Tsunami proves life-changing

ROBERT KITCHIN/Manawatu Standard

LOVING LIFE: Pepa Moefili's outlook changed when a devastating tsunami hit during a school trip to Samoa. Ever since, he's lived every day to the fullest.

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`We saw the big wave coming and could see heaps of houses on the coast. The wave came and one or two houses were left, barely standing."

The tsunami that devastated Samoa last year changed Pepa Moefili's life.

The 18-year-old student from St Peter's College will receive his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award on September 11. To achieve gold, students must spend at least five days on a purposeful project.

Pepa went to Samoa to do his. He went with 12 other students to help out at a local school.

Days into their trip, disaster struck. An earthquake of 8.1 magnitude hit the Pacific Islands on September 29, 2009, creating a huge tsunami that killed more than 180 people.

The school group was staying at the resort hardest hit on the island.

Fortunately, on the morning of the disaster students had kayaked to a small island.

"I ran up the mountain and saw the resort and the coast line get wiped out," Pepa says. "I thanked God we were alive, we could have been [at the resort] and it could have been so much worse."

Unable to fulfil their original objective, the students donated school supplies and sports gear to local children.

Pepa hopes to return this year to assist with rebuilding in Samoa.

Since seeing the destruction of the tsunami, Pepa has wanted to make the most of his life.

Every night is spent on some extracurricular activity.

Countless hours volunteering at his church and coaching the Pasifika team at his school contributed to his Duke of Edinburgh Award.

He plays for St Peter's 1st XV rugby team and senior basketball team, and is a house captain.

Pepa is also a talented performer. He sings in the school and church choir, was a lead performer in this year's winning stage challenge team, and is the leader of the school's Pasifika group and haka.

"I just love getting involved with heaps of different things," Pepa says. "After what happened in Samoa, I'm not taking any days for granted."

As the only Samoan at his school, he's responsible for teaching traditional dance from his homeland. He admits it's difficult being the only one to teach others, but he's not one who shies away from a challenge.

That Pacific Islanders perform below average in NCEA also encourages Pepa.

"I read so much about Pacific Islanders not doing as good, and that motivates me to do my best."

Pepa hopes to study medical imaging at UCOL next year.

His father, Sa Moefili, says he is proud of his hard-working son.

"I have tried my best – I want him to look after himself and grow."

Pepa is also a help around home, vacuuming, cleaning the car and keeping the house tidy.

Sporty, smart, star performer and compassionate – what more could a dad ask for?

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