I was born in a tiny house on the side of the Koʻolau mountains on an island called Oʻahu. This tiny house was infused with the smell of Lambrusco wine, chicken marsala, and an everlasting amount of love. I grew up with a head full of determination and a drive to travel the world. I was raised through Hawaiian ways but always managed to return to my Italian roots. Luckily, I have the best of both worlds.
As I searched for the right college that has a good social aspect and great academic opportunities, Marist was the obvious choice, especially the Freshman Florence Experience program. I wanted to do more than just hold on to my culture; I wanted to experience them. I don’t know when I would ever get this opportunity to study in a place with great history and importance to me. What a better way to understand different perspectives than studying politics in a different country. This experience will give me the chance to represent my home, my island, and my people.
This unique program in Florence would allow me to do more than just learn about my grandparents’ journey but live the lives they once lived. I picture myself loving the same food, music, people and language my grandparents loved. By embarking on this journey, I can share the love of my tiny house with the world, especially as a red fox!
As the semester comes to an end and currently amid finals, I am glad to say I am truly proud of all that I accomplish to get here. It has been challenging, adjusting to this new way of life but I know that I have grown a lot. Firenze has been treating me well. Every day I travel a little further, try different things, fail at tasks, succeed at others and learn something new. I’m constantly learning A LOT about myself and how to truly be by myself and love it. I miss home and everyone in it A LOT. I felt like my connection to my home was weakening and my heart, body, and soul ached in response. But really, I’ve come to learn that this connection is just growing and strengthening across these bodies of water and masses of land. It’s growing pains. As you see, I have my sunset sessions where I gather all my aloha and pule to send to you with the rising sun.
Now is a time of major change and I gain confidence knowing that I have people to support me and love me for all that I am. Yes, my hair doesn’t curl the same and my body is feenin to just dance and perform. But I know that I have a strong foundation and I’m still your pua girl who’s favorite thing to do is eat a shoyu poke bowl with Maui onion chips, and my body in some water surrounded by ‘ohana. I’ll be home soon but my time now is to explore and grow.
There are so many more words to say and stories to tell. Stay tuned. Love you fam. MAHALO PIHA I LOVE YOU ALL! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ALOHA ❤️
kaiusrootz 