Aaron+C.

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

What really makes up my identity is my desire to be different. I like to stand out from the crowd and I fear of blending in with everyone else. The feeling of being unique is what I strive for. I like being myself. I feel like I do things my way, but not in a negative or stubborn sense. I like to help and do things for others but I do not enjoy being taken advantage of. I like to listen to others but not let them have the final say as to what I decide. I also care about what others say more than I allow them to think I do.
 * What __really__  makes up your identity?

My room. It's the one place where I am comfortable and at peace. I can be myself in there because no one is there to judge me. I have my aquarium, my dog, and my plants in there and it helps to create a calm, soothing atmosphere. At night when the lights are off, my stars glow on my ceiling. It is just a great place to realy relax. Anywhere that does not have a judgmental atmosphere is a great place for me.
 * What __really__  makes up your sense of place?

When I work in a group, I not only do my share, but others too because I like doing things for others. I wouldn't do all of their part, but I certainly would help if they asked. I feel like I am an easy person to get along with and I don't like the feeling of bringing a group of people down. I like helping others to feel comfortable around me because that is how I wish to feel with others, so I try to be open-minded and not judge others. Like they say, treat others how you want to be treated. I remind myself to live by those words.
 * What roles do your identity and sense of place play when you work with others in a group project?

At times I may be shy, but other times I am very outgoing. I enjoy meeting new people, let alone people from other countries, and am a very friendly person. I am fairly easy to hold a conversation with, and I respect others and the way they think and I try not to judge others. I like to learn about the places that people are from and hear how different those places are from Hawai'i. It helps me to imagine the lives beyond these rocks in the middle of the Pacific ocean.
 * What are the qualities that you bring to the GLIP conversation that will help you make a contribution to your global group?

A local problem here would definitely be the homelessness. Because of our isolated location, the cost of living is very high here. People elsewhere do not know of this because it tarnishes the utopia reputation that is very important to Hawai'i's economy. To resolve it, we could have more homeless shelters so they can move off of the streets and beaches. I don't know what we can do to reduce the cost of living, but we can help them to get properly sheltered.
 * 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?

Initiative is the first thing you'll need because it is what sparked you into wanting to solve the problem. Commitment is definitely necessary. If you are not going to put in all of your effort and are not commited to what you're trying to do, then why even do it? Resilience is also necessary because things will not always go as planned and take turns for the worst, but you can't let it bring you down. You need to bounce back and stay focused on what you're trying to achieve.
 * 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?

Phase II: Sense of Place

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This picture does not showcase the full beauty of Kane'ohe, Hawai'i. This picture is of the majestic Ko'olau Mountain range, which runs down the island O'ahu, the main and most populated island. I love living in Kane'ohe because of its natural beauty and you can find everything you need here. It is not too country style and not too city style. It has the right mix of both. Although I see the mountains everyday, it never ceases to amaze me and remind me how fortunate I am to live in such a beautiful place. The citizens are full of the "Aloha Spirit" and everyone is like family.

Phase III: Identify Local Issue:

What is your local issue? Homelessness is a problem everywhere, but here in Hawai'i it is a very big issue. I have decided to focus on the homelessness in Hawai'i. Many do not know that we have this problem because their initial thoughts when they hear Hawai'i are palm trees and blue beaches.

Unfortunately, the tents in this picture do not represent people camping for fun. It represents people's homes on a local beach on O'ahu.

For more information, click the link below. []

What can you do to address the issue? To address this issue, I can look up local organizations and assist them in any way possible. I can donate food or clothes, depending on what they need. I participate in a leadership program that brainstroms ways to help our community, and although we can't provide help as far as homes for the homeless, we can give them personal hygiene products and other necessities for clean living.

What is the global impact of your local issue? Homelessness in Hawai'i does impact the world in ways we aren't aware of. It goes to show that America is a money-hungry country who only shows the views of Hawai'i that will get more tourists to stimulate our economy. They use propoganda techniques to get others to come here and spend money. To many outsiders, Hawai'i is a complete paradise because they only see what the government allows. It also goes to show that even the most beautiful attractions has its flaws.


 * "Maybe they were temporarily out of a job and couldn't get it back together enough to have an address or phone number to go job searching and then they became accustomed to living in this subculture," -Businessman who is dedicating his life to those who have nothing.**
 * "I was working for Hawaii National Bank. I was a bank manager making good money. That was 15 years ago.I had a beautiful wife and three kids and I lost all of them."-Danny Kenny on his tragic story of losing it all.**

Add these thoughts to your Group's Discussion Forum on Local Issues