[Reprinted from pcc50.com, September 6, 2013; interview and photo by Mike Foley]
Introduction: Susie now lives in Honolulu and recently retired from Hawaiian Airlines, but she grew up in Laie and started working at Polynesian Cultural Center as a child, as have many of her relatives.
A PCC family: My family has been involved with the Polynesian Cultural Center for many years. My [late] brother, Solomona Magalei, was a labor missionary and then ended up working on the lighting crew.
My mom, Tuloto Magalei, worked here for more than 20 years as a seamstress.
My brothers, Losi and Tufi Magalei, worked as dancers at the night show, and Tufi also worked in sales and marketing in Waikiki.
My brother, Taofi Magalei, was the theater production manager for the PCC.
I never got paid, but that’s where I got serious about being a PCC dancer, and I started learning the dances.
When I was going to school at Kahuku High a year later, I finally started getting paid. At that time, I was working in the Samoan Village with Chief Tavita Fitisemanu, and I enjoyed every moment of it. He was such a nice man.
I also enjoyed my co-workers: Steve Laulu, Amataga Lealamanua, etc. I can still name all of them.
We were such a close-knit group, like a family. We had so much fun, enjoyed each other’s company, and we learned from each other. We also helped the students who came from the islands.
I also enjoyed dancing in the canoe pageant, and watching the
Samoan guy fall off.
We moved away in 1975 when I
got married, but I always remember the Polynesian Cultural Center. It has taught me a lot about my culture and also about the Church.
That’s what the Center is here for, to teach the world about the Church.
I wouldn’t have traded those times in my life for anything.