Dine's Ethos

From the inner workings of my mind.

Bernadine

  • Resigning from the PD’s Office

    I officially resigned from the Public Defender’s Office—a decision that comes with mixed emotions, deep reflection, and acceptance. I honestly enjoyed my time as APD. I cherished the opportunity to guide people through a system that often felt overwhelming and unforgiving. I strived to show that a person is so much more than the mistakes… Continue reading

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  • Unpacking sexual crimes in Samoa

    Where do I even begin? I’m confronted with cases that leave me asking questions I can’t easily answer: Why? How? Why does this happen so often? Why is it normalized or excused in certain circles? How do we begin to make sense of it? These aren’t rhetorical questions—I really want to understand. In American Samoa,… Continue reading

  • Sacrifice pt. 2

    I didn’t expect my post about staying in Samoa to resonate so deeply with others. I’ve gotten a lot of messages—encouraging me to go home, to be strong, to choose myself. People telling me to think beyond family. All of this has made me reflect even more. Lately, the question that keeps coming to mind… Continue reading