Humans of American Samoa

Humans of American Samoa Humans of American Samoa is a movement to document and celebrate the lived experiences of the people of American Samoa. Thanks for your continued support!

Disclosure: Content shared and posted on this page are direct quotes from interviews. Please be advised that there might be topics or words that may be offensive. It is not our intent to offend anyone, but rather bring to light the true lives and thoughts of all the people of American Samoa. Additionally, we reserve the rights to delete all negative comments.

“Growing up in a working-class family as the eldest child and the only girl, there was an immense amount of pressure to ...
19/08/2018

“Growing up in a working-class family as the eldest child and the only girl, there was an immense amount of pressure to excel in my studies and get into a prominent college. This pressure came from my parents, and though some days I despised them for the constant lectures, scolding, and disciplinary actions, thinking back on it, I would not have it any other way. As a first-generation college student, I was not blessed with the financial means and the advantage of a parent who had attended college, or an older sibling to follow as an example. I went into college with absolutely no knowledge of what to expect. I was so inexperienced; I was oblivious to out-of-state tuition, school’s accreditation, living expenses, major availabilities, etc.
During the first few months of my college years, I had a live-by-experience type of education. Although I had a difficult lesson of what it takes to survive in and out of the classroom, I graduated magna cm laude from the University of Oregon and now have obtained a position with the American Samoa government. Currently, I am a counselor at the Department of Human and Social Services in their Behavioral Health Division. I provide counsel for court-referred adolescents. Clients come in due to possession of an illegal drug, public peace disturbance, burglary, or behavioral problems. The goal is to modify patterns of behavior and thoughts that are behind clients’ challenges. Being a counselor has taught me that no matter what factors my clients have experienced, they are admirably resilient. These factors vary, depending on each individual, but they have had to endure growing up in adverse environments with limited resources, mental health issues, drug and alcohol use, and experiences of traumatic events.
My advice to the youth is to never underestimate your potential. You never know what you are capable of until you try it.”

(Part 2 of 2) “I left my family, key word ‘left.’ I didn’t run away; I left, about 2 or 3 years ago. The two reasons why...
27/07/2018

(Part 2 of 2) “I left my family, key word ‘left.’ I didn’t run away; I left, about 2 or 3 years ago. The two reasons why I left are: one, my mother is a traditionalist that believes in Adam and Eve, not Steve; and two, we were both going through a phase and my mother and I had several disagreements on my daily life decisions (especially since I was transitioning from my teen years into adulthood). My mom came from a conservative family and was well rooted to her upbringing. Everything I’m doing now, she would have killed me if I did it then. We bump heads here and there, mainly because I didn’t agree with how she handled certain things in our family. She was VERY strict—not abusive—but I will admit, those who know my mother very well know that she is extremely temperamental.
When I left my family, I stayed with a close friend who is now more family than friend. We were both working at the same store and were somewhat connected because we both had several ‘mommy issues.’ I stayed with her family and was fascinated by how different the home environment was: a different set of rules, different home setting, different everything. I moved again to a different family and also saw the same thing. All these families were different, but unique in their own way. They weren’t better than mine, or worse, just different. Both families had their problems and had their own way of handling them that were even quite surprising to me. I often found myself giving advice to my new ‘siblings’ which surprised me. One of the things that I learned, besides from having to take my own advice, was that I really missed my parents, siblings, and my whole family. When I left them, I had completely shut them out. I wanted no connection with them anymore. Anyway, I learned that all these restrictions that my mother had set, as crazy as they were, were meant for my well-being. I was just super kaukalaikiki and ready to eat the world, not realizing my mom was just doing her part as a mother. When I returned, my mom and I had to sort out things and she was actually willing to give my gay self a chance. She said she’d rather have a gay son than no son at all. Now my mom is getting used to me and how I am and we are rebuilding our relationship. In conclusion, she loved me, even though she had a funny way of showing it.”

Recently, we caught up with social media influencer, Jedi. Jedi uses social media as a platform to spread awareness abou...
25/07/2018

Recently, we caught up with social media influencer, Jedi. Jedi uses social media as a platform to spread awareness about local issues regarding politics, education, sexuality, etc. Through it, he has taken on large corporations, challenged political agendas and most importantly, has effected positive change. Jedi’s posts are thought provoking and are essential in furthering the dialogue of Samoan sexual politics. Jedi’s boldness and courage to share his thoughts on issues that many may find too controversial to discuss is helping to shape a more open environment for the youth. He shares with us his story about growing up and navigating life in Samoa as a young, bold, gay adult and his journey of love and acceptance.

(Part 1 of 2) “When I was born, I had stained teeth due to my mom taking a certain medication when she was pregnant. The doctors told her that it would fade away over time. I was bullied all throughout elementary because of it. They had nicknames likes ‘peanut butter’. My mom didn’t know I was being bullied. If she did, she definitely would have done something about it, but how am I supposed to learn if she keeps having to come in? So I didn’t have any real friends. In every classroom, they would have a reading corner with books and I spent my time reading every single one of them. Upon graduating eighth grade, my mother gave me the freedom to choose my own high school, and because I did so well, I chose Tafuna High School; why would I want to spend another four years with the same people who tormented me throughout elementary? High school was great. I found a circle of people that I belonged to and I loved it.”

“My parents did not like the idea of me going to college. According to them, 14 years of education was enough for me to ...
20/07/2018

“My parents did not like the idea of me going to college. According to them, 14 years of education was enough for me to land a steady job in the corporate world. I knew it was not going to be easy. My father was the only one working, providing for our family. Sadly, his health was degrading. Suddenly, it was my turn to pay the bills; it was my turn to support the family. After applying to several local businesses, I knew my chances to land a job were slim. So, on the day of registration at American Samoa Community College (ASCC) for summer, I went ahead and registered, despite my parents’ disapproval. After being directed and re-directed from office to office, I was ready to give up. It took me a whole week until I was finally registered with two classes on my schedule. My parents were growing restless with my unemployment status. They kept on reminding me of my responsibilities as the eldest, ‘to take care of the family.’ I was devastated, as much as I value my education, my family is my priority. I was about to drop school when I met someone who told me I can do both. He was very motivating and persuasive as well. On my second week at college, I received a phone call from the Sadies hotel. I was offered a waitress job at the Goat Island Cafe. At 17, I was serving steaks with baked potatoes at night, while doing school work during the day. An experience at the Island Goat Café changed my life and as hard as it was, I walked out. When I did, I followed up on my application with Carl’s Jr and an interview was scheduled for the next day. I worked at Carl’s Jr restaurant with a consistent schedule from 5:00 p.m to 1:00am sometimes 2:00am in the morning while taking 14-18 credits per semester. I worked and took classes for a year and 4 months. One semester, I took 5 classes starting at 8:00am. In that class, I was always very late, sleeping during the lecture and I was very inactive. I passed with a grade of D. I remember crying looking at my transcript. My PTK dream was out of the window. I retook that class with the same instructor and I received an A. On my last semester, I resigned from Carl’s Jr and signed up with the Financial Aid Work Study program. I became an English peer tutor at the (SLAC) Student Learning Assistance Center. I graduated from ASCC with my Associates degree in elementary education in the fall of 2015. I immediately applied for a teaching position in the Department of Education. I was certain to be hired on the spot given the fact my major was pertained to teaching. Again and again, things did not go as I expected, so I continued with my B.ED program in ASCC while still working as a peer tutor. On September 2016, I was finally hired and was assigned to Tafuna Elementary School. I was given first graders and I fell in love immediately with my first batch. I know life is not easy, so I tried my best to prepare my students for the challenges ahead just as I was taught, tutored and mentored by the awesome teachers I had growing up. Shout out to Mrs. Kaio, Mrs. Ekeroma, Mrs. Harmon, Mr. Palemene, Mr.Tuilemotu, Mrs. Sene and Ms. Fono of Alataua 2 Elementary School, and Mrs. Salote Fanene, Mrs. Claire Dee-wees, Ms. Almendras, Mr. James, Ms. Ayva, Mrs. Fano, Mr. Atafua and Mrs. Kava of Nuuuli Vocational Technical High School. Thank you so much! I have not reached my final destination yet, but I am thankful and grateful for my experience. I am still moving forward at my own pace. I plan to graduate with my Bachelor of Education this December at ASCC (God willing). September this year will be my two year anniversary as a teacher. I love what I do, I always look forward to the ‘aha’ and ‘wow’ moments with my students. My only hope is to be remembered as a teacher who made a difference just as I remember the warriors of my education journey. I never had it easy and I believe no one does. A word of advice:
College may not be for everyone, but whatever you do in life, put your heart and mind into it. Get it done, find a way and if there is none, make one or two. When in doubt, pray and keep on knocking! It’s o.k to cry and break down but always get back up. Dust it off; fight again, enjoy the ride. You got this!”

“I'm going off island to start my journey in becoming a football player at Modesto Junior College, in California. I'd li...
14/07/2018

“I'm going off island to start my journey in becoming a football player at Modesto Junior College, in California. I'd like to thank my parents for bringing me here. To others who are going off island for school, do well. Avoid temptations like drinking, smoking, partying. Stay focused, and stay on the right track.”

Why do you love teaching?“Well, teaching, for me, is something that is in my blood. Both of my parents were educators, a...
12/07/2018

Why do you love teaching?

“Well, teaching, for me, is something that is in my blood. Both of my parents were educators, and now my sisters and I are teachers. I guess I fell in love with the thought of teaching before actually falling in love with the whole gig. It started when I was in college, and I felt like most kids from the islands that do attend school are way behind in terms of resources and just learning in comparison to those that attended schools in the US. I had a teacher in high school who really changed my life. On the very first day of me attending his class, I felt his passion and how much he cared about our learning. He had told us that he wanted to prepare us as best he could for college because he knew what it was like to get to college and already be at a disadvantage. I thought to myself, if I could affect one student’s life the way he did mine that would make a world of change in just a few people. It takes one person to ignite a fire and passion, and I want to be that person for someone. I want to help change the way they see the world. I want them to see just how much potential they have inside of them.

Many people who get into teaching in American Samoa find out that it isn’t for them. At the end of my very first day of teaching, I sat at my desk and asked myself “What did I just get myself into?” I realized that teaching was very overwhelming. Now, a whole year later, I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. As they say, teaching really is a labor of love. It is a love that can never be forgotten or found elsewhere.”

"I was listening to the news yesterday about a survey that a group did in response to the Senate rejecting the proposal ...
11/07/2018

"I was listening to the news yesterday about a survey that a group did in response to the Senate rejecting the proposal to increase the age that girls here can get married. Right now, the age a girl can get married at is 14. They wanted to raise it to 18 and I think that is something that should have happened long ago. Like, 97 percent of the people who were surveyed said they didn't think that girls should be able to get married at 14. Most of those surveyed were females, and so I think it shows that young girls like me don't want to be forced into marriages. I can't believe the Senate turned this down. It shows how out of touch with young people they are. Not increasing the age just leaves young girls vulnerable. I don't know why they didn't pass the marriage bill. It's like they dont care about us."

"From my perspective, mental health is (and has been for quite some time) a major issue within the Polynesian Community....
08/07/2018

"From my perspective, mental health is (and has been for quite some time) a major issue within the Polynesian Community. Unfortunately, the seriousness of mental health is often times dismissed or played down by ignorant remarks and jokes, like: 'Aua e te fia palagi' or 'It’s all in your head.' Phrases such as these cause people whose mental health is at risk to hide their emotions through drug use, alcohol abuse, in addition to various erratic behaviors.
Since support is such an enormous aspect of our culture, it is of the utmost importance that we refrain from making our loved ones feel ashamed for suffering from things we do not understand. We must create a safe environment for people afflicted by mental illness to come forward and be properly treated. The fastest way to do this is to educate ourselves about different mental illnesses and how to deal with them. Above all, we must take the time check on our loved ones and sincerely listen when they reach out. It can be a scary thing to confide in someone else, so don’t shun their feelings, but offer the support and love that they need.
Mental illness is not palagi or simply all in your head. It’s real. It can hit anyone at anytime, and if left untreated, it will consume you. So please, educate yourselves, be more aware, and don’t let our people suffer in silence."

“What keeps me going? It’s the kids. I’m always with the kids. I never want to lose that. I think that’s another reason ...
07/07/2018

“What keeps me going? It’s the kids. I’m always with the kids. I never want to lose that. I think that’s another reason why I didn’t want to have my organization, because it was going to the corporate world – I would lose touch. What keeps me up is the disservice – there’s so much. If I stop, all these kids won’t have that one person they can see. Going to the villages, the kids get so happy when anyone comes. Just knowing that so much kids look for that. And also… fake people, you know what I mean? I’m not going to allow them to win. They tried to break me; they almost broke me, but I got over it and came back in full force. Everything started to be aligned. It’s really the kids that I do it for. I get emails all the time from girls that don’t even know me but have seen my work and in my time of activism, I have had three girls who thought about su***de. They have watched my videos and seen my work and that helped them to not go through with it. I don’t care if I don’t know you, I’m going to sit on the phone with you, even if you’re in L.A. and I’m in Samoa and we’ll just talk it out. It’s stuff like that and I love it. Believe in yourself because at the end of the day you’re going to be judged by God, not all those who didn’t believe in you or tried to knock you down.”

“I’ve always done community work for so long, but I made it a point that I wasn’t going to be like those people who alwa...
06/07/2018

“I’ve always done community work for so long, but I made it a point that I wasn’t going to be like those people who always wanted the credit or only wanted to do it so they can put their faces on things. But at the same time, as I got older I realized that I needed to put my work into a foundation so that I would be able to get grants and funding for my projects. I lost out on so many years of doing this work because I was always in the background. I allowed other organizations to take over and take credit for my work and they got the grants just because I’ve always wanted to be humble about it and not let it burn me out. All my family back home are activists and I’ve seen my families lose their homes just to take care of our communities. I needed to make sure I had grants so that all my work was funded. I just did it and I said you know what? I’m going to start my Brown Girl Woke organization. “Woke” was the trending word at that time. Because I was in college for so long, I wanted to hold a lot of the Samoan girls on campus accountable, because we don’t care. We think we’re just there to go to school and get it done for our church or our parents. So, Brown Girl Woke was me making our people accountable; it was a label. If you wore the gear you’re going to be accountable. It worked!”

Follow Brown Girl Woke for more information about their awesome work!

05/07/2018

Talofa, Humans of American Samoa, we apologize for our delay as we were actively searching for stories of our unsung heroes. As a theme for the rest of the summer, we will be focusing on those who work selflessly for the betterment of our youth.

04/06/2018

Talofa, Humans of American Samoa! Are you ready for HOAS Season 3? Stay tuned!

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