A few months ago, The Orphaned Starfish Foundation had the honor to witness one of our students graduating college. These are the moments that we live for! We are proud of Fa’afetai and all her accomplishments. The OSF team is excited to see all the opportunities that will come her way and the amazing things she'll do in the lives of others.

Fa’afetai, which means “thank you” in Samoan, is now a graduate of the Pacific Island Foundation OSF tech center in American Samoa. OSF came to know Fa’afetai when she participated in an American Samoa Idol that was featured and aired all throughout the island. Fa’afetai participated and won! She has since been honored many times at our OSF Annual gala, and graced us in singing with her single “Daddy’s Little Girl.” Fa’afetai applied and was granted a scholarship in 2019 to pursue higher education.

Read below for some additional insight on Fa’afetai’s post-graduate journey.

1. What was the most exciting thing about graduating?

Being able to say this chapter of my life has closed, and it was very heartbreaking but comforting as well leaving Missouri Valley knowing that I did my part and now must move forward with my life. I was excited to see everyone that came out to celebrate me and I’m just relieved and proud of myself for finishing this chapter of my life.

2. What are you doing now?

I am currently enjoying taking a break from school with my family in Washington. I plan on occupying myself with a job in the meantime and I do plan on returning to Missouri Valley to continue my studies and get my masters.

3. Did you get a job? or applying for jobs?

As of right now I am unemployed, but I do hope to apply for jobs in my career field and obtain a job I love and will enjoy.

4. What career did you pursue?

 I graduated from Missouri Valley College with a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. I hope to become an effective and competent therapist/counselor, if not for the public, for a school, preferably high school or college. If that doesn’t fall through, I plan on becoming a social worker working for CPS, specifically those who handle cases involving children who have lost their homes and have experienced trauma in their earlier developing years.

5. Any challenges happening in this new chapter?

Right now, the biggest challenge is finding my footing. All I’ve known is how to function as a student. I went into college right out of high school so now that I’m done with school, I must figure out what it is I plan on doing for the rest of my life. School gave me purpose and something to do at a specific point in my life. Now I’m just trying my best and hoping to achieve all that I put my mind and my heart to.

6. How do you describe the role of OSF throughout your college career?

OSF has been a huge contributing factor to the woman I am today. Everyone who I have met and the opportunities I’ve been presented with because of OSF have been such a blessing. I’ve come a very long way from the shy 16–17 year-old they saw on that stage in her little New York T-shirt. I have been blessed abundantly and am forever grateful for all OSF has done for me. I will remain humble and compassionate because of my many supporters and that includes the Orphaned Starfish Foundation.