USPSA Samoa Campus held its 2023 General Elections recently to elect new office bearers working in the best interest of students. Picture: SUPPLIED/USPSA Samoa Campus
By YUKTA CHAND
Newly-elected leaders of the USP Students Association in Samoa have vowed to remain true to their calling to serve in the best interest of students as votes came in strong for Sateki Fangupo as president, Helen Isaako as vice president, Tyra Loulanting as treasurer and Jennifer Apelu as secretary.
Other successful office holders in the recent USP Samoa Campus Students Association election included Francini Esera as cultural and religious committee chair, Sara Toleafoa as welfare, education and development committee chair, and Jin Fatu Lapana as chair for the social and sports committee.
VP Isaako said it was a humbling experience to stand in the election for a leadership role within USPSA this year.
“I will take this opportunity to serve my Samoa campus in whichever way possible. I consider this a chance for me to practise and improve my leadership skills,” she said.
“I am very grateful for the support and want to give glory to God for all the blessings He continues to shower me with. If it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be able to make it this far.”
Ms Isaako acknowledged the support from students, family and friends and encouraged all student leaders to work together for the future of the Pacific.
Treasurer Loulanting expressed similar sentiments and hoped to use the opportunity to learn and grow.
“I’m thrilled to take on this new role as treasurer. I’ve never held this position before, and I’m eager to learn and grow from this experience,” she said.
“The biggest challenge I foresee is finding a balance between my studies and this new role, but I believe that good time management will help me overcome this.”
Offering advice to others aspiring to follow in their footsteps, Ms Loulanting said, “Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. You never know what you’re capable of until you give it a shot.”
The enthusiasm and dedication of the newly-elected officials are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the USP Samoa Campus, making a positive impact, and bringing about meaningful change on campus.
*Yukta Chand is a final-year journalism student at USP Laucala Campus. She is also the Wansolwara student editor for campus news. Wansolwara is USP Journalism’s student training newspaper and online news publication.
