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A Word Which Encompasses Life
Ben Brockman
Welcomed by palm trees and graceful, mysterious mountains on the
horizon, Fiji offered a paradise like none I had ever before
encountered. However, as I walked down the corridor from the plane to
the hub of Nadi’s airport, I was introduced to the real treasures of
Fiji, its people and their defining word. Over the next six days I had
the privilege to live among a million of the friendliest, most
openhearted, unique, and inspirational individuals I have ever met. At
every corner of our Fijian voyage was smiling Fijians calling out
“Bula”, the Fijian word for hello, how are you, and all else encompassed
in the Fijian way of live. The events leading up to my experience in
Fiji, my actual time in Fiji, as well as my contacts with Fiji since by
departure have marked a turning point to a whole new life.
Before my trip I came into contact with an organization fittingly named
Project Bula, started by People to People alumni who had traveled to
Fiji several years prior. After observing the state of poverty in Fiji,
especially present in the school systems, Project Bula set out to remedy
this by sending shipments of school supplies. After reading about the
school and viewing various photographs on the website, I then considered
running my own drive.
Beginning with my own delegation, I spoke on behalf of Project Bula and
encouraged those traveling to Fiji to participate in the fundraising
efforts. The project soon expanded to include two other local
delegations traveling to Fiji from Bucks County, PA. Contacts within my
delegation led to contributions from several local schools, including my
own, as well as from local libraries. All supplies were personally
packaged, wrapped, and stored by the father of a delegate, a small
business owner. After failing to receive sponsorship for shipping from
many sources, the founding Chicago chapter of Project Bula, run by Matt
Dworzanczyk, donated $900 towards the shipping. People to People quickly
matched this offer to pay for the remainder of the shipment. This money
covered the shipping of nearly 3,500 pounds of school supplies
consisting of children’s books, textbooks, packs of notebooks, pens and
pencils, as well as four computers. Coordinating this project gave me
insight into dealing with people from around the world for a worthy
cause and taught me valuable lessons in leadership and public speaking.
After my introduction to the Fijian people at the airport, I could not
wait to meet my fellow students. As we progressed down the main street
of a small town, everyone stopped what he or she was doing and waved to
our bus with both hands and warm smiles. This display of affection
showed me that the people of Fiji embraces all visitors with open arms,
whether fellow islanders or well-to-do travelers. As we exited, numerous
members of the school community greeted us with hugs and cheerful calls
of “Bula!” As we met in the courtyard of the small school complex, I
contrasted my impressions of my own school and its differences from this
one.
As the bell struck for teatime, I was introduced to my tour guide,
Naomi. Immediately we began to talk commonalities and I was astounded by
our similarities. We both were class leaders; Naomi the prefect of his
grade and me the Vice-President; both are investigating engineering
careers. As we talked, we realized that despite conditions, a teenager
is essentially a teenager, no matter his origin. As Naomi showed me his
school, I shared information about my public high school of 2,000
students. His reply was one of utter amazement. As I toured the school,
I noticed the camaraderie among the students and their respect and pride
for their school. I thought back to the rude comments and slander I
heard everyday in the hallway and re-evaluated my small town
perspective.
As we observed his biology class, I was introduced to Naomi’s friend,
Milliana. Together we looked at pictures from my school back home, which
fascinated them. In too short a time, we were summoned to the closing
assembly. There I was able to inform the students and faculty of the
school supplies they would be receiving. The highlight of the day was
looking out across the sea of Fijian faces and receiving nothing but
smiles in return. As I shook the principal’s hand, I felt as though I
had become new person. After the Fijian students sand the Fijian song of
goodbye, I exchanged addresses with a few students.
Two months later I received a letter from Sigatoka, Fiji. “Bula!” the
letter read. I skimmed to the bottom and noticed it was signed Milly. As
I thought back to the day I was at the Sigatoka Methodist College, I
remembered Milly and my love of Fiji. Her letter genuinely touched me
through one particular sentence. It read, “Tell your parents I said
Bula! I told my parents about you two [Jen another ambassador, and
myself] and they said that you are welcome in my house any time you
visit Fiji.” I had talked to Milly in person for barely two hours, yet
her family had opened up her house to me.
My encounter in Fiji left me a changed person. I was awestruck by the
people of Fiji who possessed little more than a roof over their heads,
yet still were the happiest people I had ever encountered. The Fijian
people radiated joy and have become examples to me in my everyday life.
Since my trip I have valued my family, friends, and other treasured
possessions more than ever before. I am extremely thankful for my
opportunity to experience Fiji, and the lifestyle, which revolves around
the concept of Bula. |