Iunisi Finau credits constant family support as the driving force which saw her graduate with a Masters of Indigenous Studies on Saturday – her third graduation from the University of Otago.
Born in Tonga and raised in Dunedin, Iunisi previously graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology before going on to complete her Honours and then her Masters.
She says her family has been a constant source of inspiration throughout her academic journey.
“We moved to Dunedin from Tonga when I was three, and I am forever grateful to my parents for that decision because I love being from Dunedin,” Iunisi says,
“My parents would move heaven and earth to get things done for us and my dad worked in every job you could possibly think of just to provide for us.
“Their commitment to raising my siblings and our cousins was with no complaint, so me studying was my way of showing my commitment to their dreams for their kids.”
Iunisi acknowledges that balancing student life, studies and family commitments were not always simple.
Being the eldest of seven siblings meant she also took on responsibilities at home, and didn’t always have the luxury of focusing solely on lectures and assignments.
“I had to lead by example for my siblings because my responsibilities at home didn’t stop just because I was at University,” she says.
“I could not sit back and watch my parents do it all. They have already done so much for us, so I tried to help where I can.”
Her father’s constant encouragement helped her get through the hard days.
“All throughout my academic journey he kept saying to me, ‘Ai pe ke osi’ – Just keep at it until it’s finished. Even after I completed my Masters, his first reminder to me was, ‘this is not the end, keep on going while you are young and motivated’.”
Now, with her remarkable third graduation, Iunisi carries not only the weight of her achievements but also the pride of her entire family.
“I look at my parents and think, this is their first time living too and it makes my ‘why’ that much more special.
“My parents will always be the biggest part of that story.”
Iunisi says she’s also grateful for the support she’s received from the University community.
Being part of the Pacific On-Campus Experience (POCE) in 2018 before first enrolling to study was a turning point in how she viewed the University.
“POCE made me feel like I belonged here. It gave me a sense of home away from home because you were in a programme which had so many other Pacific students who looked like me. That was the start of building my community.”
Reflecting on her Honours year, Iunisi says having a strong supervisor like Professor Patrick Vakaoti also made a huge difference.
“Honours was one of my toughest years, but Patrick’s mentorship was instrumental in getting me through.”
However, Iunisi says the proudest moment in her academic journey has not been her own milestones, rather watching her younger sister graduate from polytechnic and then start her own journey at the University of Otago, enrolling in a Bachelor of Commerce.
“Having my sister graduate and then share that she wanted to follow in my footsteps … that moment meant everything to me.”
For others now following a similar path, her advice is simple.
“Don’t fall into the pressure of trying to meet everyone’s expectations, you need to just remember the passion that drove you to be here,” Iunisi says.
Talanoa by Pacific Communications Adviser Viena Faiva
