‘Okusitino Tae (Tino), graduated on 9 May, from Northern Illinois University in the United States, with a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology, Linguistics and Cognitive Studies.
“My time at NIU had its ups and downs,” 'Okusitino said. “But overall, I had a great learning experience — not just in the classroom, but also outside of it.”
While at the university, Tino said he joined the school’s rugby club. He later became the club's president, and in his last semester, he also became the coach.
"I was honored to be a part of the University rugby club, which became a huge part of my college life. I became the team President and was fortunate enough to become the team coach for my last semester there."
However, moving to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic was not easy easy for him. He said he faced a lot of stress and mental health problems as he tried to adjust to life in a new country.
“I went through a dark time, but I got help from professionals, and I prayed to God. Slowly, I got better and was able to finish my studies.” "The whole experience has made me become a better version of myself, but I was not able to do it alone."
He thanked his friends, family, and everyone who prayed for him. “God answered those prayers, and I’m very thankful.”
'Okusitino comes from the village of Kolonga. His father’s name is Kosi Tae, and he was raised by Popi and Silipa Mafile’o.
Now back in Tonga, Tae is waiting for his university documents so he can apply for jobs. In the future, he hopes to return to school and earn a PhD.
“I had many feelings during graduation,” he said. “But most of all, I was thankful. I’ve been through a lot, and now I have knowledge I can use to help my people. It has been a blessing, and I thank God for everything.”
'Okusitino was the ‘Atenisi Institute 2020 dux graduate, who at age 29 years was awarded a postgraduate teaching assistantship in anthropology, to attend the Northern Illinois University outside Chicago. At the time itt took 21 months of navigating through COVID-19 restrictions for ‘Okusitino Tae to get a student visa to begin studying in the USA.
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See also:
https://matangitonga.to/2022/03/16/okusitino-tae-starts-degree-after-21-...
