Accomplishments, accolades and the next adventure: Exita’s graduation story
CSF alum Exita Lealofi thoughtfully planned–giving herself time to reflect and have fun–for one of the biggest days she’s had so far in her young life…her college graduation from the University of Washington-Tacoma (UWT). The night before, Exita invited a few friends to stay over and got ready with them in the morning before heading over to the Tacoma Dome for photos.
Awaiting her was a support system that Exita had built since moving to the U.S. from American Samoa as a young teen: family members, church members, friends from childhood, high school and college as well as her mentors and mentees from over the years were all there to celebrate her. Life milestones, like graduation, hold a special significance for the Pacific Islander community, and Exita felt fortunate to have her personal community in attendance to show their unwavering support.
“I am always grateful for the sense of community that not only supported me throughout my education but also witnessed my personal growth as an individual with dreams and aspirations,” Exita explains.
Graduation was a moment of great pride for me, knowing that I persevered through difficult times and that it was the ultimate reward for my efforts.
As one of just two 2023 UW-Tacoma Chancellor’s Medalists and a member of the Global Honors Program, Exita sat with the University’s Board of Regents and the UW President–while she received her bachelor’s degree in ethnic, gender and labor studies with a minor in global engagement.
A leader in her community and on campus
After graduating from Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma and settling into life as a first-generation college student, Exita felt inspired to further bolster the Pacific Islander student community on campus. Throughout her time in college, she was honored as a Dressel Scholar, became a UWT pack advisor, and served as the director of university affairs for the Associated Students of UWT and as the cultural coordinator for the UWT Asian Pacific Islander Student Alliance. She also returned to her alma mater to mentor high school students.
It was a revelation to discover a college community where I initially believed I would never belong. CSF fostered a nurturing environment where I could freely express myself and engage in learning.
Without the support of the CSF, I would not have found myself at the university that truly resonates with my values and aspirations. Thanks to CSF, I had the opportunity to establish my own roots at UW-Tacoma and contribute to increasing the representation of Pacific Islander students on campus.”
The mentee becomes the mentor
This fall, Exita will step into a new role as an advisor with Proyecto MoLE at Mount Tahoma High School, working with CSF advisor Melody Rodriguez, who was Exita’s CSF advisor and who is now her long-time friend.
“Working alongside Mel fills me with anticipation, and I aspire to bring her a sense of pride, Exita describes. “Her lessons and guidance had an incredible influence on my life as a student, surpassing any expectations I had. Thanks to Mel and CSF, I entered college well-prepared and free from thoughts or feelings of failure.”
Exita has eventual plans to pursue a master’s degree in higher education or ethnic studies after gaining practical experience in the fields of education and mentoring. We are grateful for the time and dedication Exita has shown to her fellow CSF Scholars in building a college-going culture at Mount Tahoma High School. Thank you for being a peer leader they can look up to.