After meeting her husband and immigrating to the United States, Vairea wanted to return to her studies so that she could start a business of her own. Like many older students, her studies started and stopped due to family obligations. She began her studies in 2019 when she learned about Skyline College from her husband. After pausing her education to have a second child, she restarted in 2021. Majoring in Business Management, Vairea will graduate in 2025. Because college was free for Vairea, she could return to school, learn English (her native languages are Tahitian and French), and be supported by the Skyline College community.

In Vairea Samn’s words, “The sky’s the limit.” If not for free college, Vairea would not have been able to return to college. She would have had to work full-time to help support her sons. Although getting started was difficult for her, her first obstacle to overcome was learning to read and write English. Today, Vairea is incredibly proud of her accomplishments. As part of the Federal Work-Study program, Vairea works in Skyline College’s Outreach Department. She beams with pride when she talks about how she is the person who gives students presentations about Skyline College. She talks about how other students can have a journey similar to hers. “Skyline College welcomes all with open arms. I have taken advantage of Skyline College’s programs, including financial aid, EOPS, Promise, and Outreach. Free College not only helped with tuition but also helped with books, computers, and other resources.”

After graduating from Skyline College next year, Vairea Samn dreams of creating a business to help people understand the Tahitian culture. She wants her sons to know where she has come from and extend that cultural understanding to all.

Hear more from Vairea in this video.