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From Aspiration to Achievement: Lotu’s PathwayConnect Success
In 2023, Tuipulotu Tupou, known by her friends as Lotu, discovered PathwayConnect through her younger sister, a recent graduate, who spoke highly of the program. Encouraged by the possibility of scholarships that could help with tuition costs, Lotu decided to enroll. “I was glad to hear about this opportunity and to join this program,” she said.
PathwayConnect provides a structured pathway for students worldwide to enhance their academic, professional, and spiritual knowledge. The program is especially designed for people like Lotu, who are eager to improve their lives but might find traditional educational routes harder to access.
Despite her enthusiasm, PathwayConnect was still a challenge for Lotu, due mostly to a language barrier. “The biggest challenge was writing,” she said. “I was bored, and English is my second language, but I had the courage to keep trying—no matter what—to accomplish my goals.” Determined to succeed, Lotu persevered and improved her language skills.
Her efforts paid off as she excelled throughout PathwayConnect. “I was happy to get an A grade every semester,” she said. “It’s a blessing for me, and [because of] our Heavenly Father, I know that I’m not alone. He lifts me up and helps me overcome [challenges].”
For Lotu, it’s not just about personal achievement; she aims to empower herself through higher education and entrepreneurship. “I’m looking forward to continuing my degree in business management so that I will be self-employed, not relying on someone but establishing my own business and helping other people that need my help.” This ambition aligns with the teachings of President Russell M. Nelson, who emphasized in a 2013 talk that, “Education is the difference between wishing you could help other people and being able to help them.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has long advocated for the importance of education as a cornerstone of self-reliance. President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) said:
“I urge you to pursue your education . . . that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such.
“Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life.”
A young mother with a growing family, Lotu’s full understanding of these principles was evident as she journeyed through PathwayConnect, improving her academic skills, growing spiritually, and preparing to advance her education at Brigham Young University–Idaho. It has been a dream of hers since high school, to one day obtain a bachelor’s degree so she can be self-reliant and take better care of the people in her life.
For anyone who is considering PathwayConnect as an option for them, Lotu has this advice:
“My dear friends and family, join this program. It will help you achieve your goals successfully, offer many opportunities, and allow you to be educated and independent.”