On an island (sometimes I forget)

I am safe and sound here on my little island in the Pacific, so no worries about me! My prayers go out to everyone in Japan affected by the recent tsunami.

I have been busy busy since last we met. All of the teachers and students are preparing for the upcoming mid-term exams to wrap up the third quarter, myself included. More often than not, on any given Saturday my nohno (host mother) would find me staring at a stack of papers that needed to be graded ASAP. On the bright side, my classes have been going well! My Language Arts students have accomplished many things, such as successfully competing against each other in debates and writing very creative (and CRAZY) short stories. My Health Science students have undergone multiple examinations as well as prepared poster presentations for the science fair that finally has a set date! In the spirit of International Peace Corps Day (50 years, woot!), I had my students write letters to their former PCV teachers and also had my PCMO (Peace Corps Medical Officer) come in to talk with them about STDs (complete with graphic images that really hit it home). However, I have been showing more of my mean side because discipline is a continuous issue. Can any teachers out there give me advice on effective classroom management? I have also been interviewing students and teachers as a part of a community assessment for the Peace Corps with some interesting results.

Additionally, since I am the “library coordinator,” the Principal put me in charge of a contest held by the Pohnpei Public library, where two of my fellow PCVs have their secondary projects. The theme of the contest is “One World, Many Places” and students from all levels either write essays or create artwork embodying the theme. I am anxious to see what the students come up with! Also, since I will for sure be here next year, I have been recruited to be one of two academic advisers for freshman (remember me mentioning this when I first got my site announcement? I am so excited it is finally coming true!), and to help coach the debate team that will apparently be going to Yap in July. I will keep you posted on all of these outcomes.

As one of three token menwai (foreigner) teachers at MHS (the other two being a World Teach Volunteer and an Eco-Tourism expert), I am often required to participate in several teacher events around the island. One was the Teacher’s Forum, where all teachers (Early Childhood Education, Elementary, and Secondary) got together to discuss important issues and listen to each other give informative presentations. Two of my fellow PCV’s were such presenters (and I heard only good things about their sessions!) For U and Madolenihmw teachers, the forum took place at Awak Elementary School (which boasts a beautiful ocean view – lucky kids!). I, along with the Science Department, gave a presentation entitled “Climate Change and the Children of the Pacific.” In typical Pohnpeian fashion I had absolutely no idea I was going to be a part of this until four days before the event was to take place. However, armed with several hours of research and index cards, the presentation went extremely well. My part was about the effects climate change is projected to have on the health, education, and general well-being of Pacific Islander children. Ask me for details if you would like to be informed!

Another event was a Secondary Teacher’s Retreat, which gave students the day off and brought me back to Kitti, specifically Enipein. Teachers from all three high schools discussed the strengths and weaknesses of their departments and possible strategies for improvement. I had great conversations with teachers from PICS about the challenges students face in furthering their education outside of the F.S.M. Once again, I was reminded of how blessed I am to have been born an American citizen into a family who placed education above everything else.

Outside of the school environment, I have not really been doing much. Peace Corps Pohnpei recently lost its most valuable staff member to retirement, our fabulous Program Assistant. He will be sorely missed. The retirement party, celebrated on a Friday, was followed by more partying by PCVs. Most Fridays everyone gets together to wrap up a productive week and socialize. Good times. Saturdays I mostly work then reward myself by reading (Neil Gaiman continues to amaze me) or watching videos on my laptop (Avatar: The Last Airbender is my latest obsession). Sundays I go to Mass (I can’t believe it’s already Lent!) sometimes followed by a kamadipw (feast).

Kamadipws are wonderful cultural experiences because everyone involved prepares food to be shared by everyone (and I mean everyone) beforehand. I was actually able to help out my host family in the most recent one by assisting in cooking! This particular feast was the Pohnpeian version of Mardi Gras. Lots of food was brought by women to the nahs (feast house) where everyone gathers, this one near our church. The food, anything from fish to macaroni salad, was divided equally among all attendees by the women whose husbands hosted the kamadipw. After hours of waiting, talking, and eating, entertainment was provided in the form of dances done by the young adults of the community. One of my host sisters actually took part and danced really well! Dancing is such a big part of Pohnpeian culture (I think because all Pohnpeians can shake it up!), whether it be traditional dances, Shakira-inspired moves, or country (don’t ask).

That’s about it for now, dear reader. As always, if you have any thoughts you would like to share or questions you want to ask, feel free to comment below. Kalahngan to College of Micronesia Professor Dana Lee Lang for your wonderful input and to my ever encouraging parental units. Until next time!