How different it would've been…

Last Thursday was an anniversary of  9/11 and even though this devastating event didn't affect anyone I was related to, it turned my life upside down. It was the reason why my dad's job relocated us and why family made the trek from Hawai'i to Texas. I'm sure it was a struggle for my parents to adapt to this environment here, but overall I am so so so thankful that this happened to me. Texas has shaped me as a person, and has truly showed me that my view of life might be slightly biased and that there are so many other kinds of people in the world than the ones on the island. But this morning in particular, I started to imagine the life I would've lived if I was living in Hawai'i. What kind of person would I be? Where would I be in my academics? What would be my hobbies and pastimes? What would I even look like? How would I have dressed? This what I imagined…

If I lived in Hawai'i, 

1. I would've been able to live my culture a lot easier than I do now 

(My culture, and even Hawaiian culture in general, is something I value very highly. My family that has lived there for years and years don't really understand why I like to embrace the culture I was raised with. Here in Texas, my culture makes me unique, makes me who I am, and people are actually amazed with how passionate I am when it comes to culture. I probably would've learned how to play ukulele and guitar much quicker than I did, learned to sing leo ki'eki'e, danced hula at Merrie Monarch, and probably would've had experience with Island Reggae music.)

2. Academics probably wouldn't've been much of a priority. 

(We can all say that the education system in Hawai'i isn't the best, haha. In order to get a good education, I probably would've been going to a private catholic school like St. Francis or Sacred Hearts or something for years. Imagine me wearing those uniforms everyday, yikes! Since I was around 10, I was looking for colleges to go to, exploring majors, and really dreaming about the idea of going to college after high school, never even doubting that I would go. I have no idea if that was Texas that made me so driven in my academics, but I know that college wouldn't be as hyped as I make it out me now. I would have never even attempted to go to college early like I am doing right now!)

3. What about clothes? Appearance? Body shape? 

(We all know how traveling can take a toll on your body. When I go to Hawai'i, I swear I gain like five pounds from all of the food and desserts I eat there. Would I be a lot thicker than I am now? Also, what about my hair? I probably never would have cut it short like I did a few months ago, and my hair would be super light and textured from the sun. My skin would most likely be darker from the sun, I probably wouldn't wear very much makeup, my clothes would probably be a bit more on the Pac Sun and Local Motion side than the Urban Outfitters side. Basically, more island girl, less haole. I would not even own a Colombia Jacket or Combat Boots or Cold Gear! How crazy.)

4. My relationship with family would be different. 

(I value family, that's not secret at all. I think living in Texas created an even stronger bond with my family. Here, I am 4,000+ miles away, can't see them on all the holidays, have to communicated by phone or Facebook for them to see what i'm up to. But when I visit, I am constantly surround by love and affection from my loved ones. I appreciate them more than you could ever imagine, and without living far away, it could've been very different.) 

5. Lastly, my sense of adventure would be heightened.

(Right now, I am in this super outdoorsy adventure phase in my life. Ever since my first hike to the Lanikai Pillboxes, I have been so PUMPED to go and explore more of that island. I probably would be one of those Hawai'i girls with the GoPro and the stick, going to Sandy's all the time, and hiking with my friends. In Texas, especially where I live, there are no beaches, no mountains, maybe some trails, ut that's about it. I can't really be as adventurous as I want to be here, but I do have a lot of the city to explore i'll tell you that! Adventurous here is like going and finding a new place to eat, driving somewhere on the other side of town for a concert, or even finding hole in wall shops. So yeah, it would be very different than what it is now.)

Overall, like I said, I am happy this change happened in my life. I am such a driven, passionate, thankful person now and without moving to Texas, without 9/11 happening, my life would've been completely different. I am still in love with Hawai'i, but visiting all the time will have to do.

Love y'all, 

Jordyn