World We Imagine Part 1

 World We Imagine Part 1

    Representation and education are two things that are incredibly important to me. Growing up on an island, these things felt just out of reach for many people I knew. Addressing these issues and alleviating the challenges would be my first step toward making the world a better place from my perspective.
I know I talk about Guam in most of my blog posts—and for good reason. I am extremely proud of where I grew up and where I come from, more so than my own ethnicity. Yet, ever since I arrived in Los Angeles, the question “What is Guam?” has followed me everywhere. It surprised me to see that many people on the mainland have never heard of Guam or the other US territories. It feels as if the four million citizens have been forgotten by much of the United States, including my home, my community, and frankly, myself at times.     

    This lack of awareness is more than just an inconvenience; it shows the deeper issues of representation. Many native cultures in these US territories are suffering at the hands of cultural assimilation, as younger generations see their culture slowly disappearing. This is why representation matters. When these territories are underrepresented in the US government, in education, and in the broader public narrative, the effects of modern colonialism persist. I try to play my part in spreading awareness and supporting the Pacific Islander community so that they are not forgotten in the future. This is why I write about Guam: to share its story with you, the reader, and to amplify voices that often go unheard.

    Education is another important issue I’m passionate about. While Guam has a university—the University of Guam—many students, myself included, have to leave the island for higher education to access greater opportunities. But leaving is not an option for many people. Financial difficulties prevent many students from pursuing their dreams on the mainland, and some are unable to attend university at all. I’ve watched friends and peers give up their aspirations because the cost of education was simply too high.

    Higher education is a privilege, and I dream of a future where it is accessible to all young people in Guam, regardless of their financial circumstances. Education is more than a stepping stone—it’s a bridge to opportunities, experiences, and solutions that can uplift entire communities. Addressing the barriers to education in Guam would mean empowering the next generation to lead and innovate, transforming not just our island but the world around us.

    Through writing, advocacy, and future initiatives, I hope to amplify Guam’s voice, create educational opportunities, and improve access to resources. But how does a business degree fit into all of this? Honestly, I have no idea! And that’s terrifying to admit as a senior. Still, I think it’s okay not to have everything figured out just yet. Sharing these concerns with you is my way of making sure that my home and its people are not forgotten. As Jacqueline Novogratz said, 'We have only one world for all of us on earth, and the future really is ours to create.' I want my contribution to that future to start with addressing the systemic challenges that have affected Guam and other underrepresented communities. 

    For now, I’m just taking things one step at a time. I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up, but I do know that leaving the island was the biggest step I could’ve taken. Everything else? That’s part of the journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.