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My Conversation with Jasmine Koria – Sustainable Optimism & Youth Leadership at CHOGM 2024 in Samoa
By Victor Perton
Sustainable Optimism: Jasmine Koria on Youth Leadership at CHOGM 2024 in Samoa
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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In my latest podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with the inspiring Jasmine Koria, a senior teacher from Samoa and an emerging youth leader on the global stage. Jasmine’s optimism radiated throughout our conversation as she shared her thoughts on youth leadership, her role in CHOGM 2024, and what sustainable optimism means to her and the young people of Samoa.
One of my favourite questions to ask guests is, “What makes you optimistic? Is it faith? Life experience? Mindset? Upbringing?” Jasmine’s response was both personal and heartfelt. She explained that her optimism stems from a combination of her faith, her upbringing in Samoa, and her experiences as a teacher. She told me, “When you’re in a field like education, especially in the developing Pacific, you’ve got to be very optimistic all the time.” I could feel the passion in her voice as she talked about how working with young people continually renews her sense of hope and purpose.
Jasmine’s outlook is deeply rooted in the Samoan culture, where resilience and continuity are part of daily life. She shared a beautiful Samoan saying: “The sun will rise again tomorrow.” This mindset reflects the natural optimism that sustains the people of Samoa, even in the face of challenges. As Jasmine said, “We have that sort of mindset that today might be challenging, but tomorrow is another day.” It’s a lesson in resilience that the world can learn from.
One of the critical topics we touched on was the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Forum at CHOGM 2024 in Samoa. As a task force member, Jasmine is passionate about empowering Pacific youth to have a seat at the decision-making table, especially when addressing critical issues like climate change and social justice. She described her role as amplifying the voices of young people from developing Oceania, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and that decisions made in these high-level spaces reflect their lived experiences.
Jasmine also discussed sustainable optimism, a concept her late parents instilled in her. She described it as the ability to keep going, even when resources are scarce or when challenges seem overwhelming. For her, optimism isn’t just about being happy every day—it’s about perseverance, a philosophy that keeps her students motivated even when they’re sitting on the floor of an under-resourced classroom. It’s a powerful reminder that sustained optimism can fuel resilience and inspire hope in future generations.
We closed our conversation by reflecting on the significance of Samoa hosting CHOGM 2024. Jasmine sees this as a historic moment, not just for Samoa but for the entire Commonwealth. Her vision for the forum is one of continuity—passing the torch to the next generation and ensuring that the values of optimism and resilience continue to shape the future.
Suppose you’re interested in hearing more about Jasmine’s journey and her thoughts on optimism, youth leadership, and the future of the Pacific. In that case, I encourage you to listen to the full episode. Her story is a testament to the power of optimism in overcoming adversity and inspiring change.
What inspires you to stay optimistic, even in challenging times?
#Optimism #YouthLeadership #CHOGM2024 #SustainableOptimism #Samoa #CommonwealthYouthForum
Self-Improvement • Mental Health • 38 episodes
That Optimism Man Victor Perton
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