My Personal Reflection: Bose ni Tikina o Kubulau

Featured image: Natokalau Village – September 30th, 2025. Turaga Tui Kubulau, also a Charperson of the meeting.

Let me take you back to the week leading up to the Bose ni Tikina o Kubulau — and honestly, what a week that was! My nerves were all over the place. I’d catch myself talking in front of the mirror, rehearsing my lines like I was about to give a TED Talk in the middle of the village. I even wrote down every single word I planned to say — making sure I sounded confident, respectful, and that I didn’t forget any important points. It sounds funny now, but at the time, I was seriously stressed! Butterflies? More like a whole flock.

Selfie with the Conservation Officer Bua, Asaeli Turner...

I knew this bose wasn’t just any meeting. It was a moment that carried meaning — representing the youth of Kubulau, standing before our chiefs, elders, and community. Deep down, I kept telling myself: Luke, this is what the Turaga na Tui Kubulau and the people have vouched for — someone who will bring positive change to the vanua. That thought alone kept me grounded and proud, even through the nerves.

When the big day finally arrived at Natokalau Village, I remember breathing in that early morning air and thinking, “Alright, let’s do this.” The atmosphere was full of energy — the laughter, the sound of the davui, the gathering of our people — it was beautiful. I was both anxious and excited, trying not to look like I’d forgotten how to breathe whenever someone looked my way.

Jiu Tuitatia, Ministry of Youth & Sports, shared some light on her work and challenges faced within her workspaces and also updated on our next big events, Bua Youth Council AGM, this October, stay tuned in. 

One thing I’m truly grateful for is the guidance and encouragement from Jiu, our Ministry of Youth & Sports officer on the ground. She’s been such a strong support — always advising me on how to do things properly, reminding me that leadership isn’t about perfection but about progress. Her words helped me reflect on how I can keep working on myself and become a better version of who I am meant to be.

Members of the community who are also actively engaged in such meetings, because they don't wanna miss out on important information that matters, daily...

Sometimes it does get overwhelming — trying to balance responsibilities, expectations, and personal growth all at once. But I’ve learned to be thankful for moments like these, even the stressful ones. They remind me of my NGO days, watching my former bosses and colleagues glued to their screens, working late to meet deadlines and keep everything running smoothly. Back then, I used to wonder how they handled it all — now I get it. It takes patience, prayer, and maybe a bit too much coffee!

Turaga Roko veiqaravi Kubulau, Roko Mala Rasolo: performing sevusevu to the Turaga Tui Kubulau..

By the end of the bose, I felt relieved, proud, and deeply inspired. I realized that showing up — nervous or not — is already half the victory. The rest comes from listening, learning, and carrying forward the trust that others have placed in you.

all my love, Luke