Tongan Graduate from Southern New Hampshire University, Iesina Tupouniua, Calls for More Pasifika Women in Math and Finance
Tongan Graduate from Southern New Hampshire University, Iesina Tupouniua, Calls for More Pasifika Women in Math and Finance
Iesina shares her experience as the only Tongan at Southern New Hampshire University. There, she served as the President of the Student Government Association and received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Mathematics with a Minor in Statistical Modeling. She hopes to pursue a graduate degree and eventually work in the field of financial engineering.
Tell us about your background and where you grew up.
As a Tongan, I had the privilege of traveling and living in different countries due to my father’s career. I was born in New Zealand and have lived in Tonga, California, New York City, and Beijing, China. These places have shaped me into the person I am today.
What was your experience in high school and higher education?
My high school experience was spent in Tonga and New York City. I attended Tonga High School for 2 and a half years. I caught a glimpse of the true Tongan work ethic – self-driven and hardworking. In all honesty, I struggled academically. The education system lacked resources and support for the students. My fellow peers inspired me to seek excellence from within.
I completed the remainder of high school in New York City. I attended Cathedral High School, an all-girl Catholic school in the heart of Manhattan. Cathedral High School offered sports and clubs for involvement, academic field trips, SAT prep classes, and emphasized on Women in STEM. I recognized my privilege of access to academic resources. I remembered my experience in Tonga High School and felt the duty to do well. I graduated Cathedral High School with honors.
I studied Mathematics, Statistical Modeling, along with several business courses in Southern New Hampshire University. I worked as a mathematics tutor, joined the Student Government Association, and gained research and project experience. There was an abundance of opportunities at SNHU and I challenged myself to continuously step outside of my comfort zone. My unique experiences in the classroom, leadership, and service have taught me who I am and where I want to go in life. But in order to do so, I must know where I come from.
What were some of the barriers and highlights of your educational experience?
My greatest challenge was living away from my family. There were many celebrations spent alone. I was fortunate to have a warm, supportive community in New England. However, family time is essential for my well-being. In college, I was grounded by the sacrifices of my ancestors. The hard work of generations before me granted me the opportunity to chase my dreams. I reminded myself that studying abroad was a sacrifice to honor my family. Homesickness transformed into motivation.
Another challenge was not having a Pasifika community on campus. I assume I was the only Pacific Islander on campus. I wish I had a Pasifika community to share my struggles as a Tongan-American. Balancing the American and Tongan culture is tiring. There were many occasions where I wish I chose a college with a strong Pasifika community. However, the absence of my culture on campus showed me the importance of my cultural identity.
When I served as the President of the Student Government Association, I had the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees in Montgomery, Alabama. I witnessed a panel of 3 young men from Chicago who shifted their lives from gun violence. I sat in the same courtroom where Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks fought for justice. I touched the walls of warehouses where slaves were ‘prepped’ for auctions. I crossed the streets where protestors marched from Selma. I listened to personal stories of families fleeing the South from racial terrorism. I read the suicide letters of Black teenage boys on Death Row. I learned great compassion and selfless leadership in the persistent fight for justice. There are no words nor pictures that could depict the heaviness I felt in Montgomery, Alabama.
Tongan Graduate from Southern New Hampshire University, Iesina Tupouniua, Calls for More Pasifika Women in Math and Finance
What are your thoughts on Pacific Islander presence in higher education?
In my opinion, Pacific Islanders are underrepresented in higher education. Financial insecurity, lack of access to academic resources and support may be contributing factors. Pacific Islanders would greatly benefit from grants and scholarships. Programs and organizations catered to Pacific Islanders would be effective as well. The challenges as a Pacific Islander in higher education can be alleviated with financial and professional support.
What are your goals for the future?
I hope to pursue a career utilizing my skillset in math and finance. Eventually, I hope to establish a nonprofit, specifically supporting Pasifika girls in higher education. I recognize the privileges that allowed me to access higher education. I want to support other Pasifika women to go to college and pursue their dreams.
Any advice for Pacific Islander scholars interested in the field of math and finance?
As Pacific Islanders, we rely heavily on the importance of family. Our teamwork skills are what we bring to the table. Mathematics is a problem solving tool. If you dig deep enough, you will find an answer to any problem. If you pair teamwork skills with analytical mathematical skills, you will discover the beauty in mathematics.