UQSPIA CLASS OF 2021 ALUM
Sieni Toalepaialii - Samoan
Bachelor of Human Services
"University has been both rewarding and challenging, emphasis on the latter though.
I actually started this degree with the intention of changing after my first year. It turned out that the content resonated with me so I ended up staying. Service and community are concepts essential to both Human Services and the Samoan culture, so studying/working in this area in some ways felt natural. I later learned that my Mum spent the majority of her working life in the same field so being able to connect with her over this was really affirming too.
To be completely truthful, I never anticipated clubs like QUTPA and UQSPIA to be as pivotal as they have been to my journey. I found solace in knowing that there were others here just like me, just trying to figure it all out. Human Services, like Social Work, requires a strong sense of self. Without the safe spaces these groups have created, sure - I might have finished earlier (or not at all maybe) but more importantly I was able to reclaim and explore my identity as an NZ-born-Samoan-in-Australia.
In the past few years, I’ve had opportunities to do so many different things. I’ve been a mentor, an advocate for my peers; a committee member, a volunteer (IYKYK) and even a performer (take this one really lightly). Some of my most memorable times at university come from these experiences and my passion for working with Pacific people only continued to grow here. At the present stage, I am enjoying my time working in Disability with intentions to eventually move into Community Welfare roles that work directly with Pacific Island peoples.
To anyone studying or preparing to embark on this journey just know that you’re not alone, don’t underestimate the importance of having a support network and learn to lean on them when you need to. Lastly, be open to new things and don’t block your own blessings!!
God bless & Fa’afetai lava"