Born in Samoa, raised in American Samoa. I made my way to America via scholarship in University of Hawaii. I didn't have family like other Samoans, I was homesick and I was struggling with culture shock. I failed school that year, and instead of going back to Samoa, I worked cashier jobs at 7-11 and ABC stores and living on friends couches. I learned quickly as a cashier that my accent and how I referred to people was unacceptable. I also experienced racism in those early days in America.
I joined the Army with an over drafted account, as I needed to pay for school, housing, food, even a driver's license.
Fat-forwar to now, I am working in HR, advocating for Equity and Inclusion. I am the BIPOC co-lead for Dept. of Ecology's first ever ERG. I am working on my Masters in Business Admin, I am a homeowner, and I can drive! Yay! 10 year old me would be proud that I am doing everything we said we'd do. We humbly did well.