi and Setaita ʻOfa Tuʻungafasi (mother). Standing: ʻAmelia Tuʻungafasi
In the second year of his first degree at the University of Auckland, Paula ‘Ilohefaiva Tu’ungafasi pleaded with his father to let him quit because he found the courses too difficult.
His father, Rev Sione Tu’ungafasi, agreed that Paula (Tongan for Paul) could leave University and look for a job. But his mother, ‘Ofa Siua Tu’ungafasi, overheard the conversation and told Paula she wanted him to continue on and finish off what he has started.
She told him he could do it and Paula finally agreed.
When he decided to continue his studies, he promised his maternal and paternal grandmothers, who were quite ill and appeared to be dying, that he would honour them with the qualification if they did not die.
Last night at Glen Eden United Church of Tonga’s Hall at West Coast Rd, family and friends gathered to celebrate Paula’s Bachelor of Arts qualification that was awarded last week.
He will spend another year at the Auckland College of Education to qualify as a teacher.
Speeches and performances made during last night’s feast were filled with joy, tears and emotion as the paternal and maternal sides of his family celebrated his achievement. They attributed his success to his great grandparents’ prayers.
Paula said that during his years of studying he faced many obstacles, but his family’s daily words of encouragement helped him succeed.
The Tu’ungafasi family have two children, Paula and his sister ‘Amelia.
His mother ‘Ofa Tu’ungafasi was the only child in her family.
In his speech Paula mentioned how he understood that being an only child was unusual in his mother’s line.
“You are my only one and only mother and sister and I will never forget that in my life,” he said emotionally during the evening dinner.
He urged his sister ‘Amelia to follow his footsteps and try to become successful in her study.
Paula said when he struggled at the university he could see how his parents struggled to make a living and he thought he would stay and help them.
He said after his mother told him he had to return to the university he made a bigger effort and studied harder.
He even moved to another place where he could study quietly.
In his thank you speech the 22-year-old said his achievement has been a combination of his parents’ push and the help of his relatives and cousins.
His cousin regularly picked him up and dropped him off without asking him to pay even for petrol for their cars.
His grandmothers provided his lunch.
Paula revealed his both maternal and paternal grandmothers were seriously sick two years ago and were both admitted to hospital.
Their conditions was discouraging and he pleaded with them not to leave him.
Paula said he told his maternal grandmother Malia Siua, who was hospitalised in early 2014, that he wanted to honour her with his graduation. She told him not to worry and said she was fine.
He told his paternal grandmother Kaufo’ou the same thing. Both grandmothers were at last night’s function to celebrate their grandson’s achievement.
Paula’s achievement has inspired many of his cousins to think about education and to be successful.
Kathryn Kaihau, one of his cousins, posted on Facebook saying: “Paul you have made our little family proud, but most importantly you’ve made our Lord proud. Thank you for being a good role model, yes even to us older ones. We love you and wish you nothing but happiness on this very day”.
Paula’s mother comes from Pea in Tongatapu and his father comes from Kanokupolu.
The main points
- In the second year of his first degree at the University of Auckland, Paula Faiva’ilo Tu’ungafasi pleaded with his father to let him quit because he found the courses too difficult.
- His father agreed that his son could leave University and look for a job, but his mother convinced him to carry on.
- Last night at Glen Eden United Church of Tonga’s Hall at West Coast Rd, family and friends gathered to celebrate Paula’s Bachelor of Arts qualification that was awarded last week.
- He will spend another year at the New Zealand Teachers’ Training College to qualify as a teacher.
