UQSPIA CLASS OF 2017 ALUM
Eliah Aoina - Samoan
Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology and Philosophy
"I’m currently doing research for the Queensland Government at the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. I intend to undertake my Masters in Anthropology next year at the University of Hawaii, and then a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. The academic year in the US begins around September, so between now and September 2018 (if I get accepted), I’ll continue in the research position I’m in.
I decided to study anthropology and philosophy because I’ve always been intensely curious about people, culture, and ways of thinking. I always thought I’d study these out of interest and not in pursuit of a job. But the more I began to study them, the more passionate I became about my work, and the more I realised I didn’t want a career doing anything else. Fortunately enough I’ve received encouragement from some established academics, and so I will pursue a road down academia.
Beyond meeting some of the most kind, loving, and funny people, being a part of UQSPIA has given me one of the major pieces of my life’s puzzle. I’ve been so inspired by everyone’s personal and collective journeys, as well as their efforts to inspire other Pacific Islanders to pursue tertiary education.
My experience with UQSPIA actually informs my academic work, which addresses the barriers to university Pacific Islanders face. It means more to me than I think many of my UQSPIA family realises. There’s no real separation now between my professional work as a budding academic, and my work as a person trying to do their part to make the world a better place. And as a Pacific Islander, it’s extremely gratifying to begin to give back to my own community.
My time at university, and particularly with UQSPIA, is perfectly described by the Malawian proverb “I am because we are.”
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