All the hardship of the academic journey faded when Deslor and Aaron Taylor heard their names called during their graduation ceremony at Fulton University last week.

From Samoa, the siblings have shown that determination guided by faith can carry anyone through challenges, even while living away from home for three years.

Deslor, the middle child and the only daughter in the family, told Samoa Newshub that God had carried both her and her younger brother through their studies in Fiji.

Aaron Taylor receives his degree during the Fulton University graduation ceremony in Fiji. Photo: Supplied

“It was extremely tough. For the first time in our lives, we lived completely away from our parents. Although we struggled sometimes, our parents’ unending prayers and their support helped us reach this point.

There were moments when I broke down. I still remember my first year, crying on a video call with my parents, telling them I didn’t think I would ever finish because life felt so overwhelming.”

Throughout their journey, Deslor became a steady older sister to Aaron, and the relationship they built away from home helped shape their success.

Their schooling began at Samoa Adventist Primary School in Lalovaea, continued at Adventist College, and later diverged when Deslor attended Samoa College while Aaron remained at the Seventh Day Adventist High School.

Deslor Taylor receives her degree during the Fulton University graduation ceremony in Fiji. Photo: Supplied

Deslor completed Foundation studies at the National University of Samoa in 2021. After achieving that milestone, the family pursued their long-held dream of having the children continue their education at the Seventh Day Adventist University in Fiji.

“I graduated from the Foundation programme in Commerce at NUS. The following year, in 2022, I began a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Law. I thought my path was set.

But God had a different plan. I felt called to continue my education at Fulton University in Fiji. The decision was unexpected, but I followed it,” she said.

When asked about his own achievement, Aaron said, “At that moment, I knew it wasn’t just my achievement — it was God’s grace. From grace to greatness. If God carried me through everything I faced, He can do the same for anyone else.”

Deslor and Aaron Taylor celebrate their graduation together at Fulton University in Fiji. Photo: Supplied

The siblings crossed the stage together to receive their bachelor degrees as their parents watched with pride.

Deslor thanked her parents, Letoa Taylor and Soonafai Taylor, her eldest brother Dr Derek Taylor, their extended families, and their church community for the support that shaped their paths.

Life at Fulton University also reshaped their outlook.

“Fulton became my second home. Back in Samoa, I wasn’t the social type. But at Fulton, I became more open and willing to step outside my comfort zone. I formed friendships with students from across the Pacific.

Most importantly, Fulton brought me closer to God. I had been cyber-bullied a few years earlier, and it affected me deeply. I thought God was punishing me for my mistakes. I doubted my future. But at Fulton, that changed. God reminded me that I am more than the mistakes of my past,” she said.

Deslor and Aaron Taylor share their graduation day with their parents in Fiji. Photo: Supplied

After three years of pressure, late-night study sessions, and moments of doubt, both siblings reached the finish line together.

Their message to others was simple,

“No matter how heavy your past feels, no matter how low you think you’ve fallen — God is good. He will make a way, even when it feels impossible. We are living proof that His plan is greater than our fears, our doubts, and our struggles. Trust Him.”