1.1: Profile Description

My name is Curtis Neck, and I am majoring in communication. After graduation I will be working full-time as a hair stylist in Hilo (working part-time at the moment due to school), with a goal of building my clientele to it's fullest potential. At this point, I have almost completed my goal of finishing my degree at UH Hilo, while starting my own small business. My next goal would be to settle down in Hilo while enjoying the things I love to do the most, which include: doing hair, surfing and playing volley ball. Those activities are truly what make me happy and have helped me feel like a member of this community. 

My relationship to sustainability stems within the Yup'ik culture I grew up in (southwest Alaskan native). We respect the land and animals by taking only what we need while keeping the environment clean and allowing nature to replenish itself. In my life, I push myself to recycle as many used products as possible. I incorporate organic products in the salon (shampoos and conditioners) and are always on the watch for new eco-friendly products from lower-wattage light bulbs to recycled paper products for salon use. 

The connection I have with Hawai'i would be the land. I strongly feel that I was brought here to settle and call home. Coming from Alaska, I've always been an out-doors person and have enjoyed activities that involve being a part of nature. I feel that Hawai'i allows me to do more outdoor projects such as hiking, swimming and landscaping (my landlord only allows native plants to be grown on the property). 

I live in Paradise Park with my Hanai mother Stacey. I met her years ago through a friend, her and I became extremely close, and she offered me to rent a room in her home when I was looking for a new place to live. 

I would like to know how communication has an effect on sustainable living, and how I can contribute to the global community as a member of our society. 

My area of interest within communication is more human focused, interpersonal/group communication. I feel that I am skilled and knowledgeable in this area. I am interested in the ways in which people communicate and why they communicate the way they do. 

After viewing The 11th Hour a behavior change that I would implement would be to support local businesses such as farmers. Large corporations not only disrupt community cohesion but also add to the waste and consumption of materials that are not environmentally forgiving.