Programs

 

 The staff and student body of HTI was blessed with two speaking engagements from a wonderful Maori gentle-man named Carmen Heteraka.  Carmen shared his mana and mana`o about culturally-derived conflict resolution strategies used in Aotearoa with students and staff in HTI’s Allied Health night programs and day-timers in the Office Technology Management program.

“When I walked out of that room after listening to him speak, I felt…such a sense of pride.  I was happy with myself just the way I am.”  Johnette Kaluna, HTI’s Financial Aid Coordinator, expressed self-realizing gratitude about Heteraka’s sharing.  “I used to feel like I had to cater to other people’s expectations of my nature, however unrealistic or far removed it may’ve been from who I really am.  Carmen reminded me that I am okay and the way I am is enough.”
The most resounding message from his speech:  Each one of us is just fine the way that we are, and we don’t need to try to fit into opinions of us to know that we are okay.  We are special, blessed people – as is.

HTI is immensely grateful for the awesome mana of Carmen Heteraka.  Mahalo plenty, Bruddah!  We hope to see you again soon.