On a better life
The resounding theme amongst Samoans who have migrated to New Zealand is their search for a better life. This usually means better jobs and better education. But what is better? And what is it better than? I have lived all my childhood years in Samoa (until the end of Form 7), and all my adult years in New Zealand, and offer the following observations from my own migration journey. The cost of time What people in Samoa might not appreciate when migrating to countries of Western cultures, is how time-demanding the lifestyle can be in general. All activities are run by the clock, and time is accounted for and given frugally. In Samoa, time is usually seen in a more relative manner, for example using night time instead of 7:35pm. It lends to a more relaxed outlook when it comes to scheduling, but in turn in provides for a generous giving of ones time when needed. I look at how I need to have most days planned out to the hour, weeks in advance. There is not much wiggle ro...