These are some postcards that Saramen Chuuk Academy received from a middle school in Maryland that we have no previous connections to:
"Don’t kill the whales. The whales have feelings you know. Whales already have a low population and now people are killing them for coats and meat. We have enough food and warmth. Don’t kill whales!" (With a picture of a whale being killed drawn in crayon)
"Dear Saramen Chuuk Academy, Try to make a difference! Sea turtles are an endangered species. They have to be 20 years old to lay their eggs. Most sea turtles do not survive that long because of humans and natural predators. Take a stand!" (With a picture of a turtle drawn in crayon)
"Caption: Stop killing whales. They are endangered and if they disappear it could mess up the ecosystem." (With a picture of a dead whale drawn in crayon)
So, when our school got these we were confused. The Micronesians were offended that these Americans were being so judgmental about their culture and making assumptions about what they know or do not know about marine life. I could imagine what the teacher and students were thinking, but they had no idea how condescending and insensitive the post cards were. The ironic part of it all is that they are spending energy telling Micronesian kids to stop killing turtles and whales when they are from the country that is leading the world in contributing to global warming, which is sinking the Micronesian islands. This is the response that my students came up with after researching and discussing the issue in class:
The students of Saramen Chuuk Academy would like to thank you for caring about endangered species. We were surprised to get your post cards, and we would like to explain how we understand marine life here in Weno, Chuuk, FSM. Before we write about whales and turtles we would like to introduce ourselves. We live on islands formed by a volcano that makes up the main Chuuk lagoon. Most of the students in our class are Chuukese and speak English as a second language.
To be honest, when we read the postcards about whales we were confused because no one in our class has ever seen a whale. The lagoon is protected by a reef and whales normally stay out in the open ocean. You did inspire us to learn about whales and why they are endangered, as well as our connection to this issue. We learned that, "whales produce great quantities of oil, meat, and blubber that are converted into many products" (Lee, 1991). This seems to be a problem because, "some species were nearly hunted to extinction in the last 100 year" (Lee, 1991). We know that Micronesians are not hunting whales or profiting from whaling. It was interesting to know that, "The companies doing the most whaling are from Japan; Maruha group and Kyodo Senpaku" (Environmental Investigation Agency). According to our laws in the Compact of Free Association, "...the FSM agrees to the following mutual and reciprocal undertakings...taking into account the particular environments of Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the FSM: the Endangered Species Act of 1973" (Compact of Free Association, Title !, Article VI, 1982). The quote from our laws tells us that killing endangered whales in the FSM waters is illegal. As students we can write our FSM government which ask for help to stop the killing of endangered species.
Unlike whales, we are very familiar with turtles. Turtles are a part of our culture. On special occasions we will eat turtle and we also use it for handicrafts, wasting a very small part of the turtle. Since turtles are so important to us, most people are careful in the way they hunt them. People almost never kill smaller (younger) turtles. Also, people wait for turtles to lay eggs, go our into the ocean, and come back to the shore before hunting them. A practice that still exists in some islands involves presenting any turtles caught to the chief. The chief can then know how many turtles are being killed and the turtle is shared with the village. We understand that it is important to be careful in the way we kill turtles. As students, we can ask people we know who hunt turtles to bring awareness to the issue an make sure that we are allowing turtles to survive asa species. We read that, " In the Pacific, the NOAA has a center in Hawaii which is working to save sea turtles in Pacific Islands like ours, Chuuk" (NOAA National Fisheries Office of Protected Resources, 2008). It is good to know that there are groups here protecting endangered species. We think turtles are very beautiful and we hope that you get to see them in the U.S. We were sad to discover that , "turtles that are endangered in U.S. waters are; Green turtle, Hawsbill turtle, Kamps Ridley turtle, Leather Back turtle, Loggerhead turtle, Olive Ridley turtle" (NOAA National Fisheries Office of Protected Resources, 2008).
We hope that there are environmental issues that you help with in the U.S. Balancing culture with the future of our planet is important work. Asking us to not eat turtle is like us asking you to not ever eat fast food. Maybe it is good if we all cut down on our turtle and Big Mac consumption, but not eliminate it. The fast food industry contributes to many environmental problems, including global warming. Many of our islands will disappear (sink) in our life time because of global warming. So, we hope that you continue to study these different issues, and if you have time also learn a little about Micronesia.
After this project I decided to show the students "An Inconvenient Truth" so that they could learn more about global warming. The students were so inspired by the movie that they had the idea to invite Al Gore to come to Chuuk and do his presentation. These are some of the letters they wrote, which will be edited before we mail them to this Al Gore guy.
Dear Al Gore,
Hello! I am Emyrose Aizawa, I am from Chuuk Micronesia. I am in a high school named Saramen Chuuk Academy. I’m not that smart, but I’ve tried my best in this school, so I’m going to be a senior next year.
My classmates and I watched the movie, "An Inconvenient Truth". You wre presenting your project about global warming, so I would like to kindly ask you to please come to Chuuk and do what you did in the movie, so that these Chuukese will understand about global warming and change their living.
These Chuukese are also the ones that causes global warming. They’ve been threw trashes around, burned a lot of plastics, and do such bad things. So, please I’m begging you again, come to Chuuk, and do some changes.
Dear Al Gore,
It’s would be a good pleasure for us to have you here in Chuuk to tell a speech about global warming. It is really true that you have been traveling from place to place to give out what you are having in your mind in order to save our world. Maybe it is good for you to come and tells us about the global warming, cause most of our islands here in the Pacific are flat and thin, and in our islands now adays people are using things that are bad for our environment and so it will be better if you come and tell us something about global warming so that we can stop using things that cause global warming.
Fortunately, the students understand that Al can’t be the only one to advocate and act to stop global warming. They have identified what they can do to cut down on pollution and CO2 emissions. These are students who speak English as a second language, have never seen the world outside of the islands, and have very limited resources. If they can see the importance of stopping global warming I hope we can all join them in their efforts.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
why i love summer school
this week we did a translation project where the students told traditional stories in Chuukese and translated them into English. one of the students started to translate her story, "once upon a time..." and i stopped her. is that really how the story translates into English? did Chuukese people also say, "once upon a time?" she had to think for a while and then explained to me that the direct translation of the line that Chuukese people say before they start stories is, "sail in, sail out." this was a small victory in preserving linguistic culture and learning about a beautiful oral tradition here in the islands. the symbolism of "sail in, sail out" to start stories has so much depth to people in the lagoon. i was so excited to tap into this with my students, who always surprise me. thanks ariel :)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Summer 2008
For the summer I will be staying in Chuuk to teach school at Saramen Chuuk Academy. This is exciting for many reasons even though one might think it would be fun to get off a small island for the summer. I will get to improve my Chuukese, help SCA at a really exciting point in the school’s growth, and deepen relationships with people in this community. One of my favorite JVs, Megan from Pohnpei, is living with me for the summer and she is teaching at St. Cecilia. Our other roommate is this random Peace Corps who my principal invited to live in Marcos and Lincoln’s old apartment space (also my apartment) if he could teach a few summer school classes at SCA. The guy took my principal up on the offer because his host family is in Hawaii this summer. His name is Michael Gall...
This I Believe
In May, the junior literature students did a project in my class that took on a life of it’s own. I asked them to write a one page essay on what they believe. They spent a month going through the writing process based on a fleeting idea I had for the project. We used prompts from the NPR radio program, "This I Believe" where people share their most valued beliefs about life in simple stories. Students who didn’t do work all year put their whole heart into their essay, and other student’s eyes lite up with excitement from the challenge. The last day of class we gathered and the students shared their essays aloud and spoke with conviction about ideas which became real through exposure. English is their second language, and the students are in high school, so many of their essays revolved around simple love, friends, family, and honesty. Still, to establish these beliefs in a solid way seemed to empower them. So, I would like to present some of the essays that the students wrote, and I would encourage you to consider writing a "This I Believe" essay after I saw how productive the exercise was for the students. The essays are in their original form despite potentially confusing sections in order to maintain the translation of their ideas.
I Believe in a Special Friendship
by Brandson Refilong
I once came to understand myself by being alone. I did everything by myself, even easiest and hardest issues, I take care of them by myself alone. I started my journey of exploring the life of the earth alone by myself.
As I proceed on, I faced many difficulties that made me want to escape the world, but I stopped for some minutes and thought about it. An idea came to mind immediately that I needed someone to talk it over with, to relax my mind.
I believe in a special friendship as I took some time to understand what a special friendship meant, nothing, no words can express how special, how important and how wonderful a friendship is.
Without friendship, I wouldn’t fully understand who I am. I learned a lot by living out the life of a special friendship. At many times I felt lonely and deeply down during times of sadness, sufferness and mourning. As true friendship, friend are the one who cheer me up and lead me out of any troubles coming my way.
When times of happiness come as true friendship, friend and I enjoy together and this I believe in a special friendship. Without friends of this special friendship I wouldn’t smile at the happy moments of our friendship.
When I couldn’t find my way out of the maze of difficulties I face, I called upon friends to help me find my way out. I believe in a special friendship we seek help in each others, we find comfort out of each others as well as we enjoy happiness from each others. Friends and I belong together, we remember each others and we live in each others by heart. This I believe in a special friendship.
Brandson James Refilong was born in Guam and raised in Chuuk. He graduated from Iras Demo school and went to SCA. He’s still attending SCA and he’s a senior to be, class of 2009.
I Believe in Always Being There
by Nelly Seluaina Killion
Never before in my life have I started a new school year and a new experience. During my junior year I only started off the 2nd semester which wasn’t enough. But even then, I believed in the moon for always being there. It watches over us even in times that we are apart, like when I’m in someplace else. The moon is always there constantly watching over us in times when falling and starting new things all over and over again, it leads you out of nowhere. The moon always being there watches us as we start a new life when growing up. Although, beginning of something is more like a coconut. Evaluating your life to starts off with a fresh start. A young coconut grows old, dies out , and falls to the ground. Yet at the same time it begins to live again as the roots shoot out and there it goes "starts something new". Looking down on you as life grows older and overcome the obstacles that try to brother you. Nevertheless, like th moon that is always there watching us both day and night. Seemingly a portion of cloud come and cover us as it shatters down blessings upon us, somehow felt overwhelmed by joy and never realizing it looking down on you. But as soon as daylight falls moon rises we fall in the hands of dream, when it is the time to be recognized but yet being ignored. It watches us as we sleep the night away like it never exists. I always wander every time I walk my journey and new things rise up my way. When trials come my way I try to put my human nature down. I see it shining, and it keeps me warm as life grows older and colder, it makes me to think and ponder beyond my life. I’ve rarely felt alone, but somehow I felt like being loved by my family, relative, and friends. Just as how we get new blessings in every days of our lives from God. And it is how we deliberate on life further more. Always being there as you start something never before seen, herd, or known that you are always loved and loved by others. For it is better to be loved and loose love rather than not to love and be loved at all. For this I believe, in always being there and starting something new.
Nelly Seluaina is from Fiji, half cast Micronesian FSM, Chuuk. Currently attending Saramen Chuuk Academy. Grew up in Chuuk and is best known as one of the ten sisters in her junior year.
I Believe in the Old Traditional Beliefs
by Jessicalyn Hartman
A long time ago there were powerful, well-respected beliefs such as; black magic, spells, ghosts, dark spirits, etc...The people of long time ago believed in what they can do with their bare hands. One local medicine is one of the most powerful things they can do with both bands and their chants, magical old wise words, and by the purification of faith in their works.
When I was in 5th grade one of my cousins had a skin rash that was seriously hurting and very painful. My aunties took here to the hospital, and the doctors gave her medicines but it took a while to cure the skin rash and she suffered more. My mom decided to teach me the local medicine that are taken and made by the roots of a particular plant in Chuuk.
I learned it, believed in it, and it’s a gift from my mom. Then I use it to help my cousin, I got the medicine, the local medicine and cured the skin rash. I tried it on and just within 6 days or so, the skin rash was gone. I was shocked that it really worked. I’ve learned a lesson from this, which is; if we have faith and always believe in something it will happen just as you wish for.
These are the gifts rooted in places all over the world from God. It is a knowledgeable gift for us to use. In order to use these particular kinds of gifts, we have to respect the gods and goddesses who own the trees or else we will get sick. Use them respectively and wisely only when needed or asked. For I believe in the old traditional beliefs and I’m very much thankful. Accept life, for you never know the time. Life is God’s novel so let him write it for you. You’ve got to keep your mind wide open to all the possibilities, and you’ve got to live with your eyes open, believe in what you see.
Traditional beliefs get me through daily life by keeping up my faith in God and the old wise elderly words. They’re powerful and very helpful to the understanding of respect to our daily life’s complex situations (problems). God with the flow, and the flow will take you very low. For this I believe in the old traditional beliefs. APW UU!!
Jessicalyn Hartman is the first born daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Julian Hartman. Born asa dual citizen. She was elected as one of the local close-up students in the year 2008. She is now currently attending SCA as a junior student in 2007-2008.
I Believe in Nature
by T.J. Sappa
The nature that God has given us on this island of no where now we called the world. For the praise and glory of our father he gave us everything that we need for our lives. For examples: God created the world and created the nature of the world.
I believe, nature is one the things that God made. God also made the beauty of the world nature. And God also made the beauty of your own nature and gave you everything that you need. For these reason I believe that the Saramen Chuuk girls are ugly when they don’t smile, but if they do, I believe that they see and feel it that there is a beautiful nature around them. Therefore, I believe that we the students of SCA should exercise how to take good care of our nature but not to destroy it.
Girls, look around you see the things are gone the respect of you r own nature. Boys, look around see the tears are falling and remember to protect the promise of the future. I believe if we put our hearts and minds together we will see love and peace through the nature of God has given us all.
T.J. Sappa is a junior at SCA and plays on the basketball, volleyball, and track team. He is from Fefen, the farming island in the lagoon.
Why We Should Believe in Sisters
by Lelani Noporu
I believe that having a sister is a great big thing. I myself believe in my sister, and in my life I trusther very much. She is the only one whom I’ve ever been with and I have trusted her in my whole life. She is nice and kind to me and to others. We’ve been together ever since we were little and we shared a lot in common. I loved her very much and I treasure her the most. She confided in me when she is down and needed help as I have with her. The more our love grows it is like when a plant fertilizes. As sisters we share things in life. Sharing secrets is one things sisters always do. They confide in each other and that’s what brings them closer to each other. The relationship my sister and I have is an unbreakable relationship and it defines us as loving, caring sisters. Sharing with one another builds a bond between us and I can assure you if you have this kind of bond with your sister, you will feel what I have felt now. Being so close with your sister will be difficult to separate the two you.
So, neither we trust each other nor hate each other we still love each other and always patient with one another because we know each other well. I was thinking that my sister is my angel. I’m too close with her; I’m not even that close with my parents or my brother, only her. First, what is the reason why I have trust in her? It is because she is the only person that could calm me down from pains and sympathy in our family or in what I have thought of too much.
Likewise, when my mom and dad scold me she is the only one who stopped them from scolding me. She is so calm in every way she makes peace in our family and always put some sense in to our heads. Even when I cry she calms me down and finds something will make me smile and lough. When I do every wrongdoing she is always there by my side to tell me not to do it because it is not good. Every time I am down or depress, she is always there to enlighten me, to encourage me, and to lift me. She is always the only one to stand in my footsteps and to explain to my parents what I have done wrong and she will always try to make them understand and know why I did it even when she knew it was not good.
My name is Lelani Noporu. I was born in March fourteen nineteen ninety- two. I was born in Chuuk State Hospital located in Weno, Nantaku. I was raised in the hand of my mother and father who are pure Chuukese. I am from the island of Fono and was raised there. At age four I attened St. Cecilia, and then got accepted into SCA, one of the best schools in the nation. Now, as a junior I aim to finish high school and to a valuable college that will contribute more to her. She is majoring in traveling and business. These are her goals she has hoped to fulfill. Hopefully she will graduate from SCA in two thousand nine. She had hope to walk out of the SCDC with a whole load of knowledge that will guide her and help her throughout her journey into the new world waiting for her days to come.
My Journal that had Come True
by Elua Hiromy Mori
I believe in writing journal. I believe that the writings in our journals such as: dreams, wishes, feelings and desires will slowly come to reality if you are being patient.
It was on a school day that I come to believe, that the writings in our journal can really come to reality. I was roaming around on campus during lunch, when they called me in into principal’s office. I went in fearfully and sat down. Instead of him saying the school regulations, he said, "You’ve been chosen to represent our school to a school program at Washington, D.C.." From there one of my dreams spoke out. November 31, 2007 I went off to Washington. December 1st, I arrived at George Bush International Airport. Starting at the place where I was standing and seeing the surroundings I could not believe where I was, for I felt nervous, excited, missing my friends and lonely being away. It was my first time being away far away from my home and my beloved friends, and family. Along with me, I had my journal. The journal was always there for me to write my emotional sensations. I wrote everything , the excitments, the feeling and that includes the dream that I ever wanted. December 11th, I came back to where I belong. As seen as I stepped off the plane, looking out to the people I had a proud feeling of being back home safe and sound. A few days later I experienced a feeling, a feeling that I never thought I will only dreamt of it. A feeling that I have been attracted to, cannot forget, been happy with it and never can do I let go, like a tree rooted to the ground, cannot let go of the ground unless it dies out. The feeling that I had was love. I have love a person and in return the person loves me back. To flashback, this has already been written in my journal. It was my dream I ever wanted written in my journal, now has come true.
Elua Hiromy Mori is from the Mortlocks Islands, Oneop; grew up in Weno, Chuuk in the village of Iras, Kurassa. She won the scholarship of the whole school year of 2006-2007, and had been awarded the student of the year. She is now attending SCA and will be a senior next year.
I Believe in the Good in the Worst Night I’ve Ever Had
One night I was with my two sisters getting ready to go to bed. While we were in our room, my cousin came in and told me that I had a phone call. I went out and picked up the phone, my best friend was crying, I was confused. I asked her over and over and then finally she said that the boy I went out with passed away. I was shocked, I didn’t know what to do or what to say at all, and I didn’t even cry too. My best friend asked me if she can come pick up so that we can go to the hospital, but I told her that it is not a good time to go somewhere at night, but can be the next day. I hung up the phone and cried. I was thinking what I’ve done wrong that made him kill himself. The next day I called up my friends and they were all feeling sorry for me. All I said to them, is that I’m okay and they don’t have to worry too much. The boy that I going out with had a sister who is older than him. She called my house and talked to me, she said for me to go to the funeral. I was all messed up, because my mom didn’t want me to go. I was down for about one month or so. He died during the summer of 2007. I cried so much for this boy because I’ve known that he respected , care, and love me. I can’t let him out of my mind and can’t forget the things that he did for me. I was hoping that I could have another person like him and it will last forever. I believe that all the respect, cares, and loves he did were all send from above and I’m so thanksful for it. This I believe.
I Believe in an Unexpected Relationship
by Jollet Suda
They started a special friendship with so much caring, respect, and not to mention the important of all is "love". It was such a pleasure to start this special friendship; that she didn’t even realize how wonderful that moment was.
As time went on, they built up their friendship with so much love, caring, understanding, and happiness as true friendship should be. Eventually it put pressure to push that someone and her together. All she knew about was the friendship alone and nothing else beside that.
Joking is her favorite part of having their special friendship. She never fell the loneliness of the world, because the laughter of all the best moment of telling stories and jokes cheer them up and lighten up all their dark times together.
Eventually, telling stories together becomes another favorite part of having the special friendship for them. They may have had times of difficulties that made them keep quiet for some minutes, wanting to break up their friendship, but remembering the best moments they had together and the importance of their special friendship becomes a fear for both of them to escape their friendship.
Unexpected, unbelievable, and unwanted; all of a sudden, there were no jokes, no stories and no sharing at all. That closeness seems to fade away. All she saw was a beautiful smile, glimpse of looks. Hellos and byes; afraid of losing her special friendship, she paused for a second and asked "what have I done wrong."
As she thought back to the past times, so far they were both doing fine, so she believed there was nothing she did to offend him. For some days, she was left alone mingling with a confused mind, thinking about what the hell makes that friend ignore and why giving her glimpse of looks.
Afer she had been left with that current problem all alone by herself, she king of realized what it was all about. She remembered that face, the smile, and the glimpse of looks and the hellos and byes. She believes they symbolize something and that something was nothing but a "REASONABLE LOVE".
Looking around by her side, day dreaming and thinking about all the past times they’ve spent together for their friendship, nothing left but a big "change". The special friendship fades into the darkness of an afternoon, realizing that the friendship itself wasn’t real. It was just a way of expressing his feeling.
That was an unexpected moment for her, surprisingly she deserved it, and at the same time she was worried if it is going to be a fake relationship again. I believe in an unexpected relationship and this I believe.
Jerleen Jollet Suda from Onei Faichuk was born in 1991 at Weno Chuuk Hospital on April 26. She was raised on the island of Weno and started her first grade year at St. Cecilia school where she fully accomplish her elementary year and received an award for being an honor student. She’s now continuing her education at SCA and known for being one of the good volleyball players of SCA.
The Emmause Retreat
by Gloria Rikat
I believe in friends and family. I believe they are the only ingredients for a perfect soul. During the Emmause retreat, I believed that my family was praying for me. I also believed that they really loved me, even though I was not with them, They still remembered me in their prayers, heart, and minds. I believe that they really care about me, because everything that I needed at the Emmause Retreat, they provided for me, because she really helps me with everything and she always encourages me to do good deeds and not do bad things. So, I believe that they really love me very much.
For my friends, I believe that they love me very much too. They also care about me, they love me very much and they also respect me as their real sister. They trust me and they open their hearts to me. I believe that they really care about me, because they speak with honesty to me and they also gave some advice to me, for good things, but not the bad things. I also believe that they really love m, because they are good and king to me. Everything that they do is really good and that’s always remember me in everything they do. This is what I believe.
Gloria Koia Rikat is a Chuukese citizen in the Federated State of Micronesia. She came from a Chuukese family of Rikat and attended SCA, and she now is a 11th grade at SCA school.
I Believe in Basketball
by Shawn Mori
Basketball has been a sport I love to play ever since I was a young boy. Makes me feel happy when I play it and it’s fun as well. From my experience of basketball, well as I mentioned earlier makes me feel happy and it’s fun to play. I games for example I feel nervous most of the times, but I try not to be. Sometimes I can’t stop my nervousness, but then as I keep on playing later my nervousness goes away and then I can play better. I used to be really short tempered when I was a little younger, when I play basketball. Most especially when I lose. Still am now but not as much as before, later I learned from my family, friends, and relatives that basketball is just basketball, a game for you to have fun. So I thank them all for that, they helped me become a better person in life and in basketball.
Basketball is just like a family, the basketball team for example you need all the players on the team to make it strong and a good team. In order to do this, they must work together and help one another, then the team will succeed in what they want to accomplish. Just the same in a family you need all the family member s to work and help one another to make it a strong, good and happy family. This I believe in basketball.
Shawn Mori is a 17 year old boy, he’s a junior at SCA and he live in Chuuk, Weno with his mom and grandparents. He was on the basketball team, which won the championship for 2007-2008.
I Believe in a Special Friendship
by Brandson Refilong
I once came to understand myself by being alone. I did everything by myself, even easiest and hardest issues, I take care of them by myself alone. I started my journey of exploring the life of the earth alone by myself.
As I proceed on, I faced many difficulties that made me want to escape the world, but I stopped for some minutes and thought about it. An idea came to mind immediately that I needed someone to talk it over with, to relax my mind.
I believe in a special friendship as I took some time to understand what a special friendship meant, nothing, no words can express how special, how important and how wonderful a friendship is.
Without friendship, I wouldn’t fully understand who I am. I learned a lot by living out the life of a special friendship. At many times I felt lonely and deeply down during times of sadness, sufferness and mourning. As true friendship, friend are the one who cheer me up and lead me out of any troubles coming my way.
When times of happiness come as true friendship, friend and I enjoy together and this I believe in a special friendship. Without friends of this special friendship I wouldn’t smile at the happy moments of our friendship.
When I couldn’t find my way out of the maze of difficulties I face, I called upon friends to help me find my way out. I believe in a special friendship we seek help in each others, we find comfort out of each others as well as we enjoy happiness from each others. Friends and I belong together, we remember each others and we live in each others by heart. This I believe in a special friendship.
Brandson James Refilong was born in Guam and raised in Chuuk. He graduated from Iras Demo school and went to SCA. He’s still attending SCA and he’s a senior to be, class of 2009.
I Believe in Always Being There
by Nelly Seluaina Killion
Never before in my life have I started a new school year and a new experience. During my junior year I only started off the 2nd semester which wasn’t enough. But even then, I believed in the moon for always being there. It watches over us even in times that we are apart, like when I’m in someplace else. The moon is always there constantly watching over us in times when falling and starting new things all over and over again, it leads you out of nowhere. The moon always being there watches us as we start a new life when growing up. Although, beginning of something is more like a coconut. Evaluating your life to starts off with a fresh start. A young coconut grows old, dies out , and falls to the ground. Yet at the same time it begins to live again as the roots shoot out and there it goes "starts something new". Looking down on you as life grows older and overcome the obstacles that try to brother you. Nevertheless, like th moon that is always there watching us both day and night. Seemingly a portion of cloud come and cover us as it shatters down blessings upon us, somehow felt overwhelmed by joy and never realizing it looking down on you. But as soon as daylight falls moon rises we fall in the hands of dream, when it is the time to be recognized but yet being ignored. It watches us as we sleep the night away like it never exists. I always wander every time I walk my journey and new things rise up my way. When trials come my way I try to put my human nature down. I see it shining, and it keeps me warm as life grows older and colder, it makes me to think and ponder beyond my life. I’ve rarely felt alone, but somehow I felt like being loved by my family, relative, and friends. Just as how we get new blessings in every days of our lives from God. And it is how we deliberate on life further more. Always being there as you start something never before seen, herd, or known that you are always loved and loved by others. For it is better to be loved and loose love rather than not to love and be loved at all. For this I believe, in always being there and starting something new.
Nelly Seluaina is from Fiji, half cast Micronesian FSM, Chuuk. Currently attending Saramen Chuuk Academy. Grew up in Chuuk and is best known as one of the ten sisters in her junior year.
I Believe in the Old Traditional Beliefs
by Jessicalyn Hartman
A long time ago there were powerful, well-respected beliefs such as; black magic, spells, ghosts, dark spirits, etc...The people of long time ago believed in what they can do with their bare hands. One local medicine is one of the most powerful things they can do with both bands and their chants, magical old wise words, and by the purification of faith in their works.
When I was in 5th grade one of my cousins had a skin rash that was seriously hurting and very painful. My aunties took here to the hospital, and the doctors gave her medicines but it took a while to cure the skin rash and she suffered more. My mom decided to teach me the local medicine that are taken and made by the roots of a particular plant in Chuuk.
I learned it, believed in it, and it’s a gift from my mom. Then I use it to help my cousin, I got the medicine, the local medicine and cured the skin rash. I tried it on and just within 6 days or so, the skin rash was gone. I was shocked that it really worked. I’ve learned a lesson from this, which is; if we have faith and always believe in something it will happen just as you wish for.
These are the gifts rooted in places all over the world from God. It is a knowledgeable gift for us to use. In order to use these particular kinds of gifts, we have to respect the gods and goddesses who own the trees or else we will get sick. Use them respectively and wisely only when needed or asked. For I believe in the old traditional beliefs and I’m very much thankful. Accept life, for you never know the time. Life is God’s novel so let him write it for you. You’ve got to keep your mind wide open to all the possibilities, and you’ve got to live with your eyes open, believe in what you see.
Traditional beliefs get me through daily life by keeping up my faith in God and the old wise elderly words. They’re powerful and very helpful to the understanding of respect to our daily life’s complex situations (problems). God with the flow, and the flow will take you very low. For this I believe in the old traditional beliefs. APW UU!!
Jessicalyn Hartman is the first born daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Julian Hartman. Born asa dual citizen. She was elected as one of the local close-up students in the year 2008. She is now currently attending SCA as a junior student in 2007-2008.
I Believe in Nature
by T.J. Sappa
The nature that God has given us on this island of no where now we called the world. For the praise and glory of our father he gave us everything that we need for our lives. For examples: God created the world and created the nature of the world.
I believe, nature is one the things that God made. God also made the beauty of the world nature. And God also made the beauty of your own nature and gave you everything that you need. For these reason I believe that the Saramen Chuuk girls are ugly when they don’t smile, but if they do, I believe that they see and feel it that there is a beautiful nature around them. Therefore, I believe that we the students of SCA should exercise how to take good care of our nature but not to destroy it.
Girls, look around you see the things are gone the respect of you r own nature. Boys, look around see the tears are falling and remember to protect the promise of the future. I believe if we put our hearts and minds together we will see love and peace through the nature of God has given us all.
T.J. Sappa is a junior at SCA and plays on the basketball, volleyball, and track team. He is from Fefen, the farming island in the lagoon.
Why We Should Believe in Sisters
by Lelani Noporu
I believe that having a sister is a great big thing. I myself believe in my sister, and in my life I trusther very much. She is the only one whom I’ve ever been with and I have trusted her in my whole life. She is nice and kind to me and to others. We’ve been together ever since we were little and we shared a lot in common. I loved her very much and I treasure her the most. She confided in me when she is down and needed help as I have with her. The more our love grows it is like when a plant fertilizes. As sisters we share things in life. Sharing secrets is one things sisters always do. They confide in each other and that’s what brings them closer to each other. The relationship my sister and I have is an unbreakable relationship and it defines us as loving, caring sisters. Sharing with one another builds a bond between us and I can assure you if you have this kind of bond with your sister, you will feel what I have felt now. Being so close with your sister will be difficult to separate the two you.
So, neither we trust each other nor hate each other we still love each other and always patient with one another because we know each other well. I was thinking that my sister is my angel. I’m too close with her; I’m not even that close with my parents or my brother, only her. First, what is the reason why I have trust in her? It is because she is the only person that could calm me down from pains and sympathy in our family or in what I have thought of too much.
Likewise, when my mom and dad scold me she is the only one who stopped them from scolding me. She is so calm in every way she makes peace in our family and always put some sense in to our heads. Even when I cry she calms me down and finds something will make me smile and lough. When I do every wrongdoing she is always there by my side to tell me not to do it because it is not good. Every time I am down or depress, she is always there to enlighten me, to encourage me, and to lift me. She is always the only one to stand in my footsteps and to explain to my parents what I have done wrong and she will always try to make them understand and know why I did it even when she knew it was not good.
My name is Lelani Noporu. I was born in March fourteen nineteen ninety- two. I was born in Chuuk State Hospital located in Weno, Nantaku. I was raised in the hand of my mother and father who are pure Chuukese. I am from the island of Fono and was raised there. At age four I attened St. Cecilia, and then got accepted into SCA, one of the best schools in the nation. Now, as a junior I aim to finish high school and to a valuable college that will contribute more to her. She is majoring in traveling and business. These are her goals she has hoped to fulfill. Hopefully she will graduate from SCA in two thousand nine. She had hope to walk out of the SCDC with a whole load of knowledge that will guide her and help her throughout her journey into the new world waiting for her days to come.
My Journal that had Come True
by Elua Hiromy Mori
I believe in writing journal. I believe that the writings in our journals such as: dreams, wishes, feelings and desires will slowly come to reality if you are being patient.
It was on a school day that I come to believe, that the writings in our journal can really come to reality. I was roaming around on campus during lunch, when they called me in into principal’s office. I went in fearfully and sat down. Instead of him saying the school regulations, he said, "You’ve been chosen to represent our school to a school program at Washington, D.C.." From there one of my dreams spoke out. November 31, 2007 I went off to Washington. December 1st, I arrived at George Bush International Airport. Starting at the place where I was standing and seeing the surroundings I could not believe where I was, for I felt nervous, excited, missing my friends and lonely being away. It was my first time being away far away from my home and my beloved friends, and family. Along with me, I had my journal. The journal was always there for me to write my emotional sensations. I wrote everything , the excitments, the feeling and that includes the dream that I ever wanted. December 11th, I came back to where I belong. As seen as I stepped off the plane, looking out to the people I had a proud feeling of being back home safe and sound. A few days later I experienced a feeling, a feeling that I never thought I will only dreamt of it. A feeling that I have been attracted to, cannot forget, been happy with it and never can do I let go, like a tree rooted to the ground, cannot let go of the ground unless it dies out. The feeling that I had was love. I have love a person and in return the person loves me back. To flashback, this has already been written in my journal. It was my dream I ever wanted written in my journal, now has come true.
Elua Hiromy Mori is from the Mortlocks Islands, Oneop; grew up in Weno, Chuuk in the village of Iras, Kurassa. She won the scholarship of the whole school year of 2006-2007, and had been awarded the student of the year. She is now attending SCA and will be a senior next year.
I Believe in the Good in the Worst Night I’ve Ever Had
One night I was with my two sisters getting ready to go to bed. While we were in our room, my cousin came in and told me that I had a phone call. I went out and picked up the phone, my best friend was crying, I was confused. I asked her over and over and then finally she said that the boy I went out with passed away. I was shocked, I didn’t know what to do or what to say at all, and I didn’t even cry too. My best friend asked me if she can come pick up so that we can go to the hospital, but I told her that it is not a good time to go somewhere at night, but can be the next day. I hung up the phone and cried. I was thinking what I’ve done wrong that made him kill himself. The next day I called up my friends and they were all feeling sorry for me. All I said to them, is that I’m okay and they don’t have to worry too much. The boy that I going out with had a sister who is older than him. She called my house and talked to me, she said for me to go to the funeral. I was all messed up, because my mom didn’t want me to go. I was down for about one month or so. He died during the summer of 2007. I cried so much for this boy because I’ve known that he respected , care, and love me. I can’t let him out of my mind and can’t forget the things that he did for me. I was hoping that I could have another person like him and it will last forever. I believe that all the respect, cares, and loves he did were all send from above and I’m so thanksful for it. This I believe.
I Believe in an Unexpected Relationship
by Jollet Suda
They started a special friendship with so much caring, respect, and not to mention the important of all is "love". It was such a pleasure to start this special friendship; that she didn’t even realize how wonderful that moment was.
As time went on, they built up their friendship with so much love, caring, understanding, and happiness as true friendship should be. Eventually it put pressure to push that someone and her together. All she knew about was the friendship alone and nothing else beside that.
Joking is her favorite part of having their special friendship. She never fell the loneliness of the world, because the laughter of all the best moment of telling stories and jokes cheer them up and lighten up all their dark times together.
Eventually, telling stories together becomes another favorite part of having the special friendship for them. They may have had times of difficulties that made them keep quiet for some minutes, wanting to break up their friendship, but remembering the best moments they had together and the importance of their special friendship becomes a fear for both of them to escape their friendship.
Unexpected, unbelievable, and unwanted; all of a sudden, there were no jokes, no stories and no sharing at all. That closeness seems to fade away. All she saw was a beautiful smile, glimpse of looks. Hellos and byes; afraid of losing her special friendship, she paused for a second and asked "what have I done wrong."
As she thought back to the past times, so far they were both doing fine, so she believed there was nothing she did to offend him. For some days, she was left alone mingling with a confused mind, thinking about what the hell makes that friend ignore and why giving her glimpse of looks.
Afer she had been left with that current problem all alone by herself, she king of realized what it was all about. She remembered that face, the smile, and the glimpse of looks and the hellos and byes. She believes they symbolize something and that something was nothing but a "REASONABLE LOVE".
Looking around by her side, day dreaming and thinking about all the past times they’ve spent together for their friendship, nothing left but a big "change". The special friendship fades into the darkness of an afternoon, realizing that the friendship itself wasn’t real. It was just a way of expressing his feeling.
That was an unexpected moment for her, surprisingly she deserved it, and at the same time she was worried if it is going to be a fake relationship again. I believe in an unexpected relationship and this I believe.
Jerleen Jollet Suda from Onei Faichuk was born in 1991 at Weno Chuuk Hospital on April 26. She was raised on the island of Weno and started her first grade year at St. Cecilia school where she fully accomplish her elementary year and received an award for being an honor student. She’s now continuing her education at SCA and known for being one of the good volleyball players of SCA.
The Emmause Retreat
by Gloria Rikat
I believe in friends and family. I believe they are the only ingredients for a perfect soul. During the Emmause retreat, I believed that my family was praying for me. I also believed that they really loved me, even though I was not with them, They still remembered me in their prayers, heart, and minds. I believe that they really care about me, because everything that I needed at the Emmause Retreat, they provided for me, because she really helps me with everything and she always encourages me to do good deeds and not do bad things. So, I believe that they really love me very much.
For my friends, I believe that they love me very much too. They also care about me, they love me very much and they also respect me as their real sister. They trust me and they open their hearts to me. I believe that they really care about me, because they speak with honesty to me and they also gave some advice to me, for good things, but not the bad things. I also believe that they really love m, because they are good and king to me. Everything that they do is really good and that’s always remember me in everything they do. This is what I believe.
Gloria Koia Rikat is a Chuukese citizen in the Federated State of Micronesia. She came from a Chuukese family of Rikat and attended SCA, and she now is a 11th grade at SCA school.
I Believe in Basketball
by Shawn Mori
Basketball has been a sport I love to play ever since I was a young boy. Makes me feel happy when I play it and it’s fun as well. From my experience of basketball, well as I mentioned earlier makes me feel happy and it’s fun to play. I games for example I feel nervous most of the times, but I try not to be. Sometimes I can’t stop my nervousness, but then as I keep on playing later my nervousness goes away and then I can play better. I used to be really short tempered when I was a little younger, when I play basketball. Most especially when I lose. Still am now but not as much as before, later I learned from my family, friends, and relatives that basketball is just basketball, a game for you to have fun. So I thank them all for that, they helped me become a better person in life and in basketball.
Basketball is just like a family, the basketball team for example you need all the players on the team to make it strong and a good team. In order to do this, they must work together and help one another, then the team will succeed in what they want to accomplish. Just the same in a family you need all the family member s to work and help one another to make it a strong, good and happy family. This I believe in basketball.
Shawn Mori is a 17 year old boy, he’s a junior at SCA and he live in Chuuk, Weno with his mom and grandparents. He was on the basketball team, which won the championship for 2007-2008.
10 Maroon Rocks the Boat
So, it has been a long school year in the best of ways. I wanted to share some significant pieces of my school year since it is where I spend most of my time and energy here in Chuuk. My experiences with 10 Maroon range from life threatening to feelings of pure, motherly love. This is all rooted in my open ignorance asa first year teacher. Saramen Chuuk Academy graciously placed me with an infamous group of 35 10th graders who would ultimately adjust the state of my mental health. At the beginning of the school year I naively revealed to the students beyond a reasonable doubt that I was a push over who knows less about English Skills than polar bear does about coconuts. Further, many of them have nieces or nephews who are older than me, so we established early on that instability was inevitable. During our second home room, I decided to translate chaos as self-conscious excitement (thanks to Christian summer camp) and I told the home room that we needed a cheer to give us some identity and unity. After most of the students lost interest and others couldn’t come up with any ideas for the cheer they invited me to share my ideas. Heat exhausted and culture shocked, I stood up in front of 35 falsely wise students and did an old cheer from high school. It inadvertently became a metaphor for the 10 Maroon class behavior and my socio-political stance in Micronesia: “I slide, I glide, I get on the donkey ride, I want you, and you to rock the boat too. HIT IT- Rock the boat, don’t tip it over...shake it all up, shake it all up.” Don’t worry, the cheer involves corresponding dance moves. After explaining what a donkey was the student were authentically interested in learning and owning the cheer. Thank God, if not they would have chased me up a coconut where I would remain the rest of the year reflecting on high school students inability to see gray instead of black and white. Our cheer became known through out the school and fit 10 Maroon’s persona too well. The weeks passed by and at the end of the second quarter all of the teachers who taught 10 Maroon had a meeting to discuss their behavior. Each teacher had a different ways of dealing with the students; Julia the older math teacher was related to most of the students, so she had automatic respect from them and held down the class room with a militant tinge. Lincoln, a fellow JV, taught literature with a free spirit and pushed forward even though the culture is not familiar with Montessori education. I would normally just stare at the students until they would be quiet unless I had just popped a narcolepsy pill. Then I would lecture them on Paulo Fierre and the importance of education for liberation. In the end, I would say that Fumina, a Japanese volunteer, found the best approach. Fumina taught the ungrateful students biology in her second language and often worked hard on fruitless aspects of teaching. After a long day of asking the 10 Maroon students to be quiet, sit in their seats, and stop throwing paper Fumina snapped. She picked up her bag and left the class room yelling at the students, “FUCK YOU 10 MAROON” in her full flown Japanese accent with both of her hands up in the air signing the appropriate gesture of hate to the absolutely shocked students. This would be an especially shocking approach in the U.S., but don’t allow ethnocentricism to get the best of you. The situation was surprisingly mild for a Chuuk high school class room.
We all had our failures with class room management. One day during the last period I had 10 Maroon fiercely working on modifiers (misplaced participle phrases) in groups. After walking around the room to check in on their progress, I sat down at my desk to mark a few papers. I looked down for 30 seconds and when I raised my head there was a 4 foot high fire blazing in the back of the classroom. Two of my moderately behaved students, Andrea and Brian, were standing over the fire with ownership. They had decided to dispose of a pile of trash in the back of the room by lighting it on fire. All of the other students in the class continue to apathetically work on their group assignment as the fire burned. I was in so much shock that my only reaction was to stare at Andrea speechless. We locked eyes and as she sensed my anger she casually grabbed a large dictionary in arms reach and dropped it on the fire, extinguishing it with ease. Andrea and Brian sat back down in their groups to finish their grammar exercise and taking a cue from the students, I continued to teach as though nothing had happened. I never punished the fire starters since it seemed as though their intentions were not to burn down the school or even draw attention to themselves, just to get rid of the pile of trash Chuukese style. I did ask them to make sure they stay on task, so lighting a fire in the class room was equated to drawing a sketch of a cartoon character in a notebook, or whispering to a friend during class instead of working. A week later one of my students brought a large mud crab to class that was climbing all over the place as the students sat listening to my lecture. This was a non-issue since there were animals in the class room all of the time- dogs, rats, frogs, cats with no tails, and lizards. Then, one of the students pointed out that the crab was foaming at the mouth. This was my chance to be assertive. Rabid crabs-not in my class room! I ordered the dismissal of the crab despite some of the students objections and one of the boys stood up and violently stopped on top of the crazed crab, and threw it in the garbage. I nodded with approval to the closing of the lid of the trash and I told myself that 10 Maroon wasn’t going to rock the boat today. Recently I discovered that crabs can’t carry rabies and there aren’t any rabies in the islands.
In the end, if anyone tries to give 10 Maroon a bad label I will step up to bat for them attempting to cite any positive sides of the class. We belong to each other in our obvious failures and our attempts to connect to the world. Besides, I like to rock the boat.
We all had our failures with class room management. One day during the last period I had 10 Maroon fiercely working on modifiers (misplaced participle phrases) in groups. After walking around the room to check in on their progress, I sat down at my desk to mark a few papers. I looked down for 30 seconds and when I raised my head there was a 4 foot high fire blazing in the back of the classroom. Two of my moderately behaved students, Andrea and Brian, were standing over the fire with ownership. They had decided to dispose of a pile of trash in the back of the room by lighting it on fire. All of the other students in the class continue to apathetically work on their group assignment as the fire burned. I was in so much shock that my only reaction was to stare at Andrea speechless. We locked eyes and as she sensed my anger she casually grabbed a large dictionary in arms reach and dropped it on the fire, extinguishing it with ease. Andrea and Brian sat back down in their groups to finish their grammar exercise and taking a cue from the students, I continued to teach as though nothing had happened. I never punished the fire starters since it seemed as though their intentions were not to burn down the school or even draw attention to themselves, just to get rid of the pile of trash Chuukese style. I did ask them to make sure they stay on task, so lighting a fire in the class room was equated to drawing a sketch of a cartoon character in a notebook, or whispering to a friend during class instead of working. A week later one of my students brought a large mud crab to class that was climbing all over the place as the students sat listening to my lecture. This was a non-issue since there were animals in the class room all of the time- dogs, rats, frogs, cats with no tails, and lizards. Then, one of the students pointed out that the crab was foaming at the mouth. This was my chance to be assertive. Rabid crabs-not in my class room! I ordered the dismissal of the crab despite some of the students objections and one of the boys stood up and violently stopped on top of the crazed crab, and threw it in the garbage. I nodded with approval to the closing of the lid of the trash and I told myself that 10 Maroon wasn’t going to rock the boat today. Recently I discovered that crabs can’t carry rabies and there aren’t any rabies in the islands.
In the end, if anyone tries to give 10 Maroon a bad label I will step up to bat for them attempting to cite any positive sides of the class. We belong to each other in our obvious failures and our attempts to connect to the world. Besides, I like to rock the boat.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
10th grade students
These are comments from some of the 10th graders who are in my English Skills and homeroom.
The question was: What would you want Americans to know about Chuuk?
"I would like to tell them about our Kinship between family and friends. I really like Chuukese local food. They really taste good. Also about the Chuukese myths." Alex
"For me Chuukese culture is the most important thing in my life. There are many best thing about Chuukese culture. For us it's the best, but I don't know what would you think. The relationship between peole that is the best thing in our culture. In our islands people belong to each other. In families we just stay together, share things that we have. No one on top and under, we all just equal to one another. I f someone have problem in his/her family like funeral, we the relatives also get involve to help. Or anybody just want to help he/she can also help."-Lovelyn
"First and most importantly; to know that we Chuukese are not as stupid as we look. So mainly they have to learn not to be arogant, ignorant and at least face that fact that we are all equal, no high or low!" -Chris
The question was: What would you want Americans to know about Chuuk?
"I would like to tell them about our Kinship between family and friends. I really like Chuukese local food. They really taste good. Also about the Chuukese myths." Alex
"For me Chuukese culture is the most important thing in my life. There are many best thing about Chuukese culture. For us it's the best, but I don't know what would you think. The relationship between peole that is the best thing in our culture. In our islands people belong to each other. In families we just stay together, share things that we have. No one on top and under, we all just equal to one another. I f someone have problem in his/her family like funeral, we the relatives also get involve to help. Or anybody just want to help he/she can also help."-Lovelyn
"First and most importantly; to know that we Chuukese are not as stupid as we look. So mainly they have to learn not to be arogant, ignorant and at least face that fact that we are all equal, no high or low!" -Chris
just Chuuk
For the time being I will say that I am safe, my students are responsive, I can kind of hula, I have been inspired by the JVI values (spirituality, community, social justice, and simple living), and most importantly I am challenged. There is a quote about the islands by E.M. Forster which says,
"The ends of the earth,
the depths of the sea,
the darkness of time,
you have chosen all three."
For example, people drive cars on the island I live on, teenagers listen to rap music and "pop" dance, spam is wildly popular, we have school assemblies where students fall asleep, little kids will play fight in their fronts yards, families will gather from all over for funerals, my student's Christmas play was almost perfect, women go to the bathroom together, and teachers will stay up late grading tests.
Some of these commonalities are universal, others are socialization, and a few are outside influence. As I learn more about the differences I will try to convey stories that have helped me to understand myself and my culture better through seeing Chuuk.
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