User:Saguache214

User:Sandbox/Saguache214

My name is Caroline Wolfgramm Irwin.

Family history - the stories from and of the past - has always been part of my life. For years I thought my history was pretty simple, as far as ancestors go. There were two countries that made me - well, me: Germany and the south pacific island kingdom of Tonga. Now decades later I learn that I'm as complex as anyone else: German, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Tahitian, Hawaiian, and a touch of English.

Education was taught to me by my parents as one way to have an abundant life. As a result, I am a national Harry S. Truman Scholar and hold an MBA from Golden Gate University - San Francisco. My work life has ranged from being a Howard Johnson waitress to being a lead dancer at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii to being a dispatcher for a Sheriff's Department to being an Administrative Assistant to a College President-Superintendent.

My genealogy interests range from lecturing, writing, organizing, creating educational and reunion events, field research, and sharing "ahh-haa genealogy" moments.

I credit my parent, Charles Ataongo and Hena Vea Wolfgramm nee Langi, for encouraging me to connect with family and the world. As a result of this foundation, I have lived in five different countries and visited many cultures. I look forward to my time with Research Wiki as another journey to far away places to meet new people and help them connect with their stories from the past.