Coco Talanoa — Humans of the Islands / Page 23

Sulani Helg

17 years old

Samoan, high school student.

I’m the eldest of 5 children and I come from a big Samoan family. My last name is Helg and that originated from Germany, so I have German in me but I’m also part Fijian, Tongan and Cook Islander. I do acknowledge those cultures because they make me ‘me’. I wouldn’t be the person I am without my cultural ancestors so it’s important to me that I acknowledge that.

Do you see yourself as a role model to other pacific island youth?

I try to embody my philosophy to respect others. I want to create a platform with everything that I accomplish to inspire other young people to follow their dreams and to not give up or let any obstacles get in their way, to endure and persevere. I try to be a role model for the youth.

Who’s been the most influential person in your life and why?

I’d say my parents and my grandparents. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today.…more

Tugi Paula Ryan Togiaheulu

30 years old

World traveller

What’s your Pacific heritage?

My father is Niuean and part Tongan from Tamakautoga, Tuapa,  Fatai and Nukuknuku , Hihifo. My Mum is Niuean, Cook Island from Hakupu and Palmerston Island.

What are you currently doing and how did you get there?

I’m currently teaching in Valledupar on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, South America. Being Polynesian, it’s in our blood to voyage. I’ve always been curious about the world, different cultures, ancient knowledge, rituals, medicine, language, music, history, art, religion - it all fascinates me. Travelling was just a natural progression on my quest to learn and discover more about the world and myself.

What did you before then?

I studied Live Sound Audio Engineering at the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand and then went on to complete a degree in Criminology and Social Sciences at A.U.T  I’m about to start post graduate studies soon.…more

Dr Semisi Lolohea

General Surgeon, Colorectal Surgeon

I grew up in the Islands where I went to school and I was 17 years old when I moved to New Zealand. It was my first time outside of Tonga and it was quite daunting.  My English wasn’t very good. I could have reasonable conversations with people but it was very hard for me adjusting in the first year.

And did you know at that time that you wanted to pursue a medical career?

Yeah I was always quite keen on doing medicine. I worked hard with my studies but it was challenging because of the language barrier. When I made it into Medicine school I could understand what they were talking about but asking questions and actually having a conversation with the Teacher was a struggle. Sometimes I wanted to answer questions but I was a bit embarrassed because I could not speak English properly.  It remained a barrier even all throughout my career but over time I gained more confidence.…more

Susana Leota

32 years old, living in Samoa.

Legal Adviser, National District Health Board

Describe your family background?

I have 6 other siblings and we also often grew up surrounded by lots of extended family. My parents raised us with traditional fa’asamoa values but they also encouraged us to adapt in western society. They taught us to value education and encouraged us to read lots of books. We had to speak politely and use our manners. We often labeled as posh kids by our peers.

Do you have a treasured memory from your childhood?

I attended a school for kids with special needs or who had vision impairment and one year they put on a Halloween party. My parents dressed me up as a little Taupou. I remember it was raining and the treasure hunt went around the whole school. I needed crutches to walk on and my Dad didn’t want me walking the distance in the rain so he piggy-backed me through the whole treasure hunt. That’s one of my favourite memories.…more

Keith Waldron Moala

Telecommunications Engineer

Tongan

How did you start your career in Telecommunications?

I was only 18 years old at the time when a British company offshore called Cable and Wireless came to Tonga. It was 1976 and it was the first Satellite dish ever brought to Tonga. I was so excited and I wanted to know about it so I applied for a job as a trainee technician. Before this, the way we communicated with the outside world was through radio high frequency and we only had one or two radio channels to New Zealand and you would have to shout down the phone line for people to hear you properly from Tonga. So Cable and Wireless started the first Satellite communication in the country. I spent ten years with them was able to replace the expatriate who was a British Engineer, and look after the Satellite station for the country.…more