One Day At A Time

In 6 (really, only 6?!) short weeks, the school year in American Samoa will be over. And to think it feels like yesterday (well kinda) that we stepped off Hawaiian flight #465 on a humid Thursday evening and began this crazy journey on this island. Before I came here, I kept telling myself and others that it would only be 11 months (less than a year!) and then I would be back. Well as these 11 months come to a close, I am also getting ready for another 11 (or probably 12) months here in American Samoa.

And I couldn't be happier. So much has happened over the last few weeks that I couldn't imagine these being my last few weeks on island. There still feels like there is so much to be done and so much that I can accomplish with these students.

At school, I began the arduous task of reading THE HUNGER GAMES with my 11th grade students. I'm pretty sure that they have never read a whole novel as a part of their studies before so it has been quite challenging. After finishing the book earlier this winter (haha, still think in that sense even though we have no seasons here), I decided that I was going to try and read the entire book with my class. I knew it was going to be a difficult. First off, because there was no way that I would be able to obtain enough copies of the book for each of my students. And there certainly isn't a Barnes and Noble around the corner where I could ask them to pick up a copy for themselves either. So I've had to be resourceful. I purchased the Audiobook so I could have them listen to chapters. I also read it aloud allow to them, which some of them love, especially when I do a messed up British accent for one of the characters. And I've resorted to a couple of other ways which I won't divulge here in case it gets me into some trouble with the publisher, hehe.



While naturally there are some kids who are not enjoying the experience, I firmly believe that the book has captured of majority of their interests and they can't wait to see how it ends. The keep asking me to spoil the ending for them but I refuse. Even though the question they really want answered does not come until the end of the trilogy, which sadly we will not have time to read. They may not be reading every chapter to themselves, but I am still happy to say that my kids are going to read an entire book in my class. And they are going to like it. Unlike reading THE SCARLET LETTER which would go so far over their heads. I can't wait to see what creative projects them come up with for their final presentation.

Last week, I found out that I passed the Praxis 1. For those of you who are not familiar, the Praxis tests are taken by individuals entering the teaching profession as part of the certification process required by many states and professional licensing organizations. It is pretty much an easier version of the SAT test. And even though I just said it was easier, after I took the test I was certain that I wasn't going to pass the Math section. I mean, I haven't been in a math class since the spring of 2000. That's a long time. In any event, I passed and am very excited. If I decide to try teaching when I return to the States, this test should make it easier to become certified. It will also be a good experience for me because all of the volunteers next year will be required to take the test, so now I will be able to assure them that if my sorry self can, they will as well.


Even though I'm not leaving, I also feel like there is a sense of "I have to go, see and do every hike, waterfall, beach" before June. I think part of it is because I know that my WorldTeach Volunteer Family will be leaving me shortly. Even though we don't see each other every day, there is a comfort knowing that there are 21 other people around these islands that have your back. We all know what we're all going through. We know the rewards and challenges that we face. Since being together 24/7 for the last two weeks of July, we have become a family away from our families and it will be sad to see them all go.



So yes, I will go to Vatia to see Leslie and Jenn before they leave. And I hope to get out to Aunu'u one last time to see my girl V's home. And hopefully we can have one last big climb over a mountain. And maybe a final BBQ in Leone to say goodbye. :)

In other news, I have to begin preparing for my job next year. So I'm off. Till next time.

My Samoan Family

The school year is almost over. Then comes my brief return visit to the States and then I'll be back here for another amazing year in the adventures of American Samoa. Teaching has become very challenging again these past couple of weeks. I'm determined to end the year on a high note reading a fascinating book to my students but some love to fight back as much as they can. Though, no matter how difficult school can be some days, I am lucky to have found a group of people who I enjoy spending so much time with. They are my new Samoan family. Without them, I'm not sure I would have the strength to come back here next year.



If I need a friend to talk to, they are there.
If I need to borrow some money, they will lend it.
If I need a ride to Cost U Less, they will take me.
If I need a night of laughter and good times, they can provide it.
If I need a lesson in Samoan slang, they will try to teach me.
If I need some exercise, tennis we shall play.



While some call me Barrymore, Kracker, Palagi, Drewzy and any other assortment of names, I call them my friends.

Thank you to Jayleen, Lisa, Leni, Danielle, Pua, Nellie, and Trisha (baby mama) for making me feel so welcome in your dysfunctional family!

Junior Prom

There really isn't much to say. I "chaperoned" our Junior Prom last Thursday. It was at our school gym. The biggest difference from Proms back in the States and here in Samoa is that parents attend the festivities. So they can watch their children be presented to the audience with flowers and bouquets. It was a little strange but the kids had a great night.



Oh and they were served dinner in Styrofoam take out containers filled with an orange, a bag of chips and a homemade tuna sandwich! YUM!






My favorite student and I. She was so nervous to be wearing that dress. Doesn't she look adorable!

Speech Festival

Remember FTC, State Thespians or Districts? Well they have them in American Samoa too. Well kinda. I mean there are only 8 high schools on island so its not much of a competition. And remember those schools that had tacky sets, awful acting and ghetto costumes. Well they also have that on island too. Jokes Jokes.

In all seriousness, American Samoa goes all out for their Annual Speech Festival Competition. The festival is run by the English Departments on island, as there are no drama departments at any of the high schools. Kids love participating in Speech Festival in everything from onstage to backstage. I think we had over 100 kids representing Leone High School.

I will have to admit though that I did not have the privilege of attending the festival because I "volunteered" to stay back at school and watch the English classes for the rest of the department. You may ask why a person who graduated from college with a degree in Drama did not attend a "theatre festival." Well, it was a lot different than what I was used to. It seemed to be more of a Speech and Debate/Theatre Festival which I had difficulty wrapping my head around. I was asked to help out with our piece for Dramatic Interpretation of Drama. That means, 1 person acts out a scene involving 2 people. Now call me crazy, but when have you ever watched a TV show or Movie where 1 person pretends to be 2 different people in the same scene. You don't see Colin Firth playing his speech therapist played by Geoffry Rush and his original part at the same time. No you see two different actors. So yeah, I didn't get it.



Much could be said to explain my absence from this festival and it would just be an excuse, because now looking back, I completely regret it. But it was hard being new to a department who has been organizing speech festival for years and say, "hey, I have a degree in drama, let me run the play category." That just didn't fly. Therefore, I am grateful that I will be here next year to experience Speech Festival as a spectator so that I can fully appreciate the theatrical aspirations of our wonderful students.

To this years contestants at my school, I deeply apologize.



These pictures throughout the blog, are from our run-through the day before the competition. They are from the Play category, in which we did Jack and the Beanstalk, and from the Choral Recitation category, which I still don't really understand, but they LOVE IT here in Samoa.

PS. Do these pictures remember anyone of a lil ole production of INTO THE WOODS?!?

Sliding Rock in perspective

Last weekend, I went to sliding rock by myself before playing some tennis with my Samoan teacher friends. It was great to be in such a beautiful place at a time in my life where I'm reflecting on my decision to live another year on this island. Of course I have doubts that I'm making the right decision but then I look out into the Pacific Ocean and think, "I live here. I really, really live here. And I kinda like it. A lot. How could I not?" Below is a poem I wrote that day sitting on the rocks.


Storms are brewing out at sea,
Sun is shining on the shore.
Waves rise and fall to the sound of delight.
A soul can be transported to a life of sorrow and pain.

The rocks are hard and hot like a blazing desert.
Does peace exist?

Sand between your toes.
A ocean breeze that hits your face.
The wind blows through the palm trees.
A life can be lifted into serenity.

Life is grand.
Life is the world around you.


Oh right, and of course I'm staying because of the kids as well. These are a couple of my favorites. They always keep me smiling.

Samoan Day

Finally, last Friday my school held their annual Samoan Day festivities. Each class performed three numbers for a panel of judges in categories that I'm not sure I can explain. This has been an event almost a month in the making. It was originally scheduled for the Friday before spring break but then it kept on getting pushed back. Can you imagine how difficult it must be to teach 100-200 kids of each class different routines that they are required to do in unison. I tried to stay away from the daily, yes daily, practices that were held so that I would be surprised when the event happened.

As I just said, everyday for the past month, a hour rehearsal period was added to our schedule. That means, that all of our classes were cut short by 10 minutes. At first I wondered why so many hours of rehearsal were needed but then when I finally saw the event, I understood why.

Each class had their own traditional Samoan outfit that they wore for the festivities. Every student wore the selected fabric for their class as their "ie" and then the girls wore a white puletasi top with a flower or something in their hair and the guys were just topless. And they were oiled up in baby oil. Why? I'm not sure. But as you can see from above, it looked a little weird.

The freshmen class seen above was my favorite class because of their music. This is something to be proud of because the freshmen have usually ranked the lowest in previous class competitions. I do not know any freshmen but I was proud to see that all of their hard work paid off.




Next up was the sophomore class, which am I an advisor for even though until a month ago I was not teaching any sophomores, and I also thought they were good. I particularly enjoyed the fabric that was chosen for them especially since I had to wear it myself. I thought one of their dances was the best. Below is a sneak peak.



Then came the junior class. I have the pleasure of teaching most of these students, so while I wanted to cheer for them, they did not perform up to the highest standard. There was a lot of sloppiness that could not be hidden from the judges. Still, I am proud of them and was excited to see them show off their culture.



Lastly, came the Seniors. Naturally with all sorts of experience, they were the best overall class in terms of presentation and style. Their choreographer was great and very inventive. However, their fabric left a little to be desired.




All in all, Samoan day was a wonderful experience. It was great to see the students perform traditional Samoan dances and get really into it. You sometimes forget when they are in your class that they're not your typical students from the mainland, and this was just another example of how they are unique individuals.



Another truly Samoan experience.

Oh, American Samoa, you had me at Talofa....

For those of you who may not know already, I have decided to reside in American Samoa for at least another year. This has been on my mind for quite some time, though it was still not an easy decision to make. At times, I'm still not sure that it is the best decision because I know that another year will be quite different from this one and harder in many aspects but it will also be easier in others.

I will not be teaching again. Though I continue to love my experience as a high school English teacher, I realize that it is probably not my lifelong calling. I will be staying on in a different capacity. One that I believe will provide experience that will propel me into the next phase of my life. I am extremely excited about staying here another year in these circumstances. I look forward to building on the relationships that I have already established and I am excited to build new ones as well.

However, I am deeply saddened that I will spend another year away from those that I love. The time away from my family and friends was the hardest idea to come to terms with and it will create different challenges for me in the year to come. But I know that I have the most supportive group of family and friends that have continued to support this journey and will be here for me when any bumps along the road try to slow me down.

I will be making a brief trip back to the mainland in late june and july and hope to see as many of you as I can.

Fa'afatei tele lava.