At just 23 years old, So’otino Marcallonlani Taungakava is already working towards creating a legacy that bridges tradition and innovation in agriculture.
Hailing from a humble Samoan-Tongan background, Taungakava grew up knowing exactly what she wanted to do with her life: become a leader in sustainable agriculture.
This led her to pursue tertiary education at The University of the South Pacific (USP) Samoa Campus.
Born in Samoa and raised in Tonga, Taungakava’s connection to agriculture was nurtured by her family’s deep-rooted passion for the land.
“I grew up with parents and grandparents who were agriculturalists,” she reflects.
“Spending my childhood in the fields and fishing taught me the importance of sustainable farming and how it feeds not just families but entire communities.”
It was her upbringing and learning from her parents and grandparents that motivated her to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in Samoa.
Now pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture at USP’s Samoa Campus, Taungakava is turning her childhood lessons into a professional career, crediting USP for giving her the tools to transform her dreams into reality.
“USP’s hands-on learning experiences, from soil science labs to farm work, have been pivotal for me,” she shares.
“The expertise of my professors and the state-of-the-art facilities here inspire me to push boundaries in a field often seen as male-dominated. Women belong in agriculture, and USP proves we have the skills and resilience to succeed.”
However, Taungakava’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. As a private student, she juggled demanding coursework, long hours in the field, and the ongoing search for financial assistance.
Despite all these challenges, she remains grounded by the unwavering support of her family, and the resources available at USP kept her moving forward.
“Being here hasn’t just been about academics,” she says. “It’s about finding a community that believes in you. My family’s sacrifices, paired with USP’s commitment to student success, have been my greatest blessings.”
USP’s focus on Pacific-centred education has allowed Taungakava to address regional agricultural challenges directly. She’s excited about the future of sustainable farming and the role she can play in shaping it.
“With global populations growing and sustainability becoming more urgent, agriculture is more important than ever,” Taungakava explains.
“My education at USP prepares me to tackle these challenges head-on.”
For Taungakava, agriculture is a platform to inspire other women to break barriers.
“They say agriculture is a man’s job, but I know for sure that women are just as capable. My message to women is simple: believe in yourself. Be strong and courageous, and trust God’s plan for your life.”
“My grandmother’s kindness and faith taught me strength, while my mother’s resilience and determination showed me how to persevere through any hardship,” she says, her voice filled with gratitude.
As the premier institution in the Pacific for higher education, USP offers world-class facilities, expert faculty, and diverse programmes tailored to regional needs.
For students fresh out of high school, Taungakava’s journey serves as an invitation to dream big and take the first step toward a brighter future.
“To any young person considering their next step, I’d say this: USP is where you’ll find your purpose. It’s a place that nurtures your potential and equips you to make a difference in the Pacific and beyond,” she says with a smile.
Through her work and words, Taungakava is sowing seeds of change, proving that the possibilities are boundless with passion, perseverance, and the proper education.
