Sela Maiolo Papalangi Faasisila
“Proverbs 9:10 –The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
I entered Tupou Tertiary Institute in 2017 to complete my Diploma in Business Level 6 (Accounting) in 2019. After graduation, I started work experience for two years as an Accountant and Marketing Manager of a private business in Tonga. I got a chance to pursue further study in New Zealand in 2022 and completed my Bachelor of Business (Accounting) in 2023 at the Auckland Institute of Studies. I will continue my CPA courses this year, proudly sponsored by the CPA Australia Scholarship.
My fondest memory of Tupou Tertiary Institute is the spirit of getting and studying together with other students from different schools. It not only helps me improve my skill of studying in a group but also helps me get out of my comfort zone and be myself when doing presentations to new students and people in that area. The library was my favorite place on campus. I love this place because I can complete all my assessments using the computer available. Many textbooks are available to help with the courses I took then and be quiet enough to help me focus on studying.
My Accounting lecturer became my role model during my time at Tupou Tertiary Institute. The knowledge and how she taught and presented it shows how she ensured every student could understand the topic at the end of each class. Every time she teaches us, one day, I'll be able to gain the same knowledge and experience she has.
One of the benefits of studying at TTI is that all courses I have taken and completed were cross-credit toward the Auckland Institute of Studies in New Zealand, allowing me to finish my degree in just one year. I also got an opportunity to work as a finance assistant at United Cleaning Services, where I got to experience handling some of the payroll, data entry of accounts receivable & payable, bank statements, direct credit, and many others.
My TTI has been metaphorically the vast collection of data and information I've been trained on. This comprises many sources, from textbooks to articles, websites, and more. The comprehensive exposure to this vast array of knowledge comes from the preparation for what I do—responding to inquiries, providing information, and engaging in various topics. In providing myself with a diverse curriculum and resources, the extensive dataset I was trained on helps me comprehend different subjects, understand context, and over relevant information to the best of my ability.
It's not just about the facts but also understanding the nuances, variations in perspectives, and the interconnectedness of information, all vital in providing valuable and informed responses. I would like to advise students considering pursuing further study in overseas or New Zealand and looking for more opportunities.
"Tupou Tertiary Institute is the key solution to your worries, and TTI will never disappoint when it comes to pursuing your dream career. Always put God first in everything you do, and don't give up on your dream. Whenever you fail or feel like falling, get up and try again until you reach your end destination! Zig Ziglar stated, “Remember that failure is an event, not a person….Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street..”