Separated during Christmas

Illustration by Sadie Madriaga

Unable to return home for the holidays, Pacific Islander students share their plans to make the best out of the holiday season

BY LISI TIAFAU

Pacific Islander students said they were devastated after learning they couldn’t travel back home to celebrate Christmas with their families. Due to COVID-19, students said they plan to celebrate the holidays virtually with loved ones. Riverlina Ameto, a freshman from Samoa majoring in finance, said she and her fiancé had planned their wedding date for Christmas but had to reschedule due to the coronavirus pandemic. “My fiancé is stuck in Australia, and it is very sad to be separated because of COVID-19.” Ameto said she felt depressed when their wedding was not able to go as planned. In order to make the best out of the situation, Ameto said she plans to celebrate Christmas with her friends here in Hawaii. “We will try to enjoy the holidays, even if we’re away from our families.” Ilasaane Finau, a senior from Tonga majoring in human resources, is among those who can’t return home. She said, “It is depressing not to be able to return home because of COVID-19.” Finau said she worked hard throughout the year to save up enough money to spend Christmas back in Tonga, but said jobs were unstable when the coronavirus pandemic began. “I was not prepared for the pandemic, and so I used most of my savings trying to survive.” Even though her country allows citizens to return, Finau said it is too costly to travel, especially when she does not have a steady income.

Angel Fafai, a sophomore from Samoa majoring in biochemistry, stated she was saving some money to buy gifts for her family back home but was disappointed when COVID-19 worsened.

“I thought the pandemic would be over before fall semester ended, but with [Samoa’s] borders still closed, it is clear I’m spending Christmas here,” Fafai said.

Finau, currently residing in California with her relatives, said, “Even though I may not be able to celebrate special holidays with my family, it is okay because they understand the financial situation I am in, and they are only one call away.”

Rina Boutu, a sophomore from Kiribati majoring in political science, said she was planning to spend Christmas back home with her family, but Kiribati closed its borders due to COVID-19.

“It is very sad not to be able to go home,” Boutu said. “But what made it even sadder is spending Christmas away from my family.”

Boutu stated she was excited to go home for Christmas, but when the coronavirus pandemic started, she was worried her plans would be ruined. “I was hoping COVID-19 would end before Christmas, but unfortunately, it did not, so it’s disappointing.” Before COVID-19, Fafai said she planned to go home to Samoa to spend the holidays with her family. “My family was excited for me to come home for the holidays, and I was really looking forward to it.”

She explained how upset she felt when her family told her it would be best to stay in Hawaii. “My family wanted me to stay here until COVID-19 was over and it’s safer to come home. They are worried for my safety and health.”

Fafai said being away from family would be difficult during the holidays but said she still plans to celebrate with them virtually. Having friends here in Hawaii, Fafai said, will help make the holidays not so lonely.

Boutu said, “My plan now is to celebrate [Christmas] in the hales with my friends here, but it won’t be the same.” However, she added she will also celebrate virtually with her family and friends back home.

Boutu expressed gratitude for technology and social media because it allows her to talk and celebrate with her family despite being miles apart.