THE INTERN
Malo le soifua and Talofa lava.
On that note, kindly allow me to introduce myself. I am Yumi Epati Tala’ave from the villages of Tanugamanono and Vaito’omuli Palauli. I’m currently studying Journalism and Marketing at the National University of Samoa (NUS).
Although I enjoyed writing throughout my primary and high school years, there were no media or journalism-related subjects. I was more into business studies and convinced that I was heading into the corporate world after university. In my first year at National University of Samoa (NUS), I graduated with a University Preparatory Certificate in Commerce. As an undergraduate student, I decided to pursue a different programme for various reasons; continuing with commerce would require me to take up Mathematics Courses and dealing with numbers and equations is not one of my academic strengths.
And I decided to pursue a career in media and journalism courses and mostly because I noticed there weren’t a lot of students. This meant I wouldn’t get distracted.
Looking back, I know it wasn’t a genuine reason as I’ve grown to love and see the value of journalism and what it represents. I also noticed my personal growth started to take off and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m in the right place.
As part of my media courses, I was attached to different media organisation with the intention to learn from media experts and also to familiarize myself to the world of journalism.
My hands on experience and field work include a two week assignment with the Samoa Observer in 2018. In the same year, I completed a two week internship with the Pacific Corporation Foundation in Auckland, New Zealand.
I also worked with the Melanesian Media Group during the Pacific Games 2019 and the National University of Samoa Multimedia. And for this year as a third year Bachelor of Journalism Student I have just completed my six week internship with the government newspaper Savali.
The internship started on 24th August, 2020.
Through the Savali media internship, I have gained needed experience which will help with my journalism journey. Aside from improving my writing skills, I have also conducted face to face interviews. But most important is that through my short time, I have come to understand the whole of Government’s processes and due diligence which is designed to benefit the country.
During the internship, I was assigned to work together with everyone in the news team on various assignments. I was also given the opportunity to observe the Prime Minister’s interviews and live stream programs which I found to be full of valuable information.
Not because I was able to be there in person but to learn the interview techniques by journalist in regards of issues of national interest which the public wants answers to from the Prime Minister.
Within the six weeks I have been with the Savali, I have gained confidence in approaching people at different ages and able to enhance my writing experience. And the Savali Staff have been amazing, and helped me understand their role as government media.
One of my most memorable and exciting part of my internship, are my first published articles in both Samoa and English. Some include the New Lady Naomi III to deliver in 2022 published 2nd September 2020, Fesoasoani faaauau an Iapani mo Aoga a le Atunuu and Government provides $10 million subsidy to pay teachers salaries published 16th September 2020.
Also the Sou Manatu column published on the 23rd September 2020.
These are my memorable moments.
My dream is to graduate and be back to serve my country through writing and informing our people.
I highly recommend this internship to all future journalism students of Samoa. It is empowering and gives our students an insight into working in the industry.
I believe the Savali Newspaper plays a vital role in informing the people on various plans that the Government have for Samoa.
And lastly, I wish all the future interns the best of luck and thank you Savali and the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet for the opportunity to work and learn.
