Keola Birano’s Three Minute Thesis
“I ka ʻōlelo nō ke ola. I ka ʻōlelo nō ka make. Life indeed is in words; death indeed is in words”
“I ka ʻōlelo nō ke ola. I ka ʻōlelo nō ka make. Life indeed is in words; death indeed is in words.” This Hawaiian proverb is the basis for my project, which focuses on the power of story. I hope to reveal through this project the possibilities that a young adult novel can hold. I plan on illustrating through Kānaka Maoli (Hawaiian) epistemology, theory, and methods that the work of creating a story should not only be considered a credible production of research but one that can lead to our survival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH4R3ZtsPqQ
Aloha, my name is Keola Birano. I’m pursuing a doctoral degree in Cultural Studies & Social Thought in Education. I’m currently working on a young adult novel that weaves strands of Hawaiian culture and history that’s relatable to teenagers today. The hope is that more literature can reflect our underrepresented student experience. I believe representation isn’t enough, but curriculum needs to be built alongside so these stories are understood from the community being highlighted. Through this process students will not only be seen but empathy can be nurtured for those looking through the window.
