Preferred Name: ‘Alisi Fihaki

Pronouns: she/her

Program/Major: Psychology (major), Pacific Islands Studies certificate

“I took the Histories of the Pacific and the Pacific Islander American Experiences courses in Fall 2023 out of curiosity. As a Pacific Islander, seeing courses that reflected my identity was a welcoming surprise and sparked a desire to learn more. The classes and the professors in the Pacific Island Studies program opened my eyes to various Pacific values and concepts that I’ve taken into my academic and personal disciplines.

“With the Pacific Islands Studies program, I expanded my experience and involved myself with community organizations on campus and throughout Utah. During my undergraduate years, I served as the president of the Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA), the vice president of the Samoan Club, an officer of the Tongan Language Club, and as the secretary for the Utah Pasifika Intercollegiate Association (UPIA). I focused on promoting the importance of enrollment, retainment, sustainability, and access to meaningful experiences for all. These experiences helped me discover my calling for community service and advocacy.

“The Pacific Island studies program showed me limitless opportunities to learn and grow. Today, I am proud to be putting my advocacy skills into practice at the OCA Asian Pacific Americans.”