When I wrote the original “Last Stand,” I never intended nor expected to have it stretch over a series of posts. But the series needs some closure before I put the kibosh on it. So, this will be the last time that I make a post about API Cares. This is the time where theContinue reading “The Last Stand IV: Putting the kibosh on a series that was never meant to be”
Author Archives: Fa'aumu Kaimana
I am FN@UW’s hardcore Twitch spectator
Last night was a very special night on Twitch. Instead of watching the usual gaming, YouTube, and Just Chatting antics, I along with other FN@UW members got to watch fan favorite Delia Gomez spit poetry. The only issue: I am apparently FN@UW’s hardcore Twitch spectator who knew how to give shoutouts on the live chat.Continue reading “I am FN@UW’s hardcore Twitch spectator”
I curated a playlist of Cr1TiKaL videos on Karens and white privilege
Karen became a hot topic in popular discourse since the coronavirus outbreak. But you have to remember: this stuff has been happening well before coronavirus. Therefore, I curated a playlist of Cr1TiKaL videos on Karens and white privilege. The coverage ranges from narcissistic YouTuber songs to the infamous Walmart outburst woman. From dǰ pišpiš toContinue reading “I curated a playlist of Cr1TiKaL videos on Karens and white privilege”
The Last Stand Part III: We’re on to you, API Cares
Last month, I wrote about the tokenization of Pacific Islanders at API Cares (a UW RSO) and offered my perspective on who’s actually doing the work of engaging Pacific Islander students in conversations on mental health and wellness. Joseph Seia, a well-respected Samoan community leader in south King County, created a stellar graphic that illustratesContinue reading “The Last Stand Part III: We’re on to you, API Cares”
Open Discussion: Can I be called a ‘xenophobe’ for sh**ing on TikTok?
Let me make this clear. I do not like TikTok. Moreover, I do not like short-form social media in general (e.g. Twitter, Snapchat). They never really appealed to my desire for wholesome content and analysis; are more susceptible to toxicity (read: white fragility); and I can’t keep up with everything that’s going on. I stillContinue reading “Open Discussion: Can I be called a ‘xenophobe’ for sh**ing on TikTok?”
Even the UW didn’t see this one coming
The United States have become a petri dish of serious ongoing epidemics from coronavirus to systemic racism—and now, xenophobia. Yesterday, the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced changes to temporary exemptions that allowed international students on F-1 visas to take classes entirely online. SEVP basically put the kibosh on that exemption by makingContinue reading “Even the UW didn’t see this one coming”
The worst course I have ever taken
Many of you don’t know, but my senior year at the University of Washington was quite tumultuous in terms of academics. Some of the courses I took last year were really terrible either because the instructor was egotistic, or because the instructor clearly didn’t bother to set up a consistent class structure. I plan toContinue reading “The worst course I have ever taken”
I tested negative for coronavirus
What’s going on fellow bus enthusiasts and dǰ pišpiš fans? I still haven’t fully transitioned out of the academic realm. I wanted to share some news that I think is important for folks and communities around me to know. I tested negative for coronavirus. Now that I told you, let’s talk about what it wasContinue reading “I tested negative for coronavirus”
Advice for First Year Students at UW – Pandemic Edition
I’m no expert on surviving online classes let alone the coronavirus. By the time that pandemic hit, I barely started writing my Honours thesis, and I knew I needed more structure to fill my free time and maintain motivation. It worked out well. I was able to co-create a wonderful (virtual) community with Indigenous graduateContinue reading “Advice for First Year Students at UW – Pandemic Edition”
Bus Fanning During Wave II of Pandemic (Spoiler Alert – Don’t Do It)
I’m a fan of public transport far more than I am fan of fraternity parties. I think we can all agree that in this time of pandemic, riding buses is far safer than attending the fraternity parties that could balloon to at least 70 people at one time. But with the news of Washington State’sContinue reading “Bus Fanning During Wave II of Pandemic (Spoiler Alert – Don’t Do It)”
Incognito Transit 