In March, I will embark on a journey to the Marshall Islands to carry out my photo outreach project and conduct research for another initiative I’m involved in. During my stay, I plan to create two films and write a book.

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Many people wonder why this work is important. On my first day teaching Pacific Island art and culture to middle school students, I had all of my classes do a bellwork question: name a Pacific Island country. Aside from Hawaii, not one student could identify another. Furthermore, when I mention my destination in Micronesia, few have heard of that region. These areas face the highest extinction rates, and we are running out of time to protect and preserve them for future generations. They are beloved homes to many, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the life I lead, allowing me to use my resources to assist others and bring light to these places so that other people can want to help and make a difference as well.