That feeling when you walk into a room and you’re the only one who looks like you…
This was the reality for Dr. Tai Faaleava, a psychologist at Mule Creek State Prison in California, when he started his psychology studies in the U.S. “At my school, it was just me. No one else looked like me.”
It wasn’t just a lonely experience—it was a constant reminder of how underrepresented Pacific People are in academia.
But instead of letting that isolation drag him down, Tai used it as fuel. He pushed through, earned his doctorate, and now he works to create opportunities for another generation of academics like him.
Tai’s journey, like many others, highlights both the challenges and triumphs that Pacific students experience in higher education. From navigating cultural barriers to finding strength in their identity, theirs are stories of resilience and inspiration.
In a 2022 Talanoa HUBBS podcast, Dr. Tai Faaleava and fellow guest, Manumalo Muasau, a mental performance coach from Southern California, explored these themes with their host, Otago University professor of psychology, Dr. Siautu Alefaio.
The discussion delved into the unique struggles faced by Pacific People in psychology and academia, including feelings of cultural isolation, a lack of representation, and systemic barriers. It also celebrated their progress, their resilience and the growing sense of community and support within the field.
The Challenges of Being “The Only One”
“I don’t see anyone else that looks like me.” This is how Dr. Tai Faaleava described his experience transferring to a four-year university in the United States. His journey, like that of many Pacific People in higher education, was marked by a profound sense of isolation. “It became lonely,” he said, reflecting on how few Pacific faces he encountered in his classrooms.
This loneliness isn’t just anecdotal. Pacific People are vastly underrepresented in higher education globally. In the United States, they make up only 0.4% of all undergraduate students and less than 1% of those holding graduate degrees (source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau). The numbers are slightly better in New Zealand, where Pacific students comprise around 8% of total university enrollments, but they still face significant disparities in academic achievement and retention (source: New Zealand Ministry of Education). Similarly, in Australia, Pacific students are underrepresented, with many struggling to access higher education due to systemic barriers.
For many Pacific students, isolation is compounded by imposter syndrome. Dr. Faaleava admitted to questioning his own abilities, wondering, “Maybe I’m not smart enough to be here.” Without representation in faculty or peers, it can feel as though academic spaces weren’t designed for them—and in many cases, they weren’t.
Manumalo Muasau echoed this sentiment, pointing to the lack of culturally relevant material in psychology programs. “The traditional form of psychology wasn’t built for us—it was made for upper-class Palagi folks,” he said. This Eurocentric framework often leaves Pacific students feeling disconnected from their studies, unable to see how their cultural values fit into what they’re learning.
These barriers are not just individual struggles—they’re systemic. Pacific students often come from collectivist cultures where family and community play a central role. The pressure to succeed academically is not only personal but also a way of giving back to their families. Balancing these expectations with the realities of academic life can be overwhelming.
Despite these challenges, there is a growing movement to address these inequities. In New Zealand, universities have implemented targeted programs to support Pacific students, such as mentorship initiatives and culturally tailored academic support. Australia is following suit with similar efforts, though gaps remain. In the U.S., support networks like the Pacific Islander Mental Health Support Group, co-founded by professionals like Dr. Faaleava, are helping to bridge the gap and create a sense of belonging for students.
These challenges are significant, but the resilience of Pacific students is even greater. As Dr. Faaleava and Dr. Muasau demonstrate, the journey may be lonely at times, but it’s far from impossible. By persevering and paving the way, they’re showing that Pacific People have every right to belong in academia—and to thrive there.
Representation Matters
“Meeting Manu was a boost for me,” Dr. Tai Faaleava shared during the podcast. For him, connecting with another Pacific Person in academia felt like finding a lifeline. “It was like meeting another me,” he explained. Representation, as both he and Manumalo Muasau discussed, is not just about seeing someone who looks like you—it’s about seeing what’s possible.
For Pacific students, especially in fields like psychology and other traditionally Western-dominated disciplines, representation can be the difference between feeling like an outsider and finding a place to belong. “It’s inspiring to see Pacific People in fields like mental health and engineering,” Dr. Faaleava added. These role models show that the path to higher education is not only accessible but achievable, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
This is why networks like the Pacific Islander Mental Health Support Group are so crucial. Founded by Pacific psychologists, including Dr. Faaleava, this group provides a space for professionals to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Beyond fostering a sense of community, it serves as a beacon for students entering the field, showing them that they’re not alone on their journey.
The importance of representation isn’t unique to Pacific People. Studies have shown that underrepresented groups across the globe benefit from seeing people like them in leadership or professional roles. For example, a study on Native American students found that seeing indigenous faculty on campus improved their sense of belonging and confidence, leading to better academic performance and retention (source: Journal of Diversity in Higher Education). These findings mirror the experiences shared by Pacific students, underscoring the universal need for role models who reflect diverse identities.
For Dr. Faaleava and Dr. Muasau, representation goes beyond visibility—it’s about actively sharing their journeys to inspire the next generation. They don’t just lead by example; they mentor and uplift others. Whether it’s through one-on-one guidance or larger support networks, they’ve made it a mission to show Pacific students that their cultural values and academic aspirations can coexist.
These connections matter. When Pacific students see someone who has navigated similar challenges and succeeded, it reframes what’s possible. It tells them, “You belong here too.” As Dr. Faaleava and Dr. Muasau demonstrate, representation isn’t just about presence—it’s about opening doors for others to walk through and thrive.
This is the power of community and mentorship. It creates a ripple effect, where one person’s success inspires many more. Representation matters because it changes the narrative—from being “the only one” to being part of a growing movement, one that celebrates diversity, resilience, and the strength of Pacific identity in higher education.
Strategies for Success in Academia
“Grad school is like going to the grocery store—you pick what you need,” Dr. Manumalo Muasau shared during the podcast. It’s a refreshingly practical way to look at higher education. Not every framework or teaching style will resonate, especially for Pacific students navigating systems designed for different cultural norms. The key is to focus on what’s useful and meaningful—and leave the rest behind.
One of the most effective strategies for success in academia is finding mentors and building networks. Connecting with people who share similar experiences and values can make a world of difference. As Dr. Muasau explained, “You’re more than just one identity—explore all the things you’re good at.” Mentorship isn’t just about guidance; it’s about seeing someone who understands your journey and can help you navigate challenges while encouraging you to embrace your unique strengths.
For Pacific students, resources like the Pacific Islander Mental Health Support Group offer a space to connect with like-minded individuals and professionals who’ve walked the same path. Leveraging these networks, along with cultural organizations on campus, provides both emotional support and practical advice.
Another valuable tip shared during the discussion is the idea of tailoring what you learn to your own cultural context. “I pick and choose what’s useful to me from psychology frameworks,” said Dr. Muasau. For Pacific students, this means blending traditional academic tools with cultural knowledge and values. It’s about making education work for you, not the other way around.
Actionable Steps for Pacific Students
Here are some practical strategies to thrive in academia:
- Find mentors:
- Look for mentors who understand your background and can offer guidance, whether through university programs, professional groups, or online networks like LinkedIn.
- Build networks:
- Join groups such as cultural clubs, professional organizations, or peer support initiatives like the Pacific Islander Mental Health Support Group or NIUPATCH
- Seek scholarships and funding:
- Many universities and organizations offer scholarships specifically for Pacific Island students. Research these opportunities to ease financial stress.
- Connect with cultural organizations:
- Engage with student groups or local communities that celebrate Pacific heritage. These spaces can offer a sense of belonging and valuable peer support.
- Focus on your strengths:
- Embrace the diverse parts of your identity and explore opportunities beyond traditional academic paths. Whether it’s in research, advocacy, or creative projects, lean into what makes you unique.
- Tailor your learning:
- Apply academic frameworks in ways that align with your cultural values. For example, use storytelling as a way to engage with complex topics or approach projects with a collectivist mindset.
These strategies don’t just help Pacific students succeed—they reshape what success looks like in academia. By building networks, leveraging resources, and staying true to their cultural roots, Pacific students are proving that their identities are a strength, not a barrier, in higher education.
Triumphs and Inspirations
“You walk in the room, and they call you doctor.” This moment, as described by Dr. Tai Faaleava, is more than just a professional milestone—it’s a triumph over stereotypes and barriers that have historically excluded Pacific People from higher education.
For Dr. Faaleava, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. He shared a jarring anecdote about being mistaken for an inmate while working in a prison as a psychologist. “I’ve been mistaken for an inmate—but I let my work speak for itself.” It’s a stark reminder of the biases that persist, but also a testament to the resilience and determination of Pacific professionals who refuse to let those biases define them.
Representation is powerful, and Dr. Manumalo Muasau is passionate about breaking down the myth that Pacific students must choose between their talents. His message is clear: “You don’t have to choose between being great at sports and great at academics. You can do both.” By challenging these limiting narratives, Dr. Muasau is encouraging Pacific students to see themselves as capable of excelling in multiple areas.
The impact of Pacific professionals in academia is already inspiring the next generation. Anecdotes shared during the podcast highlighted how young students, upon seeing psychologists like Dr. Faaleava and Dr. Muasau, felt emboldened to pursue their own dreams in higher education. The ripple effect of this representation cannot be overstated. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who hold advanced degrees are significantly more likely to mentor others, creating a cycle of empowerment and opportunity.
These triumphs are not just individual achievements; they are victories for entire communities. They signal that Pacific People belong in spaces like academia, where their voices and perspectives are essential. As more Pacific professionals step into roles of influence, they are not only changing their own lives but also redefining what success looks like for their communities.
The message is clear: Pacific students don’t have to fit into narrow definitions of success. They can forge their own paths, inspired by role models who have shown that breaking barriers isn’t just possible—it’s transformative. Dr. Faaleava, Dr. Muasau, and others are proving that triumphs in higher education aren’t just personal—they’re paving the way for a future where Pacific excellence is the norm, not the exception.
