EP:28 I Had To Deconstruct My Own Belief Systems - Dr. Faafetai Faaleava #HopeWall Podcast

➡️ Introducing Dr. Faafetai Faaleava who was born in Moto'otua, Samoa. He comes from the villages of Vaiusu, Lano, Samata-i-Tai and Fagaloa. He attended Papatoetoe High School and lived in South Auckland prior to moving to America in 2006. He received his doctorate degree in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) from Alliant International University in San Francisco and now works as a psychologist at Mule Creek State Prison in California.

He has lived in multiple countries including Samoa, Jamaica, New Zealand and now America. 👍

When Dr. Faaleava attended high school, you would often find Dr. Faaleava on some form of report that required him to check in with teachers on a daily basis and was also no stranger to detentions either. 👊

Having finished high school his exposure really shaped the direction he took next. Seeing that alot of Samoans would either go down the pathway of professional sports or they worked in a factory. He landed his first role earning $12 an hour and thought he was set for life! 🙌

He eventually went to Auckland Uni and was excited to receive a student allowance whilst eating butter chicken on the regular however, unfortunately he failed miserably when it came to his grades. 😔

When a young family member passed away, Dr. Faafetai stood at the funeral and heard a message that hit home and literally shifted his entire trajectory making the decision to go back to school. 👈

Dr. Faafetai realised upok returning to school that the school work wasn't what he was up against, he was battling his own thoughts associated to his identify. 💯

There was no one that looked like me at school which made it harder to see this in my reality. 🤔

Tune in to hear more of Dr. Faafetai Faaleava's journey. 🎙

“ Embrace Your Journey " – Dr. Faafetai Faaleava
💙 “You Are Not Alone”. 💙