Week three was a mix of service, rest, and preparation. I continued my involvement in ongoing responsibilities such as food distribution and court monitoring while also using the week to reflect, recalibrate, and strengthen relationships tied to my Leadership in Action (LiA) project.

On Monday, I helped with the food box distribution once again, which has become a weekly rhythm and a grounding experience. I also had the opportunity to attend court with a paralegal from my firm for court monitoring, further deepening my exposure to the legal process. We were also able to bring along and guide a cohort of advocates from within the community who have enrolled in our SOUL LEAD (legal empowerment and advocacy development) program as part of their community lab element. 

Tuesday was intended to be another day of service at Na Kia‘i O’ Maui, but after arriving, I realized I was more fatigued than I had admitted to myself. I made the decision to return home and rest, which initially felt like a step back but ultimately served as a necessary moment to prioritize well-being over output. It reminded me that leadership also requires knowing and respecting your limits.

Wednesday was a quieter day that still offered valuable engagement. I rested in the morning, then attended several meetings in the afternoon—including virtual internal planning meetings for my responsibilities at the university and attended an early session preparing for a Soul Lead.

On Thursday, I spent the day supporting my supervisor Leslee with various errands and responsibilities, including assisting with fundraising logistics and helping her manage community outreach tasks. Later that day, I helped serve again at YGA, continuing to build connections with younger community members and participate in meaningful dialogue around justice, faith, and personal growth.

Friday included more planning and a one-on-one meeting with You Jia. Our conversation centred on self care, cultural sensitivity, and maximizing impact. In the evening, I returned to Ha‘a practice and closed the day by attending a Fourth of July dinner and games night with my host ohana, a moment of joy, cultural learning, and community strengthening.

The week ended with a day trip to Hana on Saturday with some of my new Ohana, followed by some more meetings on Sunday. That evening, I attended a graduation party for Noweo, a new friend, which was an incredible cultural celebration of resilience and opportunity. Finally, on Monday, I  resumed food box distribution duties, beginning a new week with familiar service.

This week was less action-packed than the one before, but it gave me space to reflect and invest in deeper, more intentional conversations. What went well was my ability to maintain essential commitments while also being more attuned to my emotional and physical needs. I continued to serve in concrete ways while also recognizing that restoration is not the opposite of leadership—it’s a necessary part of it.

If I could have done something differently, I would have communicated my need for rest earlier in the week, rather than trying to push through and then pulling back abruptly. I am learning to plan for margin, not just recovery.

This week, I learned that my natural inclination to serve can sometimes be at odds with my capacity. I want to be dependable and present, but I’m also learning that sustainability requires boundaries. I also learned that even when I am not in formal leadership roles, I can lead through listening, encouragement, and quiet initiative.

One of the key leadership insights I gained this week was that leaders don’t always need to be in motion. They need to be aligned. Whether sitting with someone in conversation, caring for children, or preparing a meal—small acts of faithfulness can have a long-term impact. I also saw how leadership often involves empowering others—asking good questions, giving people space to share, and helping them discover their own strengths.

In the weeks ahead, I want to grow in discernment. I want to develop a better sense of when to say “yes” and when to step back. As our legal education project launches in full soon, I hope to combine this personal development with broader community impact.