Come Together

17-year-old Rina starts her day by cooking breakfast for her family. When she asks her mother Lei for permission to spend time with her friend Lisa, her mother shuts her down immediately, as Samoan girls are expected to stay at home. Meanwhile, her younger brother is allowed to come and go as he pleases. As Rina tries to keep up with her chores at home, she is struggling in her math class. Lisa suggests Rina join Omai Fa’atasi, an afterschool program that helps Polynesian students in school and find work, which Rina is hesitant about. Tired of living the same day everyday, she asks Lei for permission. After finding out about Rina struggling in school, Lei reluctantly agrees to let her join Omai Fa’atasi. Through the program and having more resources available, Rina raises her grade and becomes closer to her Samoan culture in the process.

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VC Online | May 6

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