Talofa! (Pssst! That means “Hello” in Samoan!) My name is Alyssa Kaewwilai and I am currently in Apia, Samoa studying social and environmental change on the Polynesian islands! I am a 21-year-old student from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania where I study environmental and computer science. How did I end up on this island, you may say? I am always been very interested in Samoan culture and the biodiversity of plants and animals in the Pacific region, especially Samoa! In fact, part of this inspiration came from the very popular Disney movie, Moana! I hope that during my time here I am able to research many of the ongoing social and natural events that happen on these islands and to better understand how Samoans respond to different changes to their environment.
As a daughter of two parents from Bangkok, Thailand I have always been very interested in different languages and cultures. Other than English, I am able to read and write in Spanish! I’m learning Samoan right now as I live on the island, so wish me luck! I hope that my time studying abroad in Samoa will help me gain many experiences to make me a better student and a better thinker!
