Ana Saulala from Kelston, New Zealand was recently selected as a Westpac Maori and Pacific Business Student of the Year 2016 at the University of Auckland.
Ana, who is Tongan, was one of three Pasifika finalists for the prestigious award. Each year there is one Maori student awardee, as well as a second, with Pacific Island heritage.
Ana received a cash prize, a trophy and an invitation to attend the 2016 National Pacific Business Trust Awards this Friday, 28 October at the Langham Hotel. Her name will be placed on a permanent shield of honour that will be displayed at the University of Auckland Business School..
Ana’s trip to top business student hasn’t been easy. After completing some courses a few years ago, she left her university studies behind and served for 18 months as a full-time voluntary missionary for her church. Upon her return she was not excited about resuming her studies, but, she says, doing so was one of her best decisions in life.
“I am grateful I followed the spiritual prompting to come back because it has been the best experience,” she said.
Although she struggled a little during her first year back, she discovered that business interested her.
“I realised that the business world was the real world, so I was determined to stick with it.
“It’s all about attitude, being willing to participate—take action and STICK WITH IT!”
She says the award increases her motivation to “go and do a lot of good, to pursue my dreams with more ambition,” and never give up.
She also feels it is essential to help others be successful, to become self-reliant through education and effort. “The Lord reassures us there is enough for everyone on this earth.”
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“Receiving the award gives me greater confidence to believe in myself. I want to inspire people. I want to inspire my family and friends to make great things happen in their own lives.”
In addition to her school work Ana is actively involved on campus. She joined the Velocity Team as the Education Lead.
“Velocity is the university’s entrepreneur program aimed to educate students in the entrepreneurial mind-set and help teach them basic skills,” she said.
Although she is focusing on academics, her future business goals and volunteering to help other business students, Ana is not all business. She was one of three finalists for the Arts Student of the Year for service to Maori and Pacific Students.
And she continues her voluntary service in her church. The former missionary plays the organ and piano for her local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ana will finish her commerce degree next year. She wants to get involved in projects to create a supply chain between the Pacific Island countries and New Zealand.
She lives with her family in the Auckland suburb of Kelston. She has two brothers and one sister.