Alumni Spotlight: Ms Leonora Rotomane Houma

Ms. Leonora Rotomane Houma, Solomon Islands | Bachelor of Arts (Education & Linguistics) | Post Graduate Diploma in Linguistics 

Reflections of USP:

My time at the University of the South Pacific (USP) was a transformative academic and personal journey. It was a period of immense growth, where I groomed my critical thinking, research and communication skills. Beyond academics, USP provided a space for engaging in meaningful discussions through Tokstori (talanoa), fostering deep connections with fellow Pacific Islanders.

What were you passionate about as a student?

I was passionate about Education, language, and the power of communication in shaping societies.

I was particularly interested in linguistics, cultural identity, and how language influences thought and learning.

My passion for advocacy and community engagement also started during my university years at USP.

Did you participate in any extracurricular activities or clubs? How did they shape your experience?

I actively participated in student groups. I was the Secretary to Solomon Islands Students Association (SISA), the Maasina Fiji Student Association.

I was a Support person and Mentor for Solomon Islands Catholic Students Community, and active member of Laucala Parish church.

I joined many discussions that centered on cultural exchange, language, and education. Engaging in these activities strengthened my leadership, teamwork, and public speaking skills. These experiences helped me build lasting friendships and networks that continue to be valuable in my career today.

What did you think your dream career would be at the time?

First and for most I aspired to become a university lecturer like my own lecturers. I also wanted to be an educator and researcher in language and linguistics. I envisioned working closely with communities, preserving indigenous languages, and contributing to the academic growth of students across the Solomon Islands, the Pacific and wherever life would place me.

Are there things about your course of study that you would do differently if you had to do it again?

If I had the opportunity to do it again, I would seek more research opportunities and practical experiences earlier in my studies. Engaging in more interdisciplinary studies and technology-enhanced learning would also have been beneficial for my career development.

I would establish a network of Pacific Islanders who are passionate about working with indigenous languages.

Career path:

What was your first job after graduation and what were some learning curves?

My first job after graduation was in education – I was a Teaching Assistant at USP (Solomon Islands campus). I learnt University teaching, student support, and mentoring students. It reinforced the importance of adaptability, patience, and continuous learning.

A key lesson I learned was that knowledge alone is not enough— commitment, dedication and passion for what you do, and a solid background of cultural values are key to success.

Describe a turning point or pivotal moment in your career.

A pivotal moment in my career was transitioning from teaching in Solomon Islands to teaching in New Zealand. This shift allowed me to expand my perceptions on life and it allowed me to grow confidence and work ethics.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in your field?

I am most proud of my contributions to education, particularly in mentoring Solomon Islanders and Pacific Islanders who aspire to be educated and be successful citizens of their countries. Seeing my students grow into confident educators and professionals is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

 Share some of your career highlights since graduation.

• Taking up Teaching at Solomon Islands National University and shaping future educators.
• Active Community support – Engaging in community-based educational projects and initiatives. In NZ I worked for an organization that offer support services to Pasifika communities.
• Advocating for indigenous language preservation and documentation. I recently joined an international group INSTILS (International Network for Skills Training in Intergenerational Language Sustainability), whose goal is to increase indigenous communities’ capacity for leadership in Intergenerational Language Sustainability (ILS).
• I continue to pursue opportunities for professional growth and higher education.

What are your aspirations for the future?

• Furthering my academic qualifications.
• Contributing to research in linguistics and education.
• Continuing to mentor the next generation of educators and leaders in the Solomon Islands & the Pacific.
• Continuing to participate in community-based initiatives and projects in literacy awareness and increased wellbeing.

How do you see your field evolving in the future?

The field of education and linguistics is rapidly evolving, especially with the integration of technology in learning.

There is also growing recognition of indigenous knowledge systems, making it crucial to balance traditional and modern teaching approaches.

What does it mean to you to be an alumnus of USP?

It is an honor. It signifies being part of a diverse and resilient community of Pacific scholars and professionals who are committed to regional development and knowledge-sharing.

What did you take from studying at USP which serves you in good stead today?

• The value of being a Pacific Islander – the USP community, its shared knowledge, learning and connections) helped me to deeply connect to who I am, not only as a Solomon Islander, but as a Pacific Islander.
• A strong work ethic, a passion for lifelong learning, and the ability to adapt to different cultural and academic settings.
• And the confidence to advocate for change and contribute meaningfully to my field.

USP has a tradition of educating generations of Pacific families, so do you have family members who have also studied at USP?

Yes, I have family members who have studied at USP. They pursued studies in various fields, including education, business, and environmental science, and are now working in different professional roles across the Pacific.

Any words of wisdom or your last words to encourage others?

Keep the USP Vaka afloat. As Pacific Islands people we are all on this Vaka together. We must know our responsibility on this Vaka, where we are going, and how to get there safely.