From the Middle of the Pacific to the Ocean State

Makana Tavares

Wise WordsHe lawai'a no ke kai papa'u, he pokole ke aho; he lawai'a no ke kai hohonu he loa ke aho.

A fisherman of shallow seas uses only a short line; a fisherman of the deep sea uses a long line.

You will reach only as far as you aim and prepare yourself to reach. 

Dreams for Moku o KeaweTo see Hawai'i produce its own food and energy

and reduce its dependence on domestic and foreign imports.

To see Hawai'i's status as a military outpost reduced dramatically.

To have Hawai'i's residents realize its cosmopolitan nature and embrace its multicultural identity fully.

BackgroundWhat differentiates you from others? How have your past experiences influenced your present goals?

First generation college student

Attended an alternative charter school

Connection to Hawaiian culture/value system

I am inspired by a commitment to community well-being as exemplified by the organizations with which I’ve had the privilege of working.

Background contd.My Hawaiian island community has given me:

Desire to venture outside of Hawai’i

Interest in grassroots efforts to better meet social needs

Concepts like kaona – layers of understanding, and makawalu – multiple perspectives, mixed identities

Interest in studying “culture”, giving voice to the voiceless, challenging dominant societal tropes

Preparation College Horizons

Positive relationship with College Counselor

$20,000 Scholarships from both the Gromet and Dell Foundations, respectively

Where I am nowRising Junior at Brown University

Anthropology concentrator (in Engaged Scholars Program)

Intern in University Human Resources

Volunteer at the Samaritans of Rhode Island

Outdoor Leadership Environmental Education Program Mentor

Incoming Co-President of the Social Action House

What I’ve learned getting here

Don’t sell yourself short/underestimate your abilities

Seek help – there are so many resources out there; take the initiative to find them!

Worries/insecurities I’ve had:

Culture-shock/Missing home

Supporting myself financially

Inability to keep pace with Ivy-League academics

Doubts about my academic choices

Where I want to beI’m not entirely sure… Nothing is concrete

Abroad in the Spring – doing fieldwork to enrich my Anthropology concentration

Interning at a non-profit, continuing work with The Samaritans

Graduating in 2017 and either pursuing further work in the non-profit sector or an advanced degree.

Field ExperienceInternships:

AS220 Youthhttp://youth.as220.org/makanas-internship-favorite-summer-moments-2/

The Samaritans of Rhode Island http://samaritansri.org/

What next?

More non-profit work: grant-finding/writing and non-profit management to create sustainable organizations

Successes and Failures

Adjusting to New England (weather, culture, etc.)

Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and jobs

Maintaining high standards for myself

Finding a healthy community

Learning to be uncomfortable!

Having a good sense of humor

What I’ve learned about leadingLeadership is multifaceted

There are different leadership styles, all of which can be equally effective depending on the situation

Collaboration and communication are absolutely key!