For the Homeland by Mia

For the Homeland by Mia - May 2018 Scholarship Essay

I may not live in Palau, but I consider myself a part of their community as a Palauan. As someone from a small Micronesian island, I know how difficult it is to obtain certain items that are easy to gain here. Overseas exports are heavily taxed, making them overpriced. Necessities like clothes and undergarments are expensive, and most money goes towards supporting the family. Schools are underfunded and completely different compared to the supplies accessible here. This is why my family and I began to donate to our country.

Usually, islanders who live in America send supplies only to their families. We send them of course to our family, but to the other citizens of Palau as well. I would go to library book sales and box up several hundred children’s books for the kids to read. I would also choose and buy some new school supplies from office depot for classrooms in Palau. After gathering them all together, we connected with the Senator of Palau to make sure these books and supplies reached places that needed them. I found out later that the senator had sent several of the items to the Ministry of Education in Palau. The books were divided between Peleliu Elementary School and George B Harris Elementary school in the capital city, Koror. After packaging them together and sending them out, I felt accomplished. Seeing pictures of students holding books I picked out for them gave me an indescribable feeling. Students for years to come would read the books I donated and use the supplies I sent. These underrepresented and under-resourced communities now have access to a myriad of books ranging from fiction to education because of my actions. Moreover, I have highlighted the global importance of reading and education to the Senator, and I have shown the willingness of the global community to assist with Palau’s socioeconomic issues.