“It was the best experience!” says Year 11 HSA student, Angeleen Dutt.

Last week, Angeleen joined her classmates at the Manukau Event Centre for the Pacific Health Development (FOU) School Programme. Designed specifically for Health Science Academy learners, the event showcased the diverse career pathways available within health and medicine, drawing in eleven schools from across the region.

The session kicked off with a series of high-energy icebreakers. The activities, designed to push students out of their comfort zones, encouraged them to mingle beyond their usual school circles and build the confidence to speak up in new environments.

The highlight of the day was guest speaker Dr T.J. Meleisea, a Samoan-born surgeon who shared his unconventional path to medicine.

After failing to complete the required science courses in high school, the University declined his medical school application. Undeterred, he completed the necessary core subjects and eventually earned his place in the programme.

While his younger self dreamed of a professional rugby career, he is now philosophical about his path. He still plays socially, using the sport as a vital way to wind down and relieve stress.

The programme highlighted the critical importance of Pacific culture in the health sector and addressed the challenges surrounding the dropout rates of Pasifica students beyond Years 12 and 13.

For Angeleen, the day was more than just a field trip; it was a formative experience that solidified her resolve to stay on her chosen pathway.