***THE H.Y.P.E. MOVEMENT

A few nights ago I stumbled upon this blog by a fellow Tongan by the name of Anapesi @ www.anapesi.blogspot.com and I found it somewhat liberating to have come across this movement that is slowly taking over and reaching people all over the world. H.Y.P.E. stands for Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation and it's a movement that encourages the youth to break free from the typical stereotypes and constraints that have been keeping them from becoming what they truly dream of. I can't believe I didn't stumble across this sooner. I think that the message that they are trying to convey is one of empowerment, courage and action and I believe it is something that not only pacific islanders, but people of all nations can relate to.

I remember back in high school, I was more into my art in all mediums than my sports and when I received recognition for topping my class it amazed me the number of people who would come up and congratulate me thinking I was awarded due to something sports related. To be honest, I found it a little frustrating, I mean don't get me wrong, I do love the fact that there is an area where we can excell and I am proud of that, because in a way it kind of paves the way for the rest of us to go forth into the world and achieve our own dreams of success. I just don't want there to be a cemented mind-frame set among Tongans (and all people alike) to think that that's the only way to it. I sit here running over countless stories in my mind of people that I grew up with who have fallen down the wrong path that ring true to the stories mentioned by the young children in the H.Y.P.E. Movement commercial above. And those kids, just by appearing in the commercial have already given us (and themselves) an immense head-start into our future.

I am proud of what we have accomplished already and am overwhelmed at the thought of what we can further achieve. I can't stress enough the hugeness of what we can grasp and to what lengths we can take it to. Join the movement, because I have. I am currently studying for my Bachelor of Design, majoring in Fashion. Once that's complete, I intend to take on the fashion industry head on.