Meet SPIO's Inaugural Extracurricular Excellence Scholarship Recipient, Lessei Perelini
Lessei Perelini is the inaugural recipient of the $5,000 USD 2019-20 SPIO Extracurricular Excellence Scholarship.
High School: Samoana High School
Intended Major: Bachelor of Global Studies in Global Politics and Human Rights
Undergraduate University: University of Auckland
Bio: Lessei Perelini, commonly known as “Sei”, was born in New Zealand; despite her Kiwi nationality, her upbringing took place in the depths of the South Pacific in American Samoa. As a young Samoan tama’ita’i, or lady, Sei recognizes religion and family as an integral part of her identity and values. While familial ties are central to her beliefs, she is also prominently influenced by figures in the music industry such as J. Cole. Throughout her quest for optimal education, she has developed into a dynamic leader and advocate in grassroots involvement. As a 2019 alumna of Samoana High School, Sei attained several leadership roles, most notably as the former Executive President of the Student Government Association, and upheld other obligations in island-wide organizations and athletics. In addition, she is an active member of the community and has demonstrated her passion for the environment through avenues like Finafinau, a student-led project that is committed to saving our oceans, protecting our land, and empowering the youth. Currently, Sei is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Politics and International Relations and Spanish at the University of Auckland. When questioned about her transition to higher education, Sei states, “In the midst of the global pandemic, my freshman year has been slightly challenging, but I am just grateful to maintain good health in these trying times.”
“E muamua ona si'i le vi’iga ma le fa’afetai i le Atua mo lenei avanoa fa’atauva’a. To my loving parents and grandparents, thank you for honing me into the young woman I am today and instilling the core values of God, family, and respect. In addition, I dedicate this special acknowledgement and word of gratitude to Mrs. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, Mr. Michael Homsany, Mrs. Roxanne Suavaa-Salave’a, Ms. Kacie Fujino, and Ms. Se’epa Poiali’i for your letters of recommendation and faith in my capabilities. Your contribution to our Samoan community and youth at large has not gone unnoticed. On that note, I extend this honorable mention to Mrs. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka for not only informing me of the SPIO scholarships, but for guiding me through the application process. Thank you for your service as an educator, mentor, and environmental advocate to me and my peers. I am forever indebted to these positive influences in my life who equip me with the necessary skill sets to navigate the real world and inspire me to become the best version of myself. To say that I am blessed beyond measures would be an understatement.” - Lessei Perelini
Why is it important to have Pacific representation in higher education?
Although I am still navigating new territory in university, attending a euro-centric institution that is predominantly occupied by Western people has magnified the severe underrepresentation of Pacific Islanders and barrier of exclusivity in academic spaces. Prior to my freshman year, I was cautioned against white supremacy along with the false stereotypes it enforces; I trivialized these warnings as I was more overwhelmed with excitement to have gained university entrance. Though I was aware of these micro-aggressions, I underestimated its power that derives from its repetitiveness. My peers and sister are victims of these subtle forms of everyday racism that is expressed under the guise of comments such as the classic, “Wow, you speak good English for an islander.”
These encounters are a pattern of everyday racism and ramification of systemic racism that stem from colonialism. In wider society, it is evident that as people of color, our cultural identities alone automatically constitutes us as academically incompetent and disproportionately places us at a disadvantage. As such, the educational disparities continue to exist and seek to deliberately divert Pacific peoples from a promising future. The lack of quality education amongst Pacific Islanders has cascading effects on other aspects of our lives as it has led to the fragmentation of our communities and deprivation of socioeconomic opportunities.
Despite these challenges, it is important to distinguish that Pacific Islander identity is not an impediment, but a motivation to persevere and pursue higher education regardless of the stereotypical constraints as defined by society. Education is not only a way to attain upward social mobility, but it can be used as an effective approach to restore Indigenous knowledge and language. Being in the midst of people of color, especially in exclusive spaces, instills a sense of belonging. There’s an urgent need to disrupt societal standards, to re-mold the idea that we are born in negation, and to create a space in which our underlying humanity is acknowledged and our differences are celebrated. As a Pacific islander, it is equally important to understand that the power of our presence will make others uncomfortable, but it is also ground-breaking when we challenge the barriers that intentionally withhold us from co-existing in academic settings.
How is this scholarship impacting your education?
Words are simply inadequate and could never fully convey my gratitude to have been selected as a recipient of the 2019-2020 SPIO Extracurricular Excellence Scholarship. As a college student, my primary challenges are those of financial burdens but this scholarship alleviates a significant amount of that weight and pressure. It is an immense honor that defines even bigger responsibilities that I am determined to sustain not only within a classroom setting but within my community as a whole.
In admiration of the South Pacific Islander Organization, I have been inspired by the platform it provides and its efforts to broaden the spectrum for Pacific Islander and youth excellence. This not only compliments my academic journey but serves as a reminder of why I must persist to fully engage in my community and utilize my education as an avenue to achieve standards of academic and career equity to elevate Pacific peoples in society. As a member of the youth, it encourages me to uplift my peers through activism so that our stories and voices are heard.
What are your career and education goals?
Oftentimes I am confronted with uncertainty when others inquire about my future endeavors and how I plan to implement my education in the development of my career. In all honesty, I am constantly questioning my purpose and critically reflecting on where my passions lie; even in my afterthoughts, I begin to doubt the efficacy of pursuing higher education when my intentions are blurred. For years, I have felt a grave lack of direction and that intensified when I completed my secondary education and advanced to tertiary study.
It is difficult to ignore feelings of imposter syndrome when the lack of Pacific presence in the classroom heightens. However, witnessing this first hand has stressed the imperative need to excel in academics not only for myself but to set an example for my siblings so that they do not ever have to identify with my experiences. While my journey still contains much ambiguity, I intend to one day shatter the deafening silence from the Pacific Island women to partake in the highest most prestigious levels of decision making, particularly at the United Nations. My academic and career goals are committed to challenging the very systems and influences that continue to undermine our very existence as Pacific Islanders so that our presence is not only acknowledged but felt.
Any tips to students applying for scholarships?
Find your purpose. Whether if it is for yourself or family, know what motivates you. You will definitely need it on the days when the light at the end of the tunnel grows faint and when you feel like you can no longer move an inch on this mile long journey.
Stay rooted in your cultural heritage. My mother used to stress an old maxim, “In order to know where you are going, you must first know where you come from.” As Pacific Islanders, we represent more than just ourselves. Pay homage to your cultural lineage by expressing forms of Indigeneity and encouraging Pacific excellence, especially in Western spheres.
Fail forward. Do not be intimidated by failure. It shows that you tried, and by not trying at all, you are already pre-determining your future. Embrace the setbacks and personal faults and use it to fuel your ambition. There is power in hitting rock bottom because it gives you a sense of direction—the only way left to go is UP. Sometimes we have to go through several wrongs to get it right.
Know your rights and when it’s appropriate to exercise it. You will encounter instances and, at times, certain people who will seek to undermine you. Despite whatever circumstance that rises in opposition, remain steadfast and never be afraid to challenge the systems and forces that belittle or disregard you.
Perfect your craft. Everyday is an opportunity to optimize your skills and expand your knowledge. It is imperative that you consistently feed your aspirations and never succumb to the dangers of complacency.