Pelenitina Vao

When Pelenitina Vao, known to many as Tina, received a scholarship in 2019 to study a Bachelor of Food Technology with Honours at Massey University, it was a moment of both joy and sacrifice. She made the hardest decision to leave behind her six children and their father in Tonga. 
 
“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. But I carried with me a dream of building a better future for my family.” 
 
Two years later, that dream began to take shape. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tina’s six children could finally join her in New Zealand. “Having them by my side gave me strength and reminded me every day why I started this journey,” Tina shares.  
 
But 2023 brought unimaginable heartbreak. 
 
Tina lost her youngest son, who was only ten years old. “He was always with me – at the library, in town, everywhere. Losing him felt like losing a part of myself.” Just weeks later, her beloved mother passed away as well – the woman who had been her foundation, comfort, and her biggest support. 
 
“The pain of losing both of them so close together was unbearable,” Tina says. “My mental health suffered deeply. I missed exams. I fell behind. I lost the will to study, and for a time, I wanted to give up entirely.” 
 
“But somehow, by the grace of God, I found the courage to get back up.”  
 
In 2024, Tina returned to her studies. Massey staff, fellow students, friends, and her family gave her the encouragement she needed. 
 
“March 2025, I survived a serious car accident. That experience reminded me how precious life is and how far I’ve come. Despite everything, I kept going.” 
 
Through everything – loss, struggles and academic challenges – Tina made it!  
 
“I’m a full-time student and full-time mama at home; it’s not an easy one, but I made it,” she says. “To God be the glory. All the sacrifices, the pain, the tears and the endless nights were not in vain. This achievement is not just mine. It belongs to my family, my children, my late son, my mother, and everyone who stood by me in the darkest times.” 
 
To other students, especially mothers and those facing difficult circumstances, Tina offers this message of hope: 
 
“Never give up. If I can do it, so can you.”

What’s next? “I aim to continue further study, but this year, I am taking a little break,” Tina says.