A new you

The school is host to a program called "A New You" hosted by Barbara Jones, which is a program which "rejuvinates women on the inside and outside". They have classes ranging from makeup and clothes to motivation and dealing with stress. Anyway, they had a program last night where they wanted to give them a taste of the university. They asked a few students to perform dances. There was an Indian and Tahitian number performed. I was asked to represent BYU Hawaii students and tell how I came to the school, and what my experience has been. The hope of the program was that these women would gain a desire to participate in the schools dealings whether through donations or other ways. I felt like I did a good job. They wanted me to do something in Samoan, so I opened up by doing a little speech. I then said a few funny things to help me relax. I said, "you know, many have asked me if I'm uncomfortable being in a setting with almost all women. I dont however, because I wore a skirt today so we can all match!" That brought some laughter! Anyway, the whole thing went over really well. I had a couple women say they wondered about sending their kids here and now see the value of this school. They also gave me a lei, which I was excited about. I've never been given a lei since coming to school, as far as I remember.

*Bonus story!

You may observe the shirt I am wearing above. Dolly actually gave that to me one day out of nowhere. When she came back here from Samoa when she went for her internship, she came back with this shirt and a matching puletasi, or dress. This was long before she knew me. There was a Samoan club fireside, and she decided she wanted us to wear the set, even though I had no idea it existed. Anyway, so, here is a photo of us matching. Kinda funny! Worked out well for the New You thing because I have kind of grown out of my other nice Samoan shirt.