Eric+A.

Phase I: Who Am I? What's My Place?

What I believe what really makes up my identity is my morals and my instincts. I go by a code rather, it tells me what i should do or is my guidance to decide between whats right and whats wrong. My morals usually revolve around the quote "What would Jesus do?", this is because i was raised under the studies of Catholicism. Instincts is my main influence on every single choice I make in my life. I go by what my "gut" tells me; Where I walk, what I say, when I should do things. It all depends on the situation that comes to me.
 * What __really__ makes up your identity?


 * What __really__ makes up your sense of place?

In this world I feel as though i am an explorer. I enjoy discovering new things, learning about this world and how people react to the problems we face. As i learn more about peoples life styles and the issues they come across, and how difficult things might be to them. I then start to have respect for them because i dont have many problems living at all at the moment, but then if you look at third world countries you notice they struggle to survive everyday. At that point have respect for them, and feel that they should be helped in some kind of way. I'm only a teen, so I cant make a big difference but im sure I could do minor things to help in a way.

My instincts would tell me to try and socialize and make new friends, thats usually what my attitude is towards meeting new people. If I feel that if something is important, then I would put a lot of effort to achieving my goal. Which brings to my sense of place, I feel it is important to help others in need. This project is about solving problems through out different countries. This now became important to me.
 * What roles do your identity and sense of place play when you work with others in a group project?

One major quality of mine is determination. When i start, i dont back down. I do my best to succeed in what im aiming for. If I could make a change in this world then I will take that opportunity. I think anyone can be a good asset to a group if they really try. With this project, I'm going to try.
 * What are the qualities that you bring to the GLIP conversation that will help you make a contribution to your global group?

I think a problem here on these islands is drug abuse. Last year i went to a guest speaker with my class, it was about crystal meth. Hawaii is rank 5 in the nation for how much people do meth. I think that makes us overall look bad, I dont want Hawaiians known as Ice heads. One step to helping this problem is to support the organization "Meth, not even once", they seem to have plans on helping the drug abuse to lower or to go away completely. Another is to report suspicious activity to the police or crime stoppers. You can also help by spreading the word to families and friends, I think every little piece of help can make a change entirely.
 * What is one local problem (where you live) that you believe needs to be addressed? Suggest some steps could you take to try to solve it?

As I said before, I believe the 2 strongest qualities a person can have to helping to solve this problem is Effort and Determination. Effort is the quality of your work, it will be neat and well organized instead of sloppy and poorly made. Determination will be your motivation, it will remind you that this is to better the worlds future. You'll go all the way and wont give up, because you're determined to do so. Other qualities are useful as well, such as Optimism, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Perseverance, and pretty much anything that includes being strong and knowing the importance of this project.
 * Finally, some problems have been around for a long time. What qualities do you think a person must have to step up and try to solve them?

=== I really enjoyed reading your ideas about self and place. I thought it was interesting that your sense of self is based on a “gut” reaction. I had never thought of life in that way, but it is very eye opening. I was also taken back by your thoughts on drug use on the island. You taught me something new, something that is interesting and upsetting. I look forward to learning more about you and your determination. Keep up the good work! ===
 * ||  || === Eric A. ===

~Your group leader: Elizabeth
||  ||   ||

Phase II: Sense of Place

Eric,
=== WOW!!! Your picture is amazing. I think it blends the idea of a developed area with homes (not grass shacks) and the concept of nature. I am really trying to think of a way to put your sense of place into words, however, that pictures has rendered me speechless. Thank you for taking the project seriously, posting an awesome picture, and also providing the correct information. Awesome job!! ===

~Your Group Leader: Elizabeth
Hi Eric,

I also wanted to comment on your picture; it is truly magnificent! I have been to Hawaii. I stayed with friends for two weeks; we went to the Big Island, Maui and I stayed in Oahu. I enjoyed this vacation because I was able to stay with someone who was born there and I learned so much. I love the tradition of removing your shoes before entering someone's home and I know you live in a paradise. I'm glad you appreciate it and want to share it with others.

~Your Technology Facilitator, Kelli




 * The reason I chose this picture was because it has a top view of the city I live in, this was taken on The Stairway Heaven, a hike that brings you to the top of Koolau mountains. This hike is found in Kaneohe, Hawaii. I love where I live because the east side is the most rainiest side of the island, that means it is the greenest part of the island. That is why in my user name I put "44", our zip code is 96744 so I'm representing where I grew up in. The view is beautiful at the top of the Koolau mountains, I wanted to show people from out side the islands, that Hawaii does live up to its name "Paradise".
 * We do Not live in grass shacks.
 * Respect to locals is a must.
 * Aloha means Hello, Goodbye, But mainly represents the Love on our islands.

Phase III: Identify Local Issue:

Eric, Once again your images are outstanding and send a clear picture of your thoughts and ideas. Overall, I am so impressed with your dedication to this project; you have consistently done your best and provided wonderful insight. As for your local issue, I think you are correct when you talk about supporting the Meth Project and what it stands for on the island. It is alarming to think that meth use among 10th grade students has increased 87%!!! There is most certainly a global impact when it comes to this situation because it is affecting our future leaders and members of society. Powerful Phase III write up! Keep up the great work! Elizabeth What is your local issue? The local issue that I want to promote is to stop the Meth abuse in our state. Hawaii has a major problem with this drug. In articles I read it states, "Meth use amoung Hawaii 10th-graders increased 87% between 2005 and 2007". Statistics also show that, "Hawaii ranked No. 19 in the nation in 2007 for the percentage of teens (3.9%) who have used Meth". It is the strongest drug that is chemically made and is highly addictive, thats why the Meth Projects' slogan is "Not Even Once",because it only takes one hit for you to get hooked. This Article could inform you about this issue, [|News Article].

What can you do to be address the issue? I believe the best thing I can do is to Try and support the orginization that tries to prevent this, the Meth Project. The hyper link I posted up could better explain their goals, [|Not Even Once].

What is the global impact of your local issue? The global impact that I can think of is the transportation of this drug. I'm sure that this drug is spreading across the whole nation. If we can stop it in one state, maybe the orginization that stops this problem could be more funded and hopefully it could start to stop it in other states.