Kayla’s first blog!
Hey everyone!! My name is Kayla and I’m one of the volunteers this season on Hōlanikū. I’m from New York, born and raised, so to be here in Papahānaumokuākea is truly such a unique and life changing experience that I am so very grateful to have.
Having been here nearly one month, we’ve fallen into a smooth rhythm each day. Waking up each morning to a perfect sunrise, I can’t ask for a better start to my day. Brush teeth. Wash face. Sunscreen. Breakfast. Watch Stranger Things. Then transecting the day away. Despite all the bruises from naupaka pokes, being knee deep in burrows, and sweating the most I ever have in my life, listening to music in the GRAs keeps my head in the game. From falling backwards down a steep dune to having a Red-footed Booby poop in my water bottle, there’s still a smile on my face and witty radio banter to look forward to.
Jordan and I (also known as the two-headed monster) are on the same wave when it comes to the beach. After 5, it’s a given that we will be strolling down the bunkhouse path for a post-work dip/shower. Our beach chats are something I look forward to each day: recapping our lines, discussing weekend plans, and talking about life. Dinner is always enjoyable, but doing dishes is when the real fun begins. Rotating accents, rhymes, and improv sketches make a monotonous chore anything but boring. Evening recreation switches between movies and games and singing. There is never a shortage of laughter in camp.
To say Hōlanikū is the direct opposite of NY would be an understatement. This is most evident by comparing myself to my sister, Katrina. As a fashion marketing major, she is shopping for clothes every week; I will not be purchasing anything for a year. The idea is foreign to Katrina, who upon learning of my endeavor, said she would rather go to prison. I, however, could not be happier on Hōlanikū.
Each weekend I can’t wait to hear from my family and what they’ve been up to. The things I miss the most are family lake weekends and my dog, Scout, of course. Whenever I am at the pier, I think of my mom, because I know how much she would love the color of the water. A picture could never capture the true beauty of Hōlanikū.
Highlights from the week: Nazca booby sighting, Laysan Albatross with aberrant pigmentation, a new Laysan Duck brood, we finished the treatment scheduler, Nick found the most Verb, Nick won ping pong and all the board games we played, and Jordan made bread!!
