From the moment Taylor James Lagaaia stepped into the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labor in Samoa (MCIL), he knew it wouldn't just be an internship – he was taking steps into the future he had always envisioned. What began as a non-paid internship became one of the most transformative experiences of Lagaaia's life, challenging him to apply what he had learned at BYU–Hawaii, step out of his comfort zone, and contribute meaningfully to his home country of Samoa. His experience shows how one opportunity opened the door to personal growth, professional insight, and a more profound commitment to public service.
Lagaaia is a senior at BYU–Hawaii majoring in political science with minors in history and entrepreneurship, and holds certifications in legal studies and criminal justice. His goal has always been to return to Samoa and contribute to his community.
Lagaaia learned about the internship with the MCIL through the mother of a fellow political science major who works as a principal officer in the ministry. He felt it aligned with his aspirations. Although he wasn't financially compensated, the chance to serve his country for eight weeks was one of the most rewarding experiences he could imagine. "I've always wanted to give back, and this was my opportunity," he says.
Inside the Ministry: Real Responsibilities and Hands-On Learning
Lagaaia was assigned to the legal division of the MCIL, which involved interpreting legislation relating to the ministry. His tasks included clerical work, creating a system for incoming and outgoing files, and attending inter-ministerial meetings. To Lagaaia's surprise, he was often encouraged to share his thoughts on legal interpretations, which provided him with invaluable hands-on experience.
He initially expected to perform mundane tasks, but his supervisors entrusted him with bigger responsibilities. "I'm grateful for their mentorship and the chance to learn from such experienced professionals," he said.
A typical day for Lagaaia officially started at 8 am, but he always arrived early, a habit instilled in him by his parents. He began by reviewing tasks from the previous day, followed by various responsibilities like responding to emails, updating client catalogs, and meetings throughout the morning. After lunch, he spent time reading laws and legislation, which, while sometimes tedious, taught him much about legal interpretation.
One of his standout projects was creating a filing system for the legal division. The files were disorganized, and Lagaaia was tasked with developing a system that would be efficient and easy to navigate. "This experience pushed me to focus on details, which is crucial in legal work," he recalled.
Prepared for the Challenge: Academic Foundations and Personal Growth
Lagaaia's experiences at BYU–Hawaii played a crucial role in helping him navigate the challenges of the internship. "I often compare my education to an athlete's training—consistent, rigorous, and purpose-driven," he shares. "Each class, discussion, and assignment helped sharpen skills that I didn't realize would become so relevant so quickly in the real world."
Classes in political science, legal studies, and criminal justice equipped Lagaaia with a strong foundation in legal reasoning, government structures, and public policy. Mentors like Professors Christina Akanoa, Jennifer Kajiyama, and Dr. Rand Blimes stood out as significant influences. Professor Christina Akanoa teaches political science and simulates the Pacific Islands Forum, which helps students develop negotiation skills.
The internship provided moments that would mirror her classes. "Every time we had a meeting, I felt confident walking into the conference room because of the skills I learned from Professor Akanoa," recalls Lagaaia. "It's like going into a testing center knowing all the answers. I was that confident, and it's all thanks to her."
Professor Kajiyama's mock trial class was where Lagaaia really started digging into the interpretations of legislation. "It's easy to read laws at face value, but understanding how legal professionals actually read and analyze them is completely different. Her class gave me that foundational skill, and I'm incredibly grateful for that," shares Lagaaia.
During the internship, Lagaaia had to research information about staff and legal matters, and he relied on skills learned from Dr. Rand Blimes class, like using databases, analyzing data sets, and conducting academic research. He recommends, "If any political science student wants to improve in that area, I'd definitely recommend taking his class."
Throughout this experience, Lagaaia realized he had a lot of potential that he hadn't fully tapped into. He learned the importance of humility and being open to different perspectives. Instead of assuming he knew everything, he focused on listening to his mentors and supervisors and absorbing their knowledge. Lagaaia's time at the MCIL gave him a clearer understanding of the complexities of government, especially amid the current political tensions in Samoa. "I've witnessed how vital it is to have strong democratic institutions, and it solidified my desire to contribute positively to my country's future." He shares.
Looking Ahead: Career Reflections and Advice for Others
This internship has further clarified Lagaaia's career aspirations. While he always wanted to be a lawyer, Lagaaia now sees other paths, such as public administration, as viable options. It's a journey of deduction, narrowing down what aligns with his passion. The MCIL was so impressed with his work that they offered him employment after graduating.
For students considering internships, Lagaaia advises that they approach the experience with an open mind. "Don't assume you know everything; be willing to learn from everyone, regardless of age or experience. Networking and building relationships are crucial," he says.
As Lagaaia reflects on his experience, one old Samoan proverb that resonates deeply is "O le faleaoga a mea uma," which means "Everything you do in life is an education." This mindset encourages him to embrace learning in every situation, whether at work, in sports, or daily life.
Lagaaia's internship challenged him to utilize his classroom skills in real-world applications. He hopes that his journey inspires others to pursue their own paths of growth and service to their countries. In doing so, he reflects the mission of BYU–Hawaii — preparing students to live and lead throughout Asia and the Pacific, building a legacy of leadership rooted in faith, integrity, and a commitment to uplifting their communities.
