Today I did a tour of our detox facility for a few judges in
the Salt Lake City area. I always get nervous doing tours because I want to
make sure I portray my program and agency in the right way; and that I can
articulate accurately what we do as a program to help our clients. But I was
extra nervous because I was going to be touring JUDGES (who could put me in
jail) and I was going to do it in front of the C.O.O of our agency. No pressure right?
So I was pretty focused on the script in my head, when
someone in the group said, “Are you Polynesian?” I said yes, and then she asked if I was
Samoan. When I said I was, she started speaking to me in Samoan, introducing herself
and asking me what village my family was from.
I was shocked…speechless actually, and
initially forgot how to respond to her. (I understand Samoan but am very
limited in speaking it.) Luckily my brain started working again and I was able to respond
to her in Samoan, but then I got all teary.
Before me was a Judge that shared my skin color and ethnicity
IN UTAH !??; someone that is connected to the islands where I am from. It was
an honor to meet her. I kept hugging her because… well..she’s awesome, but I was also
so excited to see a Polynesian in such a prestigious position. I’m not sure I
can explain what her example means to me...and what it could mean to young Polynesians
that are trying to figure out what they want to become. THEY CAN BE JUDGES!!!!... or whatever they want to be :) It is always so great seeing a Pacific Islander really contribute to their communities and just doing some amazing things..it's inspiring! I’m
so proud and impressed by her and all that she has accomplished thus far. Thanks
for blazing the trail Judge Trease…

1 comment:
That is amazing! I would have loved to see it. I bet she'll remember you, too!
Post a Comment