Day 5: Making Connections by Cecilia Arellano

July 25th, 2019

Making Connections

by Cecilia Arellano

Imagine the following scenario: as soon as you close your eyes and take one deep and calming breath, you feel as if your mind, body, and nature become one. As cheesy as it may sound, that is exactly what I felt today. Throughout the week, for one reason or another, I felt as if no matter how much I wanted to and tried I simply could not connect to my surroundings the way that I wanted to. However, that all changed today. 

Aloha, I am Ceci and have been enchanted by Hawai'i, especially the Big Island. Today I rode in a van with an amazing group of people during which time we shared each other's' cultural songs and sang them at the top of our lungs. Today we headed to the Dryland Forest, where we met an amazing and hardworking group of people such as Uncle Kioki and Crystal. 

It is traditional to sing to ask for permission to enter the forest. We all held hands in connection and the hike leaders began singing. As soon as the song was done, the skies became cloudy, the wind began blowing providing us with a refreshing breeze, and the birds began chirping as if the forest was welcoming us into the terrain. This was the moment where everything changed and I felt connected with the lands we were stepping on. That was when I knew that I was stripping from the outer layer that prevented me from enjoying the trip as a whole. 

Cecilia enjoying the view from the house at HPA.

After a full body workout going down the forest, we met the rest of the Dryland Forest workers. We were told the names of various native trees. We were given the task to pick the seeds from the A’ali’i tree. While doing so, I spoke to Crystal who was interning there through the AmeriCorps. When she mentioned the name “AmeriCorp” my ears immediately perked up knowing that some of my college loans could be partially forgiven if I serve for the program. 

I knew that was what I wanted to do. I want to work outside repaying Mother Earth with service for everything that she unconditionally provides us with. My life felt as if some pieces were beginning to fit better than they did before. I realized that I will probably want to major somewhere in that pathway. I am thankful for this opportunity because I feel as if it helped me learn what I feel better doing and lead me through the path I was destined to go through.