After my experience in New Zealand I was really inspired to speak in chapel at school. Chapel is a place where students have the opportunity to share their gifts and stories with the rest of the class. I took this opportunity to reflect and share the magic and magnificence and love I found in New Zealand. This is the speech I wrote. I apologize if it sounds repetitive, I took the first two paragraphs from an earlier post I had written. Hope you like it:)

Love is intangible. You can’t physically touch it or hold on to it but you can feel it. It is a strong power that makes the world go round, what motivates us and improves us. It is our life’s mission is to love and be loved. We are driven by our love for something or someone. It is what lights the flame and sustains the fire within us on our journey to fulfill our personal legend.

I have just embarked on my own journey. Ever since I was little I wanted to be the best surfer in the world and my time has finally come to contend for a world title. I have been training to best prepare myself for the start of the tour and it hasn’t been easy. About a month ago I was starting to doubt if I really wanted to go thru with this and put everything I have into something that is not definite. There was a period of frustration and negativity because I wasn’t following my heart, I was fighting it. My love for surfing and the ocean runs deeper than anything but my fear of failing was holding me back.

After finishing equal ninth in my first two events I went to New Zealand with the hope that being in a new place would provide a new beginning. There was a lot of downtime, plenty of time for reflection. I got pretty homesick and was losing motivation. Struggling to find the right frame of mind, I took inspiration from the the Maori people. They might not have a wealth of material objects but just the company of each other and their love for surfing is enough. In the beginning of the week the boys did a traditional Haka for me, a chant that prepares a warrior for battle. They promised to help me paddle my canoe and give me strength. As the week progressed, our bond grew and my anxiety faded. Right before the final, the whole surf club stood before me on the beach and did one last Haka. Their feet planted firmly in the sand, their eyes glowed with purpose, their voices sang loud and strong and their bodies danced with intense passion. I felt something run thru my body, I don’t know exactly what it was but it was a tingle of something special. All I can say is that the past and the future became unimportant. Nothing else mattered. There was only that moment and us. I felt them out in the water. I wasn’t nervous about finding the right waves, falling or the result. Everything felt right. That week, especially that day I experienced what the power of love and people together acting as one can do. I connected with these people, I learned, laughed and played and found pure, true happiness. Life is full.

I believe in living life to the fullest. What do I mean by this? What does it mean to live a full life? I believe that love is the most important thing in the world and that a life of love is a full one. I believe in people and the power of love. I learned from the people in New Zealand that true happiness comes from the love that we share with those around us. I will never forget the precious moments of laughing, smiling and playing together. The pure joy I got when I was late for my plane because the line of hugs to the ticket counter was never ending. Material objects provide an instant gratification that doesn’t last long. Live in the moment and cherish the people that surround you everyday. Those memories will last forever. Love can do anything and everything. If you love and believe in yourself and embrace the journey you can overcome all things.

The journey we have shared together here at Punahou has been a tremendous one. It has been an amazing time filled with learning, lessons, magic and magnificence. It saddens me to think that we are all going separate ways soon but I am comforted by the thought of the next wonderful chapter we are about to open. I am looking forward to standing with all of you on June 5th as one graduating class of 2010. I feel so lucky to be apart of such a special group of inspiring, talented, intelligent, creative, and beautiful individuals.

This is by no means the end, it is only the beginning. Before I left New Zealand the surf club gave me a book of love notes. One of them wrote about the Koru which is a fern found in the New Zealand bush. The infinite spiral is a symbol of Maori energy that transpires forever thru connections. The connection between us is strong and will remain where ever you are. Never forget the love we shared. Continue to live with passion and purpose and light up the world.

The day after graduation I was on a plane to Tahiti. I spent four days with Raimana learning and surfing the different reefs outside his house by Teahupoo. The second day was pretty good size, about six to eight feet. Raimana taught me how to do step-offs for the first time which is when you sit on the back of the ski and jump onto the wave. I was super nervous when we pulled up to the spot in our boat. Teahupoo has so much hype that I was freaking out even before I paddled out. Raimana took good care of me and kept telling me “Have faith babe. Just breathe. You can do this. Love you babe,” it was very comforting. On my first wave I was so nervous and had no idea what I was doing and when Raimana told me to go I totally slipped and almost went over the falls! Thank goodness I didn’t, haha. Unfortunately I got pretty sick while I was down there and was later diagnosed with a mild case of tonsilitas. I had the fever, chills and everything. I met Bethany down there. That crazy woman was charging and so inspiring. She kept me company when I was lying in bed sick:) I love you Bethany. Right when we were ready to go home the airport went on strike and we were stuck for four extra days. I was kind of bummed just because I wasn’t feeling that well but there are worst places I could’ve been stuck right?

The surf has been pretty fun at home. Nothing too spectacular, but small and playful. I have been surfing Kewalos, Bowls and Rennicks—the usual. I got a couple new boards and my dad is having fun painting them. Can’t wait to show them off because they are looking pretty cool. I put a hole in my magic stick yesterday morning when I was surfing Rennicks on low tide, not too smart.

School is pretty much over. It was exam week, but I don’t have any so I get to cruise. I only have to show up for Senior Sing, which is grad practice at the end of the day and that is a lot of fun. We practiced walking into our seats and getting our diplomas yesterday. It was exciting but took two whole hours. I think I forgot to mention that I sang a duet in front of my whole grade last week. I was so nervous but definitely glad I did it. I ended up messing up in the middle of it and laughed hysterically, but I pushed through and at least finished.

On Friday night I had my grad party. It was unexpectedly massive. I love a good dance party, and all my friends and I boogied the night away ‘til one the next morning. I’ve always wanted a dance party of my own, so this was a dream come true. Some of my friends started dance battles which was crazy cool.

The party took place at Fresh Cafe, an awesome venue here in Honolulu. There was an unlimited amount of Red Bull, Wahoos food, and music, it was sort of like a mini prom for me since I missed my real one when I was on the road in Australia. My friends and I met at my house and all got ready together. We did our makeup and hair, and even got to ride down to the place in a limo.

When I walked into the party the first thing I saw was a shiny new jet ski. Red Bull spoiled me and got it for me for graduation. I was flabbergasted when I saw it. I didn’t know what to do, my jaw just dropped. Everything was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you Red Bull, Nike, Dakine and Wahoos for making that night unforgettable.

Two nights later was baccalaureate, a ceremony for graduates at the church. Ours took place at Central Union Church, a huge church a couple blocks from my school. It was a beautiful ceremony. All the girls were dressed in white mumu’s (dresses) and all the guys in dark blue suits. The girls walked into the church on a guy’s arm, down the isle to the pews where we sat. It felt a little weird, like we were getting married or something, but it was really sweet. We sang several songs and listened to speeches from some of the faculty and my classmates. I can honestly say that I haven’t cried yet, but I was very much on the verge that night. I am holding back the gates for next Saturday when I get my diploma and it is all over. When we stood as a class and sang in unison, I felt a powerful, indescribable connection with everyone. The night came and went so quickly and time is flying by.