Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Education is key to a successful future. This according to Bluesky Communications Chief Executive Officer, Justin Tuiasosopo in the keynote address for the American Samoa Community College’s 77th Commencement Ceremony held last Friday.

The graduation was held at the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) Gymnasium in Tafuna, where 138 ASCC students received their degrees.

The ceremony also include commencement formalities for 12 guest graduates from off-island universities, three receiving their Doctorate degrees, one receiving a Bachelors degree, and eight receiving a Master’s degree.

Tuiasosopo said, he is often asked how did he climbed the ladder of success in his career at such a young age.

Blueksy Communications CEO Justin Tuiasosopo delivered the keynote address at ASCC’s 77th Commencement Ceremony this past Friday. [photo: Christina F Maele]

 “My faifeau would say it’s all because of HIM and a whole lot of prayers.

“My mom would say it’s because I was an obedient son — ‘o le tama ma le teine e usiusita’i i ona matua, e liligi fa’ua mai fa’amanuiaga’.”

 “I can see all the parents in the house today nodding in agreement.

“My grandfather, who passed away a semester before I could finish my Bachelor’s, would’ve said it’s because of his constant scolding and encouragement.

“My all time favorite memory is when he would just say – tulou a le gagana — ‘makua’i e kaea kele e kele so’o ia ke a’u’ because back then, the best way to encourage someone was to first put them down.

 “Don’t get me wrong, I loved my grandpa very much.

 “He encouraged us to pursue higher education as it is the greatest equalizer.

“But the truth is, I don’t know if I can attest these accomplishments to just one person or one thing,” said Tuiasosopo.

He cited Michelle Obama’s description — there’s no magic to achievement, it’s really about hard-work, choices, and perseverance.

 “I want to focus on the first two words today — hard-work and choices because perseverance and hard work could be interchangeable.

 “We all have different definitions of hard-work. I know of a student who does not qualify for financial aid who had to get a job to pay for her school.

“That’s hard-work.

“I know of a student who took a break from school because she had a kid unexpectedly and years later still returned to finish her degree. That’s hard-work”

He said the struggle is real.

 “I’m here to tell you that nothing worthwhile in this world comes easy.

 “My favorite quote by Booker T Washington is that ‘I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position one has reached in life, but rather by the obstacles one has had to overcome while trying to succeed’.” 

Regarding choices, Tuiasosopo said it’s very important the choices you make, whether it be the choice of partying all night or studying for a big exam the next day, choice of friends in your circle, choice of major for a future career, choice of your partner in life, etc.

 “In 8th grade, I was given the choice to stay in Manu’a or move to Pago for better education.

“I wanted to escape feaus from Manu’a so I decided on better education.

 “After high school, I was faced with a choice of going to the military or staying at ASCC.

 “My mom wanted military for me because of the benefits. At the time, there were two main choices to get off this rock and it was either through military or sports.

 “And I was neither an athlete nor willing to carry a gun. I chose ASCC.

“And honestly, it was the best decision I could have ever made. It was the perfect transition to off-island university,” said Tuiasosopo.

He said a good friend would always say: “o ou filifiliga e te manuia ai, o ou filifiliga fo’i e te malaia ai” (your decision will either benefit you or it will be the death of you).

“So, to give you a comprehensive answer to the question of how I became CEO and subsequently selected to be your keynote speaker today, my answer is I worked hard and I made good choices… and I came back home.

 “You see, many believe that moving back home is a sign pf failure, however many fail to see that this, this right here, is an island of opportunities.

 “If you had told me that I would become CEO of Bluesky three years ago, I would not have believed you. But here I am, living proof of hard-work/ perseverance, good choices, and coming back home.

 “So, whether you’re entering the workforce or continuing higher education off island, American Samoa needs you, the future of American Samoa needs you… the choice is yours,” said Tuiasosopo.

Gov. Lemanu P. S Mauga, gave special remarks at ASCC’s 77th Commencement Ceremony this past Friday, congratulating and thanking students — telling them it’s harvest time for those who worked and studied hard. [photo: Christina F Maele]