As I've worked and lived with these amazing Marshallese people, I've come to realize that although
I am a reasonable intelligent, independent and hardworking person, here I am treated more like a pet monkey. I mean this is the most flattering way of course. It's more of a fact that I am an oddity and this brings out the same
tendencies and mannerisms a person might have towards a capuchin in a fez.
-I am asked if not
forced to dance at any and every special occasion
-I am rewarded with
either a pat on the head or food
-They always laugh
and indulgently smile when I try to speak Marshallese
-I often get dragged
places without knowing why or where we're going
-People come by the
house just to watch me do things like read or write
-People call out my
name everywhere I go
-Everyone just says
"come" or "go", simple commands
-I'm asked to give
speeches at events and everyone laughs even when I'm not being funny
-People talk about
me even when I'm sitting next to them
The first picture is me and the Senator. He's also the King of the Island of the Irooj. It was the opening ceremony of my new school. Notice I'm all decked out in my island finery?
Second picture is a Halloween picture with my 8th grade. Can you spot the Ripelle?
Third picture is me and one of my 3rd graders, Rana, at the Field Day. They play lots of games and have foot races. Plenty of fun for the whole family!
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