Shut the mouth and work hard a saying hear my most Hawaiians, but mostly

from a woman who demands a work ethic.The person that I interviewed was my
mom, Jasmine Kamala Morales. My mom is 39 years old and she is from Waimea,
Kauai. She also attended Kamehameha Schools Kapalama as a boarder. Her
dream was for her children to become good and industrious people like Ke Alii
Pauahi. She is a family woman, raising and loving 9 boys and my dad Dennis
Morales. I will share with you three influences and qualities she posses that make
her a unique person. The three aspects of her perspective are religion, culture, and
family unit.

She has a strong connection with our lord and savior Jesus Christ, and she
truly believes that he had died on the Cross so that our sins could be forgiven and
lifted upon our shoulders. Her actions are influenced by religion, by always reminding
us to read the B.I.B.L.E because it is the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. My
mom always says that the stories in the bible narrates the struggles that we face
constantly in this world, but she reminds that if we keep our overwhelming faith and
prosperity in god, we will learn how to be humble and to assist others like how the
father did. She always A certain remark I can reminisce is when she always said, To
much wanting, Good for nothing. This relates to the modern temptations such as
drugs, lust, money, technology, and other bad actions are only temporary things, and
cannot satisfy you. Showing a good example helps people to realize the true
meaning of a Hawaiian.
She is proud to be a Kanaka Maoli, or a Hawaiian being. She realizes the
struggles of our people, because she says back then Hawaiians were westernized
through diseases, plantations, and learning the English language, but they were still
tied to their roots. Back then my Mom said that many Hawaiian youths that they grew
up with had English names because they believed you couldnt receive a job if you
had a Hawaiian name, which is Prejudice. Hardships constantly hit Hawaiians as
America modernized their lifestyle of organization and equality of the islands. But
she said to show gratitude and respect to our Kupuna, because they are the Hawiian
who participated in the Hawaiian Renaissance in the 70s to fulfill and embrace the
true identity of our people, which was becoming extinct. As a Hawaiian, she always
tells us to work with our Tutu Kane to plant kalo and learn about our family ancestry.
My mom has the qualities of her culture because she believes that its not physical
blood, but your dedication to the language, customs, and heritage you pertain to
survive and multiply.
She loves her family with all her heart, knowing money does not make your
life happy, but close Ohana is the key to happiness With family, we constantly have
family get-togethers and we go to the beach to play music, eat, and surf with loved
ones. My mom has said to me countless times, blood is thicker than water. This
philosophy means that family is basically you, because you share the same
bloodline that runs through the veins of other people. You descend from your
ancestors that sacrificed everything for your benefit. You must love and protect
them and they will always be there through tough times. She is has the quality of a
family unit because she will always have discussions or Hooponopono meetings in
our family that helps multiple members in our Ohana to forgive one another if there

is a grudge or conflict. She comes from a big family, so she knows even though she
does not have a lot to offer, she will give whatever she has for her loved ones.

I reflect on my moms life, and she is a person that is raised in the positive
island way, only using the natural essentials, such as god, her people, family,
friends, and the aina. No matter what, I think she never thinks about herself as a first
priority, put assisting others in need or are just having a bad day that needs to be
brighten. I know that my mom always will keep on perpetuating the values of the
Kanaka people so foreigner realizes the strength and beauty of our people. Ibelieve
she is a blessing from Ke Akua to remind us to be Pono, or balanced in
righteousness. Mahalo Nui Loa!