When giving up wasn’t an option, Salusalu tells her story

From selling cassava at the market to teaching in the classroom, Maria Salusalu’s journey to becoming a teacher has been shaped by determination, hardship and sacrifice.

Now 26, Ms Salusalu has become the first person in her family and mataqali to graduate, an achievement she holds dear because of the challenges she faced growing up.

Ms Salusalu was 10 when her parents separated, leaving her mother to raise her and her three siblings.

Despite the challenges, she remained determined to pursue her education and build a better future.

Ms Salusalu said her love for children was one of the main reasons she was drawn to teaching.

“I love kids, especially my nieces and nephews and this has inspired me to pursue teaching,” she said.

She said her relationship with the children in her family inspired her to pursue a career where she could work with and support young people.

She began her tertiary studies in 2020 with the goal of becoming a teacher.

Ms Salusalu became pregnant in 2022 and stayed home after giving birth to her son in 2023.

She returned to her studies in 2024, determined to continue the education she had put on hold.

“I felt the need to go back to school and continue which is why I went back in 2024,” she said.

Balancing motherhood and education was among the biggest challenges she faced.

At the same time, she had to find ways to meet the financial demands of studying.

Selling cassava to pay her fees

Ms Salusalu sold cassava at the market to help fund her education and pay her school fees.

Her aunt, who is based in Canada, also helped by paying half of her school fees.

She has now graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and teaches Geography and History in Lau.

Despite the challenges, Ms Salusalu said there was one person who kept her going — her son.

“Every time I wanted to give up, my thoughts went to my son,” she said.

Her son became the motivation she needed to keep pushing forward, even during the most difficult periods of her studies.

Ms Salusalu’s message to other young mothers is simple: never be ashamed of their children or the struggles they are facing.

She encouraged mothers to keep pursuing their dreams while giving their children the love, care and support they need.

“Keep going, keep chasing your dreams, keep showing up and giving your child support, care, love and the life they deserve.”

She said the sacrifices mothers make today could become something they look back on with pride tomorrow.

For Ms Salusalu, the journey from selling cassava at the market to teaching in Lau is a story of perseverance and a reminder that the hardest chapters do not have to determine the ending.