Competencies

Reflection on Competencies

Competency #1: Think Critically

E. Students can recognize the broad applicability of their knowledge and skill sets, and independently apply their learning in new contexts.

1. I connect knowledge and skills within and across disciplines.

2. I evaluate experiences or solve problems using knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines.

3. I articulate the relevance of my learning.

My Reflection on Think Critically

Focusing on someone's inherent strengths allows me to create a bridge between my skill set and teaching others. Honing in on what I excel at and applying that knowledge when teaching others is crucial to ensuring effective results. Notably, my skills in public speaking and social advocacy have been crucial when pursuing other activities and teaching others.
When faced with a situation or problem, I always adapt and find a solution. From almost being assassinated in a Model UN conference to almost having my tent blow away as a Carnival Noodles Booth Chair, being able to evaluate a complex situation, form a coherent solution, and implement said solution is critical to my work. This applies to any new activity or situation that I am faced with; I have learned to maintain my calm demeanor and effectively counteract any new issue that arises.
With the chaotic and constantly changing state of our world, it has become harder for the youth to have a voice in the decision-making process. Learning about the inner workings of government and the intricacies of passing a bill have become increasingly important. Although my work is demanding with little payoff, any benefit I can provide to society is still of the utmost importance.

A committee session at the Hawaii Pacific Model UN Conference.

The United States Capitol.

Competency 2: Collaborate

A. Students can enact open-minded listening and thinking skills to engage empathetically with people and with different points of view.

1. I demonstrate a willingness to have my mind changed by others.

2. I ask questions to understand the points of view of those I work with.

3. I encourage groups to incorporate a diversity of thought in our work.

Punahou's Mock Trial Team's practice.

Hawaii State Capitol Senate Chamber.

My Reflection on Collaborate

Cooperation and compromise are key requirements when participating in Model UN. Through being a delegate, I have learned that someone who is stubborn in their ways and avoids working with others will only doom themselves. When in a difficult negotiation, some will stick to their positions and create gridlock, but recognizing when it is necessary to tone down one's rhetoric to achieve any sort of positive outcome is crucial in any experience.
Effective communication is a must in any organization or experience, especially when one is part of a group leadership. This situation is prevalent in the Speech and Debate Team leadership. Due to the conflicting aspirations for the team—combined with the presence of strong personalities—it is often difficult to agree. However, working through disagreements by inquiring about each other's perspectives is fundamental in ensuring unity and effectiveness for the team.
Having an open mind and perspective when one is given a task and doing work is important, especially when the situation becomes increasingly more difficult and tedious to address. In my position as the Hawaii State Youth Commission Education/Higher Education Legislative Lead, I've worked to encourage others to have an open mind when a bill faces pushback or dies. It's important to continue to perceive the face of adversity, which is a message I continue to bring to those I work with.

Competency 3: Empathize

D. Students can respond to a true need in a community and take impactful action.

1. I investigate the needs and concerns of a community.

2. I engage with the perspectives of community members to understand context and complexity.

3. I co-design an action plan with the community.

E. Students can reflect upon how privilege and power have the potential to guide decision making.

4. I recognize power and privilege are not equal for all in a society.

5. I investigate how differing power or privilege impacts members of a society.

6. I explore ways that power or privilege could be used to create opportunities for others.

My Reflection on Empathize

Plastic pollution is one of Hawaii's most prolific issues. To learn more about the issue, I spent time researching and investigating the causes and effects to gain a greater grasp on the topic. Further, I had the opportunity to discuss my findings with other concerned youth and community members to form an action plan, which involved an extensive social media campaign, class lessons, and beach clean-ups.
The cesspool issue is a complex and ever-growing problem. While they indisputably hurt the environment, it is often challenging to attain the entire scope of the issue. However, through talking with a diverse cohort of homeowners, I better understood the cost concerns over switching to a different septic system. I also had the opportunity to meet with decision-makers, allowing me to better understand the practicalities of implementing other alternatives and solutions to the cesspool crisis.
I am a perfectionist. I was always disappointed whenever I didn’t score perfectly on a test or win an award at a Model UN conference. After some introspection, I realized that my desire to be the best was rooted in my belief that I wasn’t enough. Talking with friends and acquaintances showed me that many—particularly teens—struggle with feeling inferior; subsequently, it ignited my curiosity to help teens overcome their perfectionism. Through my role on the Hawaii State Youth Commission, I have advocated for measures to address the perfectionist mental health crisis plaguing the youth. By having schools implement a more robust mental health curriculum in classes—such as teaching effective coping skills and normalizing therapy—students will feel more comfortable sharing their mental health struggles in a safe environment.

Youth volunteers at beach clean-up.

Kristie Chang, Derek Chang, and Andrew Pomai Chang '25.

4. Many in Hawaii struggle to make ends meet, often causing families to prioritize putting food on the table over higher-quality education. The inability to attend a private school—which often has more resources—makes it challenging for individuals to break the cycle of being disadvantaged. Regardless, it doesn't change that many equally, if not smarter, brilliant youth persevere to do amazing things. My work has allowed me to interact and work with bright individuals who demonstrate that despite not having the same opportunities, it is possible to achieve great things.

5. I have had the advantage of growing up in a family influenced by many cultures. Some in my family live on Hawaiian homestead or have blue-collar jobs. In contrast, others in my family live in more affluent neighborhoods or have white-collar jobs. These inherent advantages are seen throughout Hawaii, allowing those with higher socioeconomic status to thrive, with those who are disadvantaged struggling to make ends meet, motivating my strive to utilize my educational opportunities to enact change for those who lack financial and educational resources.

6. Hawaii has numerous diverse backgrounds that have influenced Hawaii's unique culture; however, many also face inherent and societal disadvantages. Native Hawaiians are a prime example. They often have good jobs, but they unfortunately do not pay enough to keep up with the high cost of living. But through empathizing with their struggles, I can use my opportunities to lift their communities and hopefully change the trajectory for future generations.

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