It is said, “Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions louder than words”. 

And why you may ask? 

Let Saisamoa F. Grey Price tell you her story. 

Saisamoa is the very first woman born and raised in Apia, Samoa, to be sworn in to the Hawaii State Bar and the United States District Court.

The swearing in ceremony was administered at the Hawaii State Capitol Senate Chambers on November 17th this year.

She joins the legal profession in the State of Hawaii where there are about 10 attorneys of Samoan ancestry.

Saisamoa is the daughter of Tuilaepa Soioamoa Mary Grey and William R. Price from Malifa, Tauese, Falefa, Lauli'i, Satupa'itea, Sapapali'i, and Falealili.

Becoming a lawyer has always been her childhood dream. 

“I have always wanted to be a lawyer since I was eight years old, and my day of reckoning was November 17th,” she said. 

To get to where she is today, Saisamoa has always tried to achieve every goal she set for herself. 

“I aspired to achieve my goals and with every small step that I accomplished, I never lost sight of the ultimate goal and that was to become an American Attorney and the first-born and raised Samoan woman, to do so.” 

Saisamoa is employed as a law clerk for the Honourable Fa'auuga L.To'oto'o of the First Circuit Court in Hawaii.

Growing up in Samoa, she attended St Mary's Primary School at Savalalo before moving to St Mary's College.

Saisamoa then attended the National University of Samoa, the American Samoa Community College, the University of Hawaii at Manoa and later, the William S. Richardson School of Law.

She says the words of former Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese, motivated her to strive for the best. 

“His message was that we cannot be carried away by the moment because the final day of reckoning awaits us." 

And that was exactly what Saisamoa did. 

She never allowed anything to sway her away from achieving her ultimate goal – to be a lawyer. 

She admitted that without God, she wouldn’t have achieved her dreams.

Her family and many friends were also vital as they worked behind the scenes to help her achieve her dream. 

“I dedicate this achievement to my late grandmother, Toeasonaimoamoa Christina Grey, who was always known as Toeaso but the meaning of her name is something I strive to live by.

“I would like to thank my parents and especially my mother for her never-ending prayers and support.”

Saisamoa also acknowledged the support of the American Samoa Scholarship Committee and the McDonald’s Scholarship Committee for recognizing her potential and providing her with the financial opportunity to pursue her studies in Hawaii.