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STEP Learn in Paradise

For my STEP project, I participated in a 10-day internship called “Learn in Paradise” at Big Island Farms in Honoka’a, Hawai’i. During this internship we learned about a variety of permaculture and regenerative agriculture practices from local farmers on the island. While living and eating on the farm, we learned about native plants, bee keeping, bio-charcoal, marine biology, food forests, medicinal plants, and many aspects of Hawaiian culture.

Many aspects of my perspective were changed through this experience. I learned how to walk into a space and ask the native people how they would like to be respected and honored, rather than assuming that I know what another person would appreciate. I learned how to participate in a community effectively, by finding what needs to be done, and helping without being asked. I learned that my own body and emotions can be regulated by living in a healthier manner, and that when those things are in order, I am a happier and more helpful person. I learned to drop into my heart space rather than always trying to think my way into a solution. I learned to trust myself, and that it is important to bring good energy into a space, if you wish to be treated well.

I learned an immense amount about what is going on in areas where there is active colonization and active effects of global warming. While at home I might be stressed about friendships, school, or work, but in Hawai’i they are correctly focusing on the health of their bodies, their culture, and the planet. Learning about this has transformed my perspective and actions here at home. I find that I can better manage my smaller stressors when I put my energy and attention towards larger problems outside of myself. I also learned that actions are immensely necessary. Being morally “on-board” is only the first step to living ethically – the actions are what will make a difference.

Meeting a farmer named Ki’i was one of the most impactful experiences I had during my program. Ki’i is a Hawaiian woman that we met on our first day. She shared with us information about how we should respect her and other Hawaiian people. She taught us to make ourselves useful by having us walk through the farm and observe what needed to be done without being given a job. She spoke to us about how actions and caring are more necessary than thinking right now, and that our time and care is the greatest gift we could give. Farming is not just a passion to her, but it is something to protect.

Our group leader and program coordinator, Jordan, also deeply influenced my perspective. Her strength and ability to lead us while also encouraging us to be self-sufficient allowed my comfort and confidence to flourish. We had many conversations during car rides in which we talked about how much there is to learn, and how change is the only thing that remains consistent. She made me feel as though I am not alone when I can only rely on myself. She taught me that I already have many answers, and that there are good people in every community that want to connect with and help others. She was always the last person to continue farming, lifting, cooking, and doing anything that needed to be done. She always had energy to give to the local people that gave their time to us. Her diligence and generosity always resulted in great connections and energy given back to her in some form. It was clear that energy is reciprocal.

I was lucky to have a deep connection with the farm owner, Anu. Anu owns 10 businesses in different countries, but still made time to be with us for 5 days of our program. She taught us about medicinal plants and helped us harvest and make our own salve. Her ability to work with the earth to heal us brought me a deep sense of peace. Her plant tinctures helped my headaches on the first day and her salve healed my bug bites. Her devotion to helping others and respecting and honoring the earth grounded me in what is truly important.

For a long time I have been chasing the next thing on my calendar or to-do list. While I love studying music education, this experience reminded me how much I care about the earth and living in a sustainable community. I am sure that change will continue to be constant, and I will go through phases of living on farms, traveling, and working in schools, but now I know that I will always find time to reconnect to the earth, find sustainable living strategies, and learn from new cultures. This was just the beginning of my learning as a student of the world!