Writing poetry

It’s raining again

My umbrella is broken

Where’s the taro leaf?

Here’s the ramen bowl

So spicy and delicious

My mouth is burning

Clear ocean waters

Surrounding my little boat

There goes my breakfast

Breadfruit on the tree

Why won’t you come down right now

I want to eat you!

These haiku pretty much describe my life here on Pohnpei.  Since my world cultures classes are focusing on Japan this quarter, I thought it would be appropriate for my students to write haiku of their own.  And I was more than happy to give them some fun examples.

What I’ve been up to this past month:

The seniors successfully wrapped up COMET practice by totally acing the test (or so we hope).  Results should arrive sometime next month.  During the time I was away at practice, my world cultures classes completed a big research project on a country of their choice using the library’s encyclopedias.  Talk about old school!  And luckily enough, my Algebra II class has been quite fun.  Since I remember my high school math classes being slightly painful at times, I try to make each period engaging by having the students do a lot of board work and explaining the solutions they come up with to their fellow classmates.

The library is actively being used by all MHS students.  I absolutely love it, except that more often then not they forget to return their books.  I need to start hunting students down!  Being in the library everyday gives me the time I need to be productive in labeling books and creating lesson plans for my classes.



The MHS library

My very proactive juniors have been busy applying to various summer programs such as STEP-UP (Short Term Educational Program for Underrepresented Persons), which gives stipends for students to conduct medical research under the guidance of professionals, and JSA (Junior State of America), which allows students to take an advanced history or government class in the United States or China.  I have been helping my juniors with their application materials and was asked (by all of them) to write their recommendation letters.  Here’s to hoping for the best!


Section A Juniors, the future leaders of Pohnpei

The Madolenihmw and U Teachers’ Forum was held at my school this year, with educators coming to MHS to listen to guest speakers and attend panel presentations.  Two fellow volunteers assisted me in giving a Peace Corps presentation to interested teachers.  Other MHS staff also gave their own presentations, ranging from Eco-Tourism to creatively using recyclable materials in Home Arts.



Li en Wai, Li en Madolenihmw

Remember Championship Week from last year?  Well, sports practices are wrapping up since the event is happening next week.  I coached the girls’ volleyball team for exactly one hour, and then left them in the capable hands of their much more qualified coach.  I did coach the Championship Week essay writers, however, which was much more my expertise.

Let’s go MHS!

M77 has been serving as volunteers for a year and three months.  To commemorate, as well as to combat the “second year slump,” the Pohnpei PCVs took a great day trip to Ant, an outlying atoll.  In the legend of Isokelekel, conqueror and first Nahnmwarki of Pohnpei, Ant was where he and his 333 men first landed before sailing on to Madolenihmw.



I wouldn’t mind serving here…

So I’ve been busy but happy with my work.  I’ll leave you with these song lyrics that just about sum up my attitude here on Pohnpei.  Until we meet again!

People are born with / people are born without / some people have / and others want / what some go without / some people live free / some people just want more / as for me I / got all that I need / don’t got much but I / got what I need     “Could You Bite the Hand?”  ~Steve Conte