Graduate Sione Siaki continuing to inspire
Throughout his academic journey, Sione Siaki has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, a strong work ethic and a passion for making a positive impact on his community.
Siaki grew up in West Jordan and attended Copper Hills High School. It was during his time in high school that Siaki first discovered his love for community service. He joined a club called People of the Pacific and volunteered weekly at an elementary school.
This experience built a passion for service that has remained with him ever since. Volunteering also gave Siaki leadership skills that would play an important role as he continued his education.
Despite initially not having college in mind, Siaki’s friends enrolled at Utah State University Eastern and convinced him to attend as well.
“It seemed like a good opportunity for me,” Siaki said. “It kind of fell into my lap at a time when I really needed it.”
Siaki had an interest in studying computer science, but this was fleeting. His passion for making a positive impact on his community reflected in his choice of major — sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice.
Throughout his studies, he has gained a deep understanding of social issues and a strong desire to address them.
“We just focus on understanding how people operate in groups,” Siaki said. “And I especially love analyzing minority and under-represented groups.”
Siaki is going on to be an educator and help represent Pacific Islanders in education, who are under-represented in community leadership. He has always said yes to every opportunity, including running for student body president at USU Eastern. He won the title, setting him on the path to influence students and faculty alike.
Each opportunity opened the door for another, sparking his move to the USU Logan campus, where he completed his degree.
“I really have found a love for higher education, so I would love to work in higher education and help get access and resources for under-represented groups in higher education,” Siaki said. “I think I’ve really found and helped create a place where I feel I belong and where my voice matters, and I want to continue that work.”
In addition to his academic achievements and commitment to service, Siaki is also admired by his friends for his outgoing and friendly nature. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and support others.
His sister, Emily Afemata, said Siaki has been involved in Aggie Radio, the Pacific Student Union and a fraternity. His community projects have included converting a junk yard into a community garden.
“He loves to try new things and really take advantage of this time of his life,” Afemata said. “He has so many accomplishments, and it’s because he never takes anything for granted and he puts his heart in everything he does.”
Siaki’s positive attitude and genuine interest in others has made him a role model to his friends and family.
“He is always the person I call before I make a life-altering decision,” Afemata said.
Siaki’s adventurous spirit is another aspect of his personality that his friends admire.
Tecia Mose recalled times where Siaki had been supportive, including spontaneous trips down to Blanding, hikes and various adventures.
“I really look up to him because he has been so supportive and encouraging of me,” Mose said. “Just a wonderful and kind person. He just loves to serve everybody and is always doing everything he can for other people.”
Siaki loves to go on hikes and explore the natural beauty of the world around him. Whether it’s hiking in the nearby mountains or traveling to new and exciting destinations, he is always up for an adventure.
Mose said Siaki’s love of adventure is a reflection of his passion for life and his desire to make the most of every opportunity.
As a lifelong friend, Mose has been privy to many personal details of Siaki’s life. She feels while Siaki didn’t have the easiest childhood, his perseverance and willingness to put himself out in the world and put his best into everything he does sets him apart from others.
While at USU Eastern and in Logan, Siaki has had the opportunity to join many groups, including Circles USA as a child and youth worker, UServeUtah as a youth council member and the Utah Student Association as a board member.
Siaki spends a lot of time with others helping them to grow and accomplish the dreams they have, using his own life and accomplishments as inspiration. His constant striving for self-improvement and greatness ensures a positive impact on all he meets.
“He will always give his honest opinion and above anything else, he’ll give you his time,” Afemata said. “He will make you feel heard and validated with just one FaceTime call.”
As Siaki prepares to graduate, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. He hopes to use the knowledge and skills he has gained at USU to make a positive impact on his community and beyond.
“I’m about to walk, which has always been a dream of mine,” Siaki said. “There were so many obstacles that could’ve stopped me, but honestly just getting to this point, and still being able to be the first person in my family to go to college and graduate is a huge deal in itself.”