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Humans of American Samoa, Pago Pago (2025)

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.”

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.”

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.”

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!”

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.”

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.”

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."

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."

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.”

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!

15/08/2017

Forestry Stewardship Coordinator Toepo: “My program, in particular, deals with the private land owners in American Samoa - Tutuila, Manua and Aunuu combined. Whatever issues they have pertaining to their land that deals with trees or forests that’s where I come in. The focus of my program is to try to go out to the community and try to recruit as many clients as I can. We have a greenhouse outside and so what I do is provide these clients with planting materials, we provide them with a management plan which is based off what the landowner wants, my job is to advise incentives such as shovels and such if they become clients for the FSP. This Forestry Stewardship Program (FSP) is one of three parts to Forestry. In addition to this we go out and survey the land and look for invasive species like trees, pests, animals, or even diseases affecting the forests. We do a lot of our work up in the hills but also much of the urban areas when we are asked to. We work corroboratively with environmental agencies in covering watersheds so with waterfalls and streams we go out and try to remove invasive plants and replant native plants and trees. We try our best to keep everything natural because our forests in American Samoa are quite different from the other pacific islands as we don’t have too many invasive species compared to Hawaii or Apia and other pacific islands. We still have less than 10 documented and controlled invasive species so it isn’t too much of a problem and we try to keep it that way. Our job altogether is to assist. Its free, the services are free, you don’t have to pay for the plants or incentives, it’s all from the program, it’s a grant program, from the US.

Most of the time landowners come in to see what we have in stock, we’ll go out to them and whatever data we collect is strictly data collection. If they don’t want us there we won’t be there; if they want the services we can provide, it’s all free. If I give my landowners incentives they have to use it in the timeframe of a year and then we don’t track the materials anymore. One thing I do is I map landscapes on a smart map and if the landowner wants their area mapped we’ll do it for them if they don’t we won’t do it for them and so I’ll plan out a landscape based on their requests, we’ll discuss what I put down and if they sign off on it that gives them the okay to come back and take trees and it’ll be a one- time incentive where we give them a shovel, a machete, and just simple things used for trees throughout the duration of the year.

Denis Sene "Through our Urban Community Forestry Service, we partner with other environmental agencies and we’ll be having an environmental camp. Children who signed up will be doing hands-on activities, getting experience, and becoming familiar with conservation and ways to protect the planet. It targets ages 8-13, it’s a collaboration between us, DYWA, NRCS, Soil and Water, EPA, DOC, DMWR, National Park, and other programs involved."

There are a lot of other programs here - entomology, tissue culture, and animal science and so there’s always a lot going on here. We have a new LSR program where interns will come in. We are trying to get 4 student interns to come in to help with the watershed restoration project in Leone, Pago, and Nuuuli.

Through federal funding we are able to implement and sustain programs that help keep our island environmentally sound and sustainable. We have 3 grants so far that help with projects related to fire, watershed, and then our forestry.

There are 3 departments of Land Grant - education, research, and extension. A lot of the research in different areas is done here, and a lot of research for science projects, symposium projects, and STEP-UP projects is conducted here. Education and extension is more of an outreach to the larger community. Like I said earlier, a lot goes on here at Land Grant.

The tamaligi tree is still invasive but the National Park is doing a very good job at controlling it. Right now, we are focusing on the Panama Rubber Tree and the African Tulip Tree. We target the faster growing ones, we did a survey 5 years ago for these two trees so that they don’t spread to the East side. There are 7 of us, but only 3 of us are hikers, and when we find time and the weather permits, we’re out there. Last week we got lucky and we flew the drone and we did some control work. So, that’s pretty much what we do here.

Personally, I just like to be out in the fields. I’ve been here forever, born and raised, and every time I’m out I discover something new. Just doing control work like removing invasive species takes the stress away from sitting in front of a computer or behind a desk and I love it.”

13/08/2017

"We used fitness as a tool to help soldiers, initially. That’s the foundation of it. Hence the reserve center being available to us because it’s not something that’s available to the public. This is my wife, Leuila, we’re high school sweethearts, from Samoana and Tafuna high schools, we joined the military as reservists so that we can stay connected with our island because active duty would separate us. We’ve journeyed this life together. We started doing tattoos which launched in 2010. I put myself out there, took a risk and now, I’m not too worried about representation because people know of the work I do. We started Ola Malosi because we love fitness and love staying in shape, together. Ola Malosi was born in March of 2013, just to help soldiers because in infantry, the units out here, there’s a big problem with obesity and managing health. We just wanted to try it out and see what the outcome would be, 5 or 6 soldiers were transformed and in 21 days they lost a significant amount of weight and we were able to track it, I’m not sure anyone else was able to do this, it was 2 years ago. Tracking makes a big difference, because you see progress and so you feel good and encouraged. We understood at the time that there was a big issue with obesity and the mindset, we really believed in the tracking part because it gave people hope and we just stuck with it, and now every other month we do a 21 Day Fix. 21 Day Fix is a program by Beach Body that we use as a platform because it talks about nutrition and we learn about portions which are a big taboo because you know when you’re talking about portions it gives out that feeling of insecurity. Eat to be full, not eat to finish everything on the plate and portioning in the long run will help you out. That’s our vision, or goal, our island is still stuck in that old school mindset “fa’auma lou meaai” (“eat all your food”) and eating all this greasy food and so we’re trying to shift that mindset by doing these workouts. Its free for the community, no charges, but we do encourage a packet that comes with the 21 Day Fix program if they want it. We implement our spiritual faith and how it connects with fitness because it is a big part. We emphasize the importance of mental fitness which is your reading and your personal development, you have to keep learning about things to stay excited. Then there’s your physical fitness, you have to put in the work. Then there’s your spirituality and it’s all interconnected because if you’re not hopeful or loving life, you’re not going to progress because you don’t see anything in the future because you’re always down and negative. So, we emphasize positivity and love and these values are from the bible and so when you start reading into it, you’ll be excited about life. Evidently you see the numbers and we stick with it and we built this crew of coaches around us to keep us level headed and humble and you have to have humility to stay away from the mindset of it being all about you. So that’s where we’re at with Ola Malosi, the positive encouragement is daily and consistent and we see people transform and change and we bring that to light and we inspire them to keep going and it works and it helps out in many ways. People are happy about their health and fitness and they bring their family members and they get inspired and they follow us and see what we do on social media. So it’s all interconnected and it’s just about “Being More” you know cause in life if you want more in life you have to be more, so you have to be that example. We strive to be this example as a couple and we try to be, we’re not perfect; we have our own struggles. My wife and I encourage each other, and together it’s a commitment because every morning at 5 AM we have to be here and its different cause people really want to see the leaders here when they come out. I think it’s a healthy space we’re at, there’s always growth and so it’s bigger than just the army reserve. It’s just all about consistency because they have to be here. It’s not a one-time thing.

In our marriage retreat they talk about personalities and just yesterday I found out I’m a “purple” and my wife is a “yellow” and it’s good because yellow is more of emotion and feelings and purple is consistent, understanding, caring, and kind. It’s good to understand and balance this because we are business people but we are also doing this for the community but it’s not a burden, we love fitness and we love giving and helping. Our belief is that anything you do, continue to pray and be consistent - it’s like our workouts, we know the benefit of fitness in American Samoa, but it’s not going to happen overnight. It is not easy. It’s necessary that collaboration happens between us and the people we help so that all of this can happen.

I think what shocks people a lot is that we’re young and they’re not sure how to react to us but we are living the life as Samoans doing what they should. Representing their families and culture and that’s what we want for our next generation. Some things need to change. We want to inspire, change people’s minds and grow as an island. We have people from all religious backgrounds we are all related through our love, life, and wanting to be better. So they keep coming. We share love and help with fitness and in turn we do prayers to uplift their spirit and so it assists them and so we encourage that with Ola Malosi fitness which is not like other fitness programs. Well that’s an overview of what we’re all about. My wife will open a shop up later this year God willing and that is still in the works. Currently we have Off Da Rock Tattoos, we have our fitness thing as a hobby and we assist the Army Reserve."

11/08/2017

"The Samoan Language means a lot to me. Being being born into the American culture definitely took some time away from learning my native tongue. I think it is very critical and important to keep your native culture alive, and language is a huge part of that. As a first generation child, my Mother spoke mostly English to me growing up so it has become difficult now to learn and understand at such an older age.
I just want to make my parents/elders proud and fully convinced that I haven't lost sight of my culture and it's roots.

What I am doing to learn better is picking up on cues and gestures when speaking with my parents. Reading body language that will help me see and listen to the words simultaneously which then processes the messages they are trying to get across. Also listening to songs, reading the Bible, asking friends and family is what helps me process the Samoan language better for me."

08/08/2017

“I was told not to return the favor but rather pursue what I can accomplish in order to survive in the coming future. These are the words of my father, who alongside my mother dominate my heart and are the pillars of passion behind my accomplishments. I grew up in the village of Afono, a small village from the perception of the public but ideally the dawn and commencement place of Samoan legends. I grew up in a village that upholds the Samoan disciplinary cliché, “when I tell you to do something, you do it without any questions” as if I was living in the time of ancient Egypt. This was the motto that I stapled to my heart and for most attempts I made using it, they were manifestly successful. I served in the village aumaaga and became a member of an elite law enforcement group. I am a descendant of family of catechists and yes I did go to Aoga Samoa and still attend the Afono Catholic Church. Though my mom is from Fagasa, it seemed that 75% of my current lifespan was spent in Afono and 25% in Fagasa. I became involved in public service when I became Student Body President at Samoana High School for 2013-2014. I was a member of various focus groups that helped get Samoana accredited for six years since its establishment. After graduating from ASCC, I was chosen by the International Leadership Foundation, a federal program under President Obamas initiative to encourage Asian and Pacific Islanders to pursue efforts in the government and the business community. Since 17 years of its commitment, the ILF selected my application making me the first Pacific Islander to enroll in the program. I lived in Washington D.C for a while and worked on Capitol Hill at the office of Congresswoman Amata. I am now heading into my final year at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. After which I am aspired to enroll in their law school. My ambition to study law stems from the words of Potter Stewart that “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.” I have a side career of being a radio host for V103 and a reporter for Monica Millers News on 93KHJ. The passion Monica possesses is the sort I am praying to receive. The renowned journalist have shown me hardships that became my lessons. Being the radio host on V103 was one of the best experiences I had because I get to laugh and get angry sometimes at people who listen to our station. I am willing to pursue a career that I enjoy and that gives back to the community. With the many obstacles our government face, I urge my brothers and sisters who are enrolled in learning institutions to pursue every dream that they wish and remember to open their windows and look to Jerusalem. And upon remembering my father’s words and my mother’s prayers, I wish to pursue all that I desire for the sake of serving my life and my love, my Samoa. I am Liu Lafaele and that is just the beginning of my story!"

**Photo submission by interviewee**

Humans of American Samoa