GRADUATE DEDICATES ACHIEVEMENT TO FAMILY
Yumi Epati Tala'ave
Photo: Supplied
Yumi Epati Tala'ave has proven that her years of
studies have paid off , making her the only arts student in the
National University of Samoa to graduate with a Journalism Major this year.
The proud graduate has dedicated her achievements to her mother and
siblings who she states "have always been supporting her journey". On
days where she felt like throwing in the towel , Yumi mentioned that
her family was always there to provide moral support and
encouragement.
"On days when I feel so tired ,they were there to remind me that I
don’t always get to share the same roof with them. One of these days,
I will have to stand on my own two feets and not depend on anyone
else" she told EyeSpy Radio Station.
Miss Tala'ave who is currently a lecturer for the Journalism programme
in the National University of Samoa (N.U.S) started her journey in
journalism when she enrolled in the field in 2018. This was when the
university institute had just introduced Journalism as a BA course.
Being a teacher has always been a dream of Miss Tala'ave in her
Primary School Days but she was never clear on what she wanted to
teach until she discovered a pothole in Journalism.
" I got to work for several organisations in Samoa and realised that
there is a need for improvement in several areas such as writing
accurate articles, following media ethics and so much more.' she told
EyeSpy Radio.
Miss Yumi Epati Tala'ave has also faced obstacles in her journey ,
this regarding the uneasy task of the field she has taken interest in.
She believes that journalism is one of the toughest worlds to enter
and by having a high self esteem despite the challenges, "being a
tough cookie" matters.
''It's very challenging. The first time going out to get a story was a
nightmare. I cried when my source declined my interview''she says.
Now with the elevation she has been rewarded , Miss Yumi Epati
Tala'ave has major confidence in executing her field despite the work
receiving major criticism from the public.
"All you need to have is good communication skills, always be
positive even if your source is canceled at the last minute," she
says.