Kajin M̧ajeļ: https://chikinmelele.com/caleb-klipowicz-2/

Iakwe everyone! My name is Caleb Klipowicz and I am a student at the University of Iowa where I study anthropology and public health. Anthropologists like me are interested in learning about cultures from all over the world, mostly by listening to stories from people’s everyday lives. I first decided to become an anthropologist after I was an English teacher in Jabor, Jaluit where I began studying Marshallese language and culture. Since then, I have gone on to graduate school to learn more about the different kinds of problems facing Marshall Islanders and figure out how I can best help.

As a student, I always try to use my studies to advocate for the Marshallese community and offer my assistance when I can. For example, in 2016 I was in Arkansas to study the challenges facing public health workers combating tuberculosis (TB). They taught me a great deal from their struggles and insights working with patients with little money or support. At the end of that summer, I tried to give back by assisting in translating some guides for non-Marshallese speaking nurses and later, working with colleagues to translate a children’s book about TB.   Although small, I think it is important to try and find ways giving back to the communities we learn from.

Today, I am working towards my PhD in anthropology. I was supposed to return to the RMI last year to complete my studies, but my trip was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, I am currently working online until it is safe to go in person. Thankfully I was able to use this time to make an interactive website that I hope will better inform folks about TB and other issues facing Marshall Islanders in the US.  In the future I plan to become a professor with the hope that I can help mentor Marshallese and other Pacific Islander students to become future intellectuals and leaders in public health. Until then, I’ll keep looking for little ways I can help from here!

He also been a guest reporter for Chikin Meļeļe. You can read his reports here: https://chikinmelele.com/cdc-report-shows-ri-majel-and-latinx-at-greater-risk/