SOGI FELLOWSHIP GIVES HAWAI'I STUDENT EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE

SOGI FELLOWSHIP GIVES HAWAI'I STUDENT
EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE ~ By Dawn Holland
Reprinted with permission from "Connections," Summer 2003
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program.

I've rubbed shoulders with congressmen, stuffed envelopes, organized a press conference. Seems like I've done it all as a Sogi Fellow with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program. This semester-long opportunity during the fall of 2002 was made possible by the benevolence of Francis and Sarah Sogi.

Impressed with the Program's efforts and direction under Director Franklin Odo, the Sogis established the fellowship two years ago. Realizing how important a role education played in Francis Sogi's own success, he and his wife set up the foundation in 1993 "for the purpose of scholarship."

An international lawyer, philanthropist, WWII veteran and Asian American activist, Sogi grew up in Hawai'i and graduated from the University of Hawai'i. In his own words, the Sogi Fellowship was "an opportunity to give students from the University of Hawai'i [a chance] to study and gain experience at the prestigious institution."

As the 2002 recipient of this award, I can attest to the value of this opportunity. I'm originally from Minnesota and spent the last three years in Hawai'i. My semester in fast-paced, politically charged Washington, D.C. opened both my eyes and my mind.

In my second week with the APA Program, I attended a congressional hearing on Marshall Islanders seeking more funds for healthcare. I learned how in the years after World War II, the United States performed nuclear testing on many of the islands. I watched the pained face of islander Aruko Bobo as she described the nuclear fallout landing about them like snow and afterward the burning and blistering that covered their bodies. I listened as she told of the sudden proliferation of stillborn and miscarried babies - many fetuses hardly recognizable as human.

Bobo's story left me stunned and with tears in my eyes. It was a riveting introduction to the diverse issues and causes important to the Asian American community.

Of course, there were less poignant experiences during my fellowship as well. Many more experiences were marked by laughter than by tears - and on occasion, both laughter and tears. Like the time a normal-looking businessman, conservatively dressed with briefcase in tow, exposed himself on the Metro platform for all to see. It was my first encounter with a flasher, and I felt very far from home. I was rattled, sure, but no worse for the wear. (Or rather, no worse for the lack of wear!)

In all seriousness, I found my experiences to be overwhelmingly engaging, useful and worthwhile. I participated in organizing a press conference and an opening reception, gained valuable professional writing experience, and attended many interesting lectures. All were fantastic opportunities for an undergraduate student, and I was fortunate enough to experience it all. I often felt that I was learning by osmosis. Politics, art, culture - I couldn't help but absorb them while in a city and institution housing such knowledge and history.

I have since returned to Hawai'i and graduated with my Bachelor of Arts. While I contemplate my next step in life, I find my experience has given me a newfound confidence and more diverse and tolerant perspectives. I have comfort knowing whatever path I choose, I can take these broadly applicable and invaluable experiences with me.