By Samantha Birmingham-Babauta, APIASF/GMS Scholar

Hafa Adai as we say in the Northern Mariana Islands! I’m Sami Birmingham-Babauta & I’m a “chamaole” (Chamorro & Haole) from the beautiful island of Saipan. I’ve been blessed to be raised on an island where it’s the moments shared that are valued over the ownership of material things. In the Chamorro culture, we treasure our family & pride ourselves on the respect we give to ourselves, our family, & our peers.

In 2011 I was named a GMS Scholar, one of the first in years. In 4 days I will be moving to California to attend Cal State Northridge & majoring in Kinesiology. I’m a fitness guru. I play soccer for my island’s national team, I do crossfit, MMA, outrigger, & I am a licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor.

I live in paradise & although I never want to leave, I’ve been blessed to become a GMS Scholar & I am working hard to return home & pay these blessings forward! :]