“Your ancestors worked hard to get you here – what are you going to do about it?” That’s the question entrepreneur Andrew Fa’avale wants you to keep in mind as you think about your goals.

According to him, “there’s no better time to be alive for a Pacific Island person.”

While he knows that Pacific Islanders face challenges like suicide, chronic health diseases, and youth injustice, Andrew wants you to know that there are many opportunities for islanders today. Not only are they out there – you have a duty to yourself to make the most of your opportunities.

On the Nesian News podcast, he talks about how he made the most of his opportunities. Andrew grew up in a family where his father worked in a steel mill for 30 years, and his mother had many jobs while taking care of her children. He faced a lot of tough times.

To deal with it, he quotes his friend, George Fonua, the founder of Blue Bus Revolution: “adversity is the gymnasium for resilience.”

Even though he faced challenges, Andrew never felt like he was poor or lacking. He believes that “when you’re in a victim mindset, you’ve lost all your power and you’ve lost all your agency because you’re giving it over to them.”

From aimless days spent playing gutterball in the street, to travelling the world and running his own business, Andrew’s experiences are proof that changing your life isn’t always easy.

“Often we’re good at hanging out with our own,” Andrew says, ”but the challenge really is to go out there and experience different cultures.”

He wants you to know that you’re ready for that challenge, and much more. “A lot of Pacific people should be strong in terms of resilience because we have to go through a lot of challenges,” he says.

Andrew Fa’avale shows that at any point in your life, you can start a new adventure – if you’re willing to accept change, embrace pain, and try to reach your potential.

He says it’s important to understand the opportunity cost in everything you do, know what your time is worth, and balance your work and personal life.

“Change comes through hope more than it does out of deficit and despair.” - Andrew Fa’avale

Watch his inspiring story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SAVFolBSPA