Kosrae is known for its steep mountains, picturesque beaches and plentiful diving opportunities, but for Elina, whose friends call her Fred, her love for the island goes far beyond its obvious beauty.
"Kosrae is home for me," she says. "It is where I was born and grew up until I left for University of Hawaii at age 17. My native tongue is Kosraean and English is my second language, which I learned from reading. I read anything I could get my hands on, which meant repeating materials due to lack of resources." Elina explains the lack of educational resources is ever-present within the Kosrae Department of Education, something that propelled her on the service opportunity of a lifetime.
"My first-hand experience growing up with limited reading and other materials provided the insight and information as to the needs of these schools," she explains. "Upon my visit last summer, I was approached by several teachers who asked if I could send them books for their classes. I then visited the seven elementary schools and their libraries and confirmed there is still a tremendous shortage."
Upon returning to Salt Lake City, where Brother Fred currently resides and works as an accountant for a mortgage servicing company, she began spending her weekends collecting books. "I specifically targeted children's books because I want to help foster a love for reading among the young students. By October 2017, I was able to collect/purchase several thousand books that I sent directly to the teachers who asked for them."
Shortly after her first shipment of books, a bookstore owner responded to her donation requests with more than 75,000 books, filling 20 pallet boxes, each taking up 64 cubit ft. With the help of her best friend in Hawaii, Elina was able to locate a freight forwarder to transport the books from Utah to Kosrae. Much to Fred's excitement the bookstore owner also offered to store the books before they made their journey.
Brother Elina Fred stands next to a portion of the 75,000 books donated to her cause, abundantly filling the near empty Kosraean elementary schools book shelves.
"My vision for this project is two-fold," says Brother Fred. "For the students to enjoy these books and gain a greater grasp of English as a result, and for others who learn about this project to be inspired to conduct their own projects, at whatever scale, to give back to their people or help others less fortunate." Shortly after the books are delivered toward the end of November, Fred plans to visit Kosrae and see firsthand the impact of the books.
As an involved alumni member, attending many Deltasig events, Elina thinks fondly back on the years she's spent in Delta Sigma Pi. "Prior to becoming a brother in 2006, I had little to no experience of a professional nature, much less hold a position of leadership. Through the various social, professional, and community engagements the chapter conducted over the course of my studies, I gained a good deal of experience being a part of a unit of such caliber, upholding the highest standard of professional ethics and conduct, appreciating the distinctions of quality leadership, fostering relationships and building an image of trust and reliability. I am glad to have the support of my brothers on this journey."