PAY IT FORWARD

As the end of the school year approached, Japanese 4 students were tasked with successfully organizing and executing a service learning project in the community. Not only did students incorporate their knowledge of Japanese culture and language, but they also engaged in the true spirit of community service: bringing joy to others.

Image by Cole Shintaku '17

After school on April 19, 2016, Averi, Jalvin, Cole, and I volunteered at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Children's Center. Since Children's Day was just around the corner, we decided to educate preschoolers about the origins, purpose, and customs of this special Japanese holiday.

Aria Fukumae '17 colors and assists preschoolers with their koinobori (carp streamers).

Every year on May 5, Kodomonohi or "Children's Day" is celebrated in Japan. On this day, families honor the health, growth, and happiness of their children. Upon arriving at the Children's Center, we first read Girls' Day/Boys' Day by Minako Ishii to teach the kids the traditions and significance of the holidays. Although originally solely for boys, the holiday's name was changed to "Children's Day" in 1948 to include both genders in the celebration.

Jalvin Sato '16 and Averi Salvador '17 read to students about Japanese Children's Day.

On this special day, colorful carp streamers, also known as koinobori, are hung outside homes to fly in the wind and bring good luck to the children living inside. Koi fish (carp) are believed to be strong spirited fish, revered for their determination. A legend states that the fish swim upstream and through powerful waterfalls to become dragons. Koinobori symbolize the desire for children to become brave and strong individuals.

Jalvin Sato '16 colors and assists preschoolers with their koinobori (carp streamers).

Next, we led the class in creating their own koinobori. Using crayons and markers, the kids colored their own koi to represent the determined fish that will turn into dragons.

Image by Cole Shintaku '17

In addition, sweets are traditionally eaten on this holiday for good luck, so our group made mochi to share with the preschoolers. When the kids were done coloring their koi, we tied it to a chopstick and their very own koinobori was complete!

Averi Salvador '17 helps children put their koinobori together.

Not only did we volunteer in our community, but we also taught kids about Japanese culture and traditions. Averi Salvador '17 shared, "It felt great to see their cute, smiling faces and make a difference in the community at the same time."

Acts of service and volunteering in the community have zero boundaries.

What does the word "we" mean to you? To some, it is when the hearts of many beat in unison and many people experience the same event together. To others, "we" can mean letting yourself go and losing yourself in something bigger. During the annual Memorial Day Lantern Floating Festival held on Oahu's south shore by Lantern Floating Hawaii, an average of 50,000 people come together to find a connection with those in the past, present, and future.

Memorial Day is a holiday during which Americans celebrate and honor those who have fallen in sake of his or her country. In Hawaii, the tradition has been modified slightly in an effort to encompass Hawaii's uniquely diverse population. The result is the Lantern Floating Festival. During this special event, people from a multitude of backgrounds and cultures come together to decorate paper lanterns with messages and to send them off into the gentle waves of the ocean.

Through the Luke Center, I volunteered to help with preparations for the 2016 Lantern Floating Festival. I arrived at the Shinnyo-en building in Downtown, Honolulu not knowing what I was getting myself into, but my worries were quickly washed away upon meeting all of the kind, hardworking volunteers and workers as well as the Punahou Key Club.

I was assigned the simple task of sticking slips of paper with the names and messages of the deceased onto the sides of pre-made lanterns. All the while, I conversed with other volunteers, sharing laughs and passing stories. After a short snack break, I was then asked to help write names and messages onto the slips of paper. Some were just names, while others were heartfelt messages, inside jokes, or even poems that people wished to share with their loved ones. Meanwhile, at the table next to me, volunteers were busy folding colorful paper cranes -- symbols of peace and prayers.


Although I have never attended the Lantern Floating Festival myself, I'm glad I was able to help out even a little by volunteering with the preparations. Everyone I met that day was very nice and talkative, and the work wasn't too taxing or difficult. I was able to feel connected in some way to the larger community. Whether you have lost someone special in your life, or just want to help out next year, the Lantern Floating Festival will accept you with open arms and smiles.

Source

I volunteered as a timekeeper from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. My job was to keep time for the students participating in the meet by using a stopwatch and timing cards. I began timing when the student presenter began speaking and turned the timing cards as the minutes passed to let he or she know how much time had gone by. After the presenter ended his or her speech, I wrote the elapsed time on the white board in the front of the room next to each presenter’s name listed.

Although this volunteer experience was not very difficult, my job as a timekeeper was crucial because it helped participants stay within the recommended time. I had a positive experience helping out with this event; it was interesting to hear the participants' speeches while also doing some community service.

All of the participants were very nervous so it felt good to volunteer and help them to be just a little less anxious!