When you find people who believe in you, hold on to them!That's how I feel about my experience with Measina Treasures of Samoa. It's an important platform for Samoans worldwide because of their tireless efforts to promote culture, and their talent for connecting people across the globe.
I am an American born self-taught writer meaning that I did not major in writing courses when I went to college. Instead, I took a less creative path by pursuing studies in Mathematics, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, and the Law. While that may have made me an interesting person, it is not the traditional path of an accomplished writer. Freelance writers can relate in my challenges to self-promote and achieve sales. My true calling is to become an attorney, and I've taken steps to achieve this goal. I graduated from law school, and I'm preparing for the bar exam. However, I'm also multi-talented and multi-interested. In my free time, I like to write creative stories. Measina made my life easier by stepping in to list and promote my original "Law School Comic Book 1L." They have a world wide reach which saves me effort from having to network as hard without them. The benefit for Measina is that they get paid when I get paid. (There are no listing fees.) And we have made sales!! Woot Woot! In addition, Measina has their own YouTube channel in which they share educational, cultural, and entertaining videos. They even interviewed me to assist in promoting my book! Visit our video to hear from the Measina founder, and from me about the inspiration and creative process that went into my book. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdmd7WzND7c
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Law School Comic Book coming soon :) Ever heard of one? I'm a new law school graduate, and my law student friends said they'd never heard of a law school comic book before. Hope I stumbled across a lucrative project. That'd be helpful in repaying these crippling student loans. Sheesh. If you'd like to check out my law school comic book, then please PRE-ORDER as soon as you can. In the month of March 2018, I'll send you an Electronic Copy of the book. In the book, you'll read about my humorous observations of law school, from the perspective of an islander and first-generation law student, insight into peopling, and trade secrets on how to survive law school. Click on the link below to pre-order: www.gofundme.com/rubys-law-school-comic-book Below is a teaser/preview of my upcoming comic book: My sister friend Asena was so kind to invite me to participate in the KOAU program. In Tongan, the word "koau" is said in response to when your name is called. Very powerful!
STEP (Saturday Tongan Education Program) at Pomona College hosted this wonderful Pacific Islander educational program on May 7, 2017. https://www.evensi.us/step-koau-pacific-islander-education-conference-pomona-college/206185806 Unfortunately, I was not be able to attend. But they were so awesome to include my educational biography: Ruby Fanaika Fa’agau My calling came early in life when I was a teen. I noticed in my American social studies class that Polynesians were absent in the American narrative, and absent in politics and law. I felt an imprint in my heart to pursue a career in law. But I did not have the environment or mentors to instruct me on a direct path into law school. Nevertheless, I thank God for my Tongan mother who always saw my potential. She was my only cheerleader for a very long time. Part of my journey has been coming to terms with the Polynesian dynamic of intuition. We have an inner knowing that has allowed us to survive tsunamis, take care of our families and village, voyage across waters, and host big celebrations wherever we go. But growing up in the diaspora, I had to reacquaint myself with this strength. It was my intuition that pulled me forward when others did not believe in me, and it has been my intuition that has guided me into law school and now through it. As I get ready to graduate, I have many cheerleaders who are excited to celebrate this next chapter with me. If they knew how far I’ve come, then they would understand why I feel blessed. And they took time to discuss my children story, "Maka and the Impossible", with the kids. (See photo below) I'm so grateful for these wonderful connections. I met Asena through my law school classmate and friend, Olavo. The world proved to be even smaller when Asena and I discovered we were actually related. Tokousos for life <3 I In my previous life (prior to law school), I had a very creative period where I self-published 2 children's stories, and completed 2 collections of paintings.
My first collection of paintings called, The Escapist Art Collection, was inspired by my dead end job in an office. After college, I needed to pay bills and took the first job that came along. It just so happened that I met amazing friends many of who were artistic as well. These artsy friends encouraged me to express myself through art and writing. So I did :) The second collection of paintings called, The Smiles Collection, was inspired by my challenge to myself. To take the focus away from landscapes and windows, and turn the focus on faces. So I decided to focus on smiles in particular many of which made me happy just creating. Wanna take a look? Check them all out on my painting blog page: https://rubysdaydreams.weebly.com/paintings.html Just a few below: Maybe some day my children stories will be turned into movies? Or not. Lol! One can dream.
My first children story is called, "Maka and the Impossible", which I wrote as a parable about ambition. Being the first generation college graduate, and soon to be first generation law school graduate, I feel like I'm navigating new territory. Maka, the protagonist, also navigates new territory when he starts to travel up a hill. But wait? Rocks are generally not known for mobility. How does this rock get up the hill? You'll have to download my story, or order a paperback to find out :) Paperback available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Maka-Impossible-Ruby-FaAgau/dp/1257795236 Ebook available on Lulu: http://www.lulu.com/us/en/shop/ruby-faagau/maka-and-the-impossible/ebook/product-17355034.html Hi my name is Ruby, and I'm a Pasifika artist from San Francisco, CA. Recently, I created some Pasifika art influenced by my love for Sanrio, Hello Kitty, and Kawaii style.
If you'd like to wear a decorative Pasifika art pin, then check this out! Super cute kawaii style - FIJI mini button. Wear it cute and astute. Only $5. http://www.cafepress.com/rubysdaydreams/14669102 To buy this kawaii style Fijian mug, designed by me, visit:
http://www.cafepress.com/rubysdaydreams.63519010 To buy this kawaii style Hawaiian earrings, designed by me, visit:
http://www.cafepress.com/rubysdaydreams.63513351 To buy this kawaii style Samoan lunch bag, designed by me, visit:
http://www.cafepress.com/rubysdaydreams.63569165 To buy this kawaii style Tongan sweatshirt, designed by me, visit:
http://www.cafepress.com/rubysdaydreams.63497949 |
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