Belonging

Community Contributed

By Paxton Moore, MHS 10th Grade, WIN Writer 

I am a 15-year-old boy. I was born in Honolulu, and I lived there with my mom and dad. My memories as a child will always be the happiest, because we were a family of three, and we shared a deep love for each other. I was 14 years old when my family made a decision for me to continue my high school education on Molokai. I found a quote by Bojan Krkic, the Spanish-Serbian footballer that helped me adjust to my move: “it is important to find a place where you feel trust, you feel belonging and stability.”

My life has changed since I lived in Honolulu with my parents. I now live with my grandmother on Molokai. She has given me a home filled with love, understanding and a positive relationship. I have daily routines and her words of encouragement and positive phrases have increased my self-esteem. She makes me feel happy that I’m here and that I belong here with her.

I have started a new chapter in my life. I am now a sophomore at Molokai High School. I have been growing emotionally, physically and socially. I am enjoying a new freedom, being able to make my own decisions, and especially making many new friendships in school and in our community.

Another quote that helped me see my new self was by Brene Brown, the professor, writer, and podcaster who is famous for her work on modern confusion, duty, and leadership. 

Brown said that “true belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.”

I now know that belonging is very important to me. My family, as well as the friendly people of Molokai have all made me feel loved, appreciated, and that I belong here. In school we are taught Na Hopena A’o, or “HA,” core values for public school students in Hawaii. Belonging is a core value. I am a proud student of Molokai High School and I am happy to belong here. It has given me the strength to continue to appreciate what I have, to care for others, and especially to care for myself.