Island Wisdom: Growing Focus of Campus Culture
The University of Guam’s Island Wisdom Initiative began in 2019 as part of the Para Hulo’ strategic plan which was centered around making the university a research institution rooted from Island Wisdom. Now in its fifth year, Island Wisdom has since grown to cover other aspects.
I sat down to check in on the current state of Island Wisdom with College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Interim Associate Dean Dr. Mary Cruz.
“Though we’re using our understanding of Island Wisdom, which takes both traditional knowledge and Western education systems and blends them together,” Cruz said. “But also this idea of student success and equity to arrive at some of these initiatives to push us forward.”
Island Wisdom shares a deep connection of teamwork and strength. To embody Island Wisdom is to have a firm understanding of your culture and how to navigate in sync with another. Island wisdom can mean something specific to each person, but ultimately, the overall intention is powerful and binding.
The University of Guam connects Island Wisdom closely with an appreciation for our elders and island priorities. UOG’s goal is to create and support programs and projects that resonate with cultural, political and socio-economic concepts of the Micronesian islands.
One of the most striking aspects of island wisdom in the university setting is its emphasis on student-life balance. Not only do a majority of students juggle school with work but it is also common that familial obligations are a top priority. Guam’s island culture is big on embracing familial bonds. An aspect of island wisdom can bring a deeper sense of understanding that academic success ties closely to family connection and support.
Graduating senior, Kyra Perez, shared her opinion on the perception she notices of professors that relocate to our island. It is common that professors who are not from Guam have the same expectations of their students from the states. “I had multiple professors who are new and don’t understand why students don’t come to class and I’m like, yeah, we have different obligations here. Unlike in the states, your mom’s not calling you every week to help you with something.” Kyra has a good understanding of what Island Wisdom means to the university culture and she is disappointed that there are still professors who do not have the same understanding.
There are many ways Island Wisdom can be beneficial for students at the university. Building relationships, networking for other projects and grounding our work in Island Wisdom are some positive impacts that the perception allows and more.
Dr. Cruz said with Island Wisdom, students finally get to see themselves in the university.
“Because education that is relatable is longer lasting for students.”
”They not only see themselves in it,” she said. “But they can also see themselves in the future of the place that they’re learning in and probably eventually living in.”
The integration of Island Wisdom into a university setting offers a unique opportunity to not only preserve the richness of island culture but also to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the way the island communities work best. By incorporating Island Wisdom into academia, UOG can contribute to the preservation of indigenous knowledge and practices by students and future generations to come.