A question of such ambiguity; nevertheless, holding such significant value to ones existence. What do I do? I work for the Oxfam Fair Trade store, my second job is for a local Newtown fashion boutique, am currently undergoing my postgraduate studies in Visual Art, volunteer at my local Community Centre and watch a lot of David Attenborough documentaries. So I’m a left wing, artist with a cross-cultural complex, who (naturally) procrastinates and has swagger.
Why do you do it?
I tend to lack tunnel vision and can’t comprehend a life with one sole objective. I’m a young Tongan/Australian female exposed to the contrast of either life. My father came to this country with a bag of clothes and $20 in his pocket, growing up he did everything in his power to allow my siblings and I to have greater opportunities. Unlike many South Pacific Islander fathers who (impending broad statement) wish for their daughters to study, get married and settle, my father wanted me to explore, luckily enough I was born a free spirit, that’s why I do it.
What do you love about the city you live in?
The people. Don’t get me wrong, the city is full of pricks but there is somewhat more integration of nationalities in comparison to the other places I have lived.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
Can’t really call it a holiday because of the constant daughterly duties I had to uphold, but Tonga. Last year in August I went with my mother for my grandmother’s 80th birthday, it was awesome to be with my family.
What's your favourite item of clothing? Why?
Probably my NBA Bulls snapback. The Chicago Bulls are my brother’s favourite team and wearing it reminds me of him, he’s my rock *blushing* I hope he doesn’t read this… if you are, you’re still a butthead.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid?
A toss up between ‘Lamb Chop Play Along’ and ‘Ren And Stimpy’ I know, stark contrast.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
I’ve been told one too many times in my life that I was born in the wrong era. They say I should’ve been in the time of Foxy Brown or a muse for Phil Spector, although that didn’t end too well for the ladies in his life. I’m going to be boring and say yesterday. The far past happened for today, we’re just mere beings reaping the benefits and I’m already deeply infatuated.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us?
If it was right now, not much considering my fridge is empty. I had a mouse problem, which turned me off cooking this past week. I have eggs? I actually really love cooking, so give me an hour or two, you bring a bottle of Hendricks and I would whip you up a mean Mango chicken curry and we can wash it down with a refreshing G&T.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
Listen, learn and empathize. Sometimes putting aside your own struggles to give someone else your time and attention cannot only give comfort to them, but also put things in to perspective for yourself.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows...
Being the youngest of five, there was no expenditure for extra curricular activities, so I used to steal my teacher’s flat metal tacks from school and press them into my heels, dancing around like Fred Astaire. To this day every time I see a tack, I smile.
Are you happy with your work/life balance?
There is a lot to juggle, but I’m pretty freakin’ blessed with a good life. With many a trial and tribulation, I always make it work.
How do you define success?
I have an awesome family; I have an exciting life, what more can I ask? I take great pleasure in the small details.
What's your spirit animal?
The majestic blue whale. Did you know that Mount Everest is 8km high in comparison to the depths of the Pacific, which can reach 10-15km deep. A blue whale can dive 500m and many swim alone (thanks David Attenborough). Can you imagine the beauty of floating above the eerie depths of the sea? Wandering in solitude comes great strength.
