The Kiwi's visit Utah :-)

This past week I was blessed to spend time with my Aunty Rachel and her beautiful daughters from New Zealand. It was so cute to watch my mother and Aunty giggle and whisper as if they were swapping secrets. I enjoyed seeing Verona, Sheree, and Gloria just talk as if they were still the young teenagers they were when they first met over 13 years ago. Hanging out with my lil cousin Monica was so sweet. Her rambunctious and cheerful demeanor is so refreshing. Makes me miss those good ol' worry free days of my youth. Than of course my supermodel cousin Charmina. It is because of her I finally attended a Jazz game and realized that I really dislike them....hahaha!!! It's such  a wonderful discovery to realize that although we are separated by distance we share a strong bond instilled by Mama dearest :-)!!! I loved every minute of their visit.

It was a busy week that flew by ever so quickly. We went shopping everyday....lol!!! We went to the Temple to see the lights. We went to the Jazz and Heat game. We ate too much....hahaha.....and talked about everything and anything. I loved it!! Thanks for visiting cousins and I'll see ya'll very soon :-)

Taylorsville 6th Ward Young Womens Photoshoot!!

 I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given to photograph these young women. I hope these photos have captured their individual beauty and personalities. I tried to relay their unique characters through their photographs. It was windy and very cold outside but these girls pulled it off with winning smiles!!! You girls are all beautiful and I hope you always remember that. 

These photos are a reminder of your inner and outer beauty!!

I am a novice photographer so bare with me. This is just a sneak peak of what I've worked on so far.

 Thanks to Shenna Frost for the editing help.

 Thank you to my cousin Julia for trusting me too! Hope you like it!!!

Old age is creeping up on me fast!!!

Our Future.

Today I watched my nephews speak at their Primary Program. I was so proud of my babies for they are so intelligent and charming. These young boys will grow up to be teenagers, missionaries, college students, and than fathers. So, I thought about their future roles in life. I thought about what values we as a family could plant and nurture within our future generation.

Confidence- As they grow they will try various activities and find their niche. They will be confident and know that just like anyone else they can achieve their dreams.

Equality- May they never feel inadequate and let feelings of inferiority hold them back from success. They will tear down stereotypes one by one. They will know their roots, be proud Samoan - Americans who know that deserve to be equally treated for America is their home.

Charity-  Through service and examples of sharing I hope they will be charitable. Service for others above self will always keep them grounded and feed them spiritually.

Excellence-  As they journey through school and church they'll be held accountable and expected to always do their best. They will realize that quality is better than quantity. Putting out their best is second to none.

These are just a few dreams of a loving Aunt. The beauty of the Samoan culture is that we are family oriented. We take the village approach in which everyone in the village (aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.) plays the role as a parent. The parents have a huge supporting cast and we all take pride in nurturing our children.

We will enjoy the journey and throughout this journey they will never doubt our love for them!!!

Pacific Islanders on the Move!! PHA has been approved!!

I have been working with the Pacific Heritage Schools organization since August of this year. It was back in April when I was invited to a Education Summit(by Anapesi Kaili) where I first learned about this effort. Pacific Heritage Schools is a dream of a couple of concerned Pacific Islander mothers that decided to take action about 4 years ago. They wanted to create a charter school that would intertwine the Polynesian culture with our American culture. About 2 years ago Ofa Kinikini Moeai and Lia Whitman(and their spouses) began the long and arduous task of putting together a 200+ page application. They were helped along the way by like minded volunteers who shared the same desires. Well, today those long hours of research, meetings, long drives, and rigorous writing and rewriting have been rewarded. Today the Utah State Charter Board unanimously approved our charter, Pacific Heritage Academy. The board gave the recommendation to the Utah State Office of Education for ratification. We were all in tears and words can't express the realization of what we had achieved.

This is a historical event. We will be the first school on the mainland that caters to the Pacific Islander population. I joined this group because I know how it felt to be raised in the United States as an immigrant child. I remember not feeling socially, economically, and physically accepted by mainstream America. Instead of embracing my beautiful culture and roots I hid it and tried very hard to assimilate without it. I knew not what my roots were or meant. I couldn't excel in life without that understanding. My journey was a long and flawed experience. But, what brought me back to my current state was the knowledge deep within me that I am a product of a rich heritage and proud people. 

My wish for this school is that it provides our youth with the roots they need to excel in any culture. Our future students will learn the best elements of our culture. They will also be academically and socially equipped to succeed in the modern world. Our kids will realize there are no limitations in their achievements and the sky is the limit!!! 

I am so proud of our Pacific Island people and the movement that is happening. As a dear friend told me today, "We may not be rich and be able to leave our children trustfunds and estates but we will leave them is our legacy!!". Our culture and love for family is our legacy. We truly are a blessed people that have so much to offer the world. We are on the rise and we must keep on moving!!! 

Insecurity and Confidence!!

Today I watched a person that exudes confidence on a daily basis uncharacteristically freeze up and fall silent. I thought to myself and wondered why? Did my friend feel inferior? I believe that often times I myself excel amongst certain demographics while I am cautious amongst other populations. Why?

 Do I feel more comfortable amongst those of my own race? Do I feel more at ease amongst a certain age group or different financial classes? Could it be that it was instilled in me to worship those who were a lighter complexion than I? Growing up these were all factors that played a part in my reaction to others and life.  My friend who had changed within seconds right before my eyes had lost her confidence because of her personal insecurities. Why are we intimidated by others or things? There are so many insecurities that we carry with us our entire lives. Why can't we acknowledge our demons and resolve these problems??

Being the eldest in a first generation family I learned to be tough. I used this toughness to block out my insecurities and fears. I was confident but it was a facade. 

I remembered feeling inadequate compared to my American counterparts. I felt I had to dress, talk, and act the same. When I chose to cling to my Polynesian friends I turned into a bully and adapted the, "Don't mess with me!" attitude. When I was with my Spanish friends I became boy crazy and a party girl!! But, what I really wanted to be was the well off Palagi (Caucasian) girl. So, when amongst my Palagi friends I was preppy with name brand clothing while racking up my mothers credit card bills. How sad! I was stereotyping everyone and trying to please everyone. What was I looking for? Acceptance!!! But, what is my definition of acceptance and acceptance into what? An American ideal? Or was it acceptance into what my idea of America was? Along the way I failed to appreciate who I was individually, spiritually, culturally, and physically.  I wanted an identity and I grasped onto others but I didn't listen to myself. As an adult I know better but I don't know it all. What I do know is that my confidence would have been genuine had I realized in my youth what my true worth was and is.

Confidence exudes from within and is easily read. My friends experience reminded me about the insecurities we all face. We must face our fears head on and push through. My confidence is a work in progress. As an adult I know that I am a proud Samoan woman who is capable of all things. We are all equal citizens of this mortal world. We all deserve to enjoy life and to be loved!!!