Post on 07-Aug-2015
Wise WordsHe lawai'a no ke kai papa'u, he pokole ke aho; he lawai'a no ke kai hohonu he loa ke aho.
A fisherman of shallow seas uses only a short line; a fisherman of the deep sea uses a long line.
You will reach only as far as you aim and prepare yourself to reach.
Dreams for Moku o KeaweTo see Hawai'i produce its own food and energy
and reduce its dependence on domestic and foreign imports.
To see Hawai'i's status as a military outpost reduced dramatically.
To have Hawai'i's residents realize its cosmopolitan nature and embrace its multicultural identity fully.
BackgroundWhat differentiates you from others? How have your past experiences influenced your present goals?
First generation college student
Attended an alternative charter school
Connection to Hawaiian culture/value system
I am inspired by a commitment to community well-being as exemplified by the organizations with which I’ve had the privilege of working.
Background contd.My Hawaiian island community has given me:
Desire to venture outside of Hawai’i
Interest in grassroots efforts to better meet social needs
Concepts like kaona – layers of understanding, and makawalu – multiple perspectives, mixed identities
Interest in studying “culture”, giving voice to the voiceless, challenging dominant societal tropes
Preparation College Horizons
Positive relationship with College Counselor
$20,000 Scholarships from both the Gromet and Dell Foundations, respectively
Where I am nowRising Junior at Brown University
Anthropology concentrator (in Engaged Scholars Program)
Intern in University Human Resources
Volunteer at the Samaritans of Rhode Island
Outdoor Leadership Environmental Education Program Mentor
Incoming Co-President of the Social Action House
What I’ve learned getting here
Don’t sell yourself short/underestimate your abilities
Seek help – there are so many resources out there; take the initiative to find them!
Worries/insecurities I’ve had:
Culture-shock/Missing home
Supporting myself financially
Inability to keep pace with Ivy-League academics
Doubts about my academic choices
Where I want to beI’m not entirely sure… Nothing is concrete
Abroad in the Spring – doing fieldwork to enrich my Anthropology concentration
Interning at a non-profit, continuing work with The Samaritans
Graduating in 2017 and either pursuing further work in the non-profit sector or an advanced degree.
Field ExperienceInternships:
AS220 Youthhttp://youth.as220.org/makanas-internship-favorite-summer-moments-2/
The Samaritans of Rhode Island http://samaritansri.org/
What next?
More non-profit work: grant-finding/writing and non-profit management to create sustainable organizations
Successes and Failures
Adjusting to New England (weather, culture, etc.)
Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and jobs
Maintaining high standards for myself
Finding a healthy community
Learning to be uncomfortable!
Having a good sense of humor