“After miles of walking and restless nights, we finally came to a stop.” This is the story of how my dad and my mom had to leave their home. Tonga, a place where there is peace and hardly any violence. People would wake up to the sound of singing birds and a beautiful view of the beach and the sun ... Read More »
I was only 26 years old when I found out I was pregnant, and I wanted a better life and future for the both of us since the father wanted no part of our future. He was too caught up with being young and did not want the responsibility. Too bad, I’m a strong independent woman. I grew up in ... Read More »
My whole life changed once I turned 12 years old. I learned I was adopted by my aunt, and later I was reunited with my real parents and siblings. Together we moved to America. I was living in a big house with a cat, and life was slow. Living with my aunt was very fun but there are lots of ... Read More »
My cousin arrived with news I no longer wanted to hear about. He told me my visa was approved and that I would be going to Hawaii. I told him I no longer can accept. The house I lived in was built by my Teti (dad). My teti was a sheriff and was very protective over our family. The island ... Read More »
I came from nothing, running from cops handcuffing. I had to make it out so my family could stop suffering. This was the moment I knew I had to search for a better life, a better future, and I found that in America. My name is Siaosi (George) Kuli Vanisi and I grew up on an island in the south ... Read More »
I was darker than most, as were my kids, and had often gone through numerous racial encounters. I had been called ‘nigger’ or ‘bum’ by people who didn’t want to hire me or even by people on the street as I walked by with my children. I was born in Niuatoputapu, Tonga. It’s a small island and one of the ... Read More »
Knowing that I would start a new life, my mind and heart continued to push me forward, making me actually do it while my feet were trying to stop. Which led me to today, knowing that if I had never come here, I would never be who I am right now. My name is Sylvia Wolfgramm and I was born in ... Read More »
It always dawned on me that once I leave, a part of me will be missing. Now a proud citizen of America, I must tell how and why I became the person that stands before you today. I am proudly known as Malia Imalata Tofavaha, mother of 4 wonderful kids, wonderful friend to many, and a soulmate to one. From ... Read More »
Keleki Tuitavake was adopted and raised by his Aunty because his father didn’t have the time nor the money to take care of him, but still loved him and currently lives in Salt Lake City with family. He grew up in Tonga in a small town on a farm with the rest of his family. He was very successful in ... Read More »
My dad, Moses Tameilau, was born and raised in Niua, Tonga. He is 52 years old and now lives in Redwood City, Ca with an amazing wife and six kids. He owns a little business in concrete contracting and works for the government in the city of Los Gatos. He has a strong passion for the game of rugby and ... Read More »