Fono was a thinker, and a creator of interesting things. My oldest daughter is called Faailovaiolandria (combination of my mother, and end parts of people’s names who were dear friends of ours). My grandson is Lealofisaoletupuoletaisamasamaoletuimanu’a (name parts that ties our heritage). This for sure is true of him. Everything that he does, he plans it out so that it is meaningful and purposeful.

Polynesian navigators can be said to be the best of its kind. They were wayfinders. Relying totally on reading the night sky, placement of the sun, the way of currents, flights of birds to find their way through the unknown seas can rightly be said they were truly the best. For that, they can be said to be geniuses. They had to be very courageous. In making Navigators the mascot of Ofu-Olosega Elementary, Fono wanted students to align their spark of quest in life, with those of olden polynesian navigators. After completion of sign, for its dedication, the entire school assembled on the court overlooking the ocean. In formal speech he passionately spoke of the olden navigators, their courage, commitment, and quest to discover. He wanted students to make the connection of their own lives; that with perseverance, commitment, and courage, they too can reach their own goals.

As I look back to that moment, it was an epic setting as students faced the ocean while Fono the storyteller, sparked in them hope and visions. I can't accurately say all polynesians do this, but as a young girl growing up in Ofu, I had the hobby of reading the time (hour reading) looking at the sun. I would look at the sun and guess the time. I'd seen it in older folks conversations, "ua afa le aso" (its mid-day), and I'd look at the sun and where it was. As a pattern I made connections of its placement, and continue reading for accuracy. I’d say seventy five percent of the time I was right. Makes me think that yeah, I am truly an ancestor of the Polynesian voyagers.

Making connections, basing our choices on things we’ve learned of the past is a great way of growth. It can also be a form of living in gratitude. As I reflect to my beginnings, my family, especially my mother and grandparents, living meagerly in that tiny island of Ofu, Manu’a, I am forever grateful. No matter where I live today, even if I don’t ever have a chance to return, my connection is deep. It is my roots. My husband and I were able to serve there as teachers, the place where I was born. Moreover, he left a legacy there as generations and generations of student navigators at Ofu-Olosega Elementary, continue their pursuit as great thinkers and achievers. Yes his life was purposeful in things he did. What are some of your connections?