Dr Laine's early education on Vaitupu laid the foundation for her future ambitions. She reminisces, "I attended Tolise Primary School in Vaitupu, where the nurturing environment fostered my dreams of becoming a doctor." Her educational journey took her across the Pacific to Fiji and Samoa, where she completed her studies. 

Upon her return to Tuvalu, Dr Laine is the only Tuvaluan graduate from the National University of Sama with a degree in medicine. 

"My decision to study medicine was driven by a desire to serve my community." 

For the past three years, she has served in the Internal Medicine department at Princess Margaret, tirelessly working alongside locum doctors from across the Pacific. 

Dr Laine's efforts extends beyond routine medical practices. She has championed the screening of children for Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and congenital heart disease across Tuvalu's islands. 

"It's a challenging yet fulfilling task," she admits, "especially when explaining complex medical conditions in Tuvaluan, a language that lacks specific medical terminology. Sometimes I resort to drawing diagrams to ensure my patients understand." 

As Tuvalu Language draws to an end, Dr Laine's passion for her mother tongue shines brightly.  

"In Tuvalu, language is more than communication, it's a symbol of identity." 

The theme for this year's celebration, 'Taofi mau ku tau gana, mo tou gaugaleo, me ko tou iloga tena' resonates deeply with her. 

"Upholding our languages and dialects preserves our cultural heritage. It connects us to our roots and strengthens our sense of community.  Speaking your own dialect depicts which islands you are from. Even not knowing someone but just speaking the same dialect makes you connect with that person on an island/community level." 

"I am a proud Tuvaluan, who grew up in Tuvalu and can speak the language. My journey is fueled by a vision of a healthier future for my people and a commitment to developing my country's health system to provide the best medical care." 

Fafetai lasi.