On the bus ride to Kalihi, again, a Micronesian mother and her kids enter the bus, and I find myself wondering whether she has an older kid who aspires to enter college but struggles as he or she does so. This is not the first time but one of many occasions in which I see an event, individual, or persons and begin to apply what I have learned into my observation. For example, with the mother and her kids, I immediately think back to stories and news told through word of mouth from Palauans and other Pacific Islanders about different cultural and traditional values. Also, I think about the different economical and social status in the different islands of Micronesia and begin to wonder whether our differences and shared values and status shape the goals, aspirations, and attitudes of Micronesian students towards college. Furthermore, from Pacific Islanders and members of other ethnic groups, I have heard that there are negative stereotypes and views of Micronesians living here in Hawaii. So, I am sitting on the bus and all these thoughts come to me all because of these research courses I'm taking this semester. I believe this is what Maxwell (2005) means when he explains research theories derived from experiences and backgrounds. However, during this experience, I find myself overwhelmed with all other questions. Is it important for me to make notes of all concerns and ideas inspired by what I have observed? Will these become important in my studies? I think I should follow in Hercule Poirot's footsteps to follow the clues and avoid being mislead by all other objects and events that seem relevant to the case but are only coincidence. This is just what I thought about tonight....
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