Brianna's Blog

Hey Everyone! Today was the first day the group met up
at the University of Hawaii for our first major lecture.
Since we had to meet at 9am it called for an early morning
as well as an early bus. The bus ride was a success, however
I did learn that you must stand up before the bus arrives or
you will get left. After arriving at the University of
Hawaii, which is a very large and beautiful campus, we
attended a lecture given by Dr. Jonathan Osorio. Dr.
Osorio's lecture was very informing. Dr. Osorio's
focused his lecture on Hawaiian language, tradition, food,
environment, and ancestry. One important fact that was
mentioned from the lecture that I thought was interesting
was that the Hawaiian people would have lost everything if
it wasn't for their alphabet. This proves how
important language is to their culture, and without taking records
or spreading Hawaiian literacy by teaching others, the
Hawaiian culture or any other culture could be lost forever.
One last part of the lecture that interested me, was when we
were told that Hawaii was taken over by force by the United
States. I believe that many people are unaware that the Native Hawaiians are very bitter about their kingdom being taken over illegally. I feel for them, because I believe many people would be if angered something of value was taken away from them too.
After the lecture, we ate then went on a tour around
some parts of the University of Hawaii campus. The most exciting part of my day was
when I was given my identification card which branded me an
official University of Hawai'i Manoa student! All I know
is that I am ready to embrace this new experience and let
the adventures begin!