by Makana Tavares

1. From the Middle of the
Pacific to the Ocean State
Makana Tavares

2. Wise Words
He lawai'a no ke kai papa'u, he pokole ke aho; he
lawai'a no ke kai hohonu he loa ke aho.
A fisherman of shallow seas uses only a short line; a
fisherman of the deep sea uses a long line.
You will reach only as far as you aim and prepare
yourself to reach.

3. Dreams for Moku o Keawe
 To see Hawai'i produce its own food and energy and
reduce its dependence on domestic and foreign
imports.
 To see Hawai'i's status as a military outpost reduced
dramatically.
 To have Hawai'i's residents realize its cosmopolitan
nature and embrace its multicultural identity fully.

4. Background
What differentiates you from others? How have your past
experiences influenced your present goals?
 First generation college student
 Attended an alternative charter school
 Connection to Hawaiian culture/value system
 I am inspired by a commitment to community well-being
as exemplified by the organizations with which I’ve had
the privilege of working.

5. Background contd.
My Hawaiian island community has given me:
 Desire to venture outside of Hawai’i
 Interest in grassroots efforts to better meet social needs
 Concepts like kaona – layers of understanding, and
makawalu – multiple perspectives, mixed identities
 Interest in studying “culture”, giving voice to the
voiceless, challenging dominant societal tropes

6. Preparation
 College Horizons
 Positive relationship with College Counselor
 $20,000 Scholarships from both the Gromet and Dell
Foundations, respectively

7. Where I am now
 Rising Junior at Brown University
 Anthropology concentrator (in Engaged
Scholars Program)
 Intern in University Human Resources
 Volunteer at the Samaritans of Rhode
Island
 Outdoor Leadership Environmental
Education Program Mentor
 Incoming Co-President of the Social
Action House

8. What I’ve learned getting here
Don’t sell yourself short/underestimate your abilities
Seek help – there are so many resources out there;
take the initiative to find them!
Worries/insecurities I’ve had:
 Culture-shock/Missing home
 Supporting myself financially
 Inability to keep pace with Ivy-League academics
 Doubts about my academic choices

9. Where I want to be
I’m not entirely sure… Nothing is concrete
 Abroad in the Spring – doing fieldwork to enrich my
Anthropology concentration
 Interning at a non-profit, continuing work with The
Samaritans
 Graduating in 2017 and either pursuing further
work in the non-profit sector or an advanced
degree.

10. Field ExperienceInternships:
 AS220
Youthhttp://youth.as220.org/
makanas-internship-favorite-
summer-moments-2/
 The Samaritans of Rhode Island
http://samaritansri.org/
What next?
 More non-profit work: grant-
finding/writing and non-profit
management to create
sustainable organizations

11. Successes and Failures
 Adjusting to New England (weather, culture, etc.)
 Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and jobs
 Maintaining high standards for myself
 Finding a healthy community
 Learning to be uncomfortable!
 Having a good sense of humor

12. What I’ve learned about leading
 Leadership is multifaceted
 There are different leadership styles, all of which can
be equally effective depending on the situation
 Collaboration and communication are absolutely key!