From South Auckland to IVY League: The young Samoan man from South Auckland heading to Brown University in the USA.
From Fairburn Primary School, to De La Salle College, and now he takes on the IVY League College of Brown University. Raised in South Auckland, against a backdrop of love and support, this determined young man has forged a path that led him to what some may say the pinnacle of academic excellence: The Ivy League’s.
Hailing from the villages of Siumu and Leauva'a in Samoa, Charm Tuala has gone from strength to strength academically. As a young man his parents have always emphasized the importance of education.
“They always put an emphasis on education and taught me that sports was just a privilege…So I’m really grateful for them always keeping me in check with my grades.”
Tuala’s parent’s teaching did not fall on deaf ears. Tuala states that while his parents emphasized the importance of education for him, so did he. He too valued achieving academically himself.
“I didn’t feel the need for my parents to always keep that pressure on me, because they instilled it in me, so I had high expectations of myself too. Which I’m really grateful for”
As head boy of De La Salle College in his last year of high school (2022) Tuala began to make plans for his higher education.
“I thought to myself, I’ve barely seen many brown faces in the IVY Leagues, especially Pasifika. I thought if I could apply and get in, it would inspire others to do the same.”
Like many children of the diaspora, Tuala was always inspired by the sacrifices his parents made for him to have better opportunities, and wanted to make them proud. His journey to Brown University wasn't just about personal achievement; it was a beacon lighting the path for others like him. With the desire to uplift his community, Tuala aspired to shatter stereotypes and inspire the next generation of brown kids in South Auckland.
His mission wasn't merely about getting into an Ivy League institution; it was about instilling a belief in the possibility of achieving the extraordinary, no matter where you grew up. Tuala’s story echoes beyond his success; it's a rallying call for every young dreamer to reach for the stars and believe that the world's most prestigious universities are not out of reach, but within grasp, waiting for the next brown face to claim their seat at the table.
The 19 year old recently posted a reaction video to being accepted into Brown University. The heartwarming scene has garnered almost half a million views with hundreds of comments from young polynesian kids stating how he has already inspired them to reach for the stars.
When asked if he had any advice for any other young Polynesian kids with similar dreams, Tuala quoted a saying that has always stuck with him “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”
So while Tuala laughs about the tedious application process, and the stresses it brought, it was a shot he was willing to take.
He prepares for the big move this coming August and while he embarks on a life changing journey he is still a normal teen looking for a summer job. So if you are hiring, give the Brown University student a call!
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