I am a student at UH West Oahu and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. I am currently in a scholarship program which allows me to go to school full time, participate in cool training and exposure with the Coast Guard. Eventually, I will commission into a Coast Guard Officer.
I have been so lucky to have met so many incredible mentors who have guided me, and I can see how directly those mentors shaped my dreams and helped me believe in myself - this is why I wanted to volunteer with young kids! I love what I get to do, and I am so grateful to all the people and experiences which have helped me on my path here.
My reading experience prior to Ohana 100 was reading to my little brother when we were both kids. He is 3 years younger than me, so for the short period of time when I could read and he couldn't, I would read him stories before bed. I used to mess with him and change some of the words to his favorite stories, because I knew he would notice. I used to replace peoples name's with French Fry and Hamburger and silly words like that and he used to laugh so hard. I really cherish those memories!
I am currently reading to a group of 60 Head Start kids at Aiea Elementary. I have two favorite things about reading to kids: First, I get to read kids books again! Children's books are often hilarious, and I really enjoy going to the library and picking out funny books to bring to the school. Sometimes I think I enjoy the books more than the kids do.
Second, I love talking to the kids when I'm reading and asking them questions. During a dramatic moment in our story I will ask them: "What do you think is gonna happen next?" - The answers they give me crack me up! Sometimes the guesses and predictions they make about the stories are so creative and funny! Its really always a surprise and I love hearing what they have to say.
Overall, working with Ohana 100 has been awesome! I think reading is SO important for kids, and being read to in a really engaging and fun way for kids to practice their focus and critical thinking skills. I feel really lucky to have found this awesome opportunity.