As the first semester comes to a close, the Eagle Eye interviewed seven students from the Class of 2024 to see what they’ve been up to since graduation.
Michelle Lee | Chapman University
How has school been so far?
School itself has been pretty good. Since I am in a smaller university, my largest class is 35 people so it allows the teacher to know us better and what we need. I enjoy the teachers and the professors very much.
Have there been any surprises or challenges?
There are lots actually. College is very different than I expected. Although there is a lot of freedom, you often feel very lonely because you don’t always have friends around you. Everyone is busy and has their own things to do especially if you aren’t in the same major as your friends. Also, college really expects you to do things on your own and you have to be responsible for your attendance and work. Also, I’m broke so I work two jobs on campus.
Michelle Lee is majoring in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship and minoring in Chinese.
Hannah Cheng | Pepperdine University
How has school been so far?
School has been such an amazing experience so far. I’m learning so much, and I definitely think God has been teaching me a lot of things as well. Things like discipline, intentionality in my time with Him and also others—patience with building relationships, reliance on Him, and more.
Have there been any surprises or challenges?
I am definitely being challenged at college, but in a good way. Leaving the comfort of the island and the people I’ve grown up with has given me the opportunity to step outside of what is comfortable, meet new people, and learn to be more independent. I’m working on building relationships with the people here because it’ll definitely take time, but these are the people who I will be with during my time here and even my time after college. I’ve definitely missed my family and friends back at home, but I know that I can stay in touch with them and hang out with them when I’m home.
Hannah Cheng is majoring in Sports Medicine.
Dylan Okamura | Willamette University
How has school been so far?
School has been average. There’s not something magical about college where school suddenly becomes fun; it’s hard work no matter what school you’re at.
Have there been any surprises or challenges?
I think a surprise, for me at least, is how easy it is to make friends. I thought I’d be like antisocial or unable to meet new people, but I was severely wrong. A challenge is definitely being a student on my own. My parents don’t wake me up or take me to school anymore, so it’s up to me which is so weird because I’ve never had to take control of my own education before.
Dylan Okamura is double-majoring in Sociology and Psychology.
Kaitlyn Maruya | Gonzaga University
How has school been so far?
College has been great so far. It’s been a mix of excitement, challenges and growth. Throughout the semester, I’ve been adjusting to new routines, making new friends and exploring my independence, especially being away from home. At Gonzaga, I am enjoying the sense of community, taking advantage of the opportunities to get involved and having school spirit (especially for basketball games). Most Friday nights I meet with a bunch of people from Hawaii and hoop around until they kick us out of the gym.
Have there been any surprises or challenges?
Something that surprised me at first was the independence that I have. At first, I struggled with what to do with all of my free time. But, I began to explore and connect with others. For example, I would go workout in the gym, get coffee with classmates, hoop with friends and most importantly join different clubs that were of my interest. Currently I volunteer with kids at a nearby elementary, join the variety of intramurals available. I’m [also] in the Hawaii Club and play club basketball.
Kaitlyn Maruya is majoring in Sports Management and minoring in General Business.
Brendan Aoki | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
How has school been so far?
I’ve really been enjoying the experience of going away for college so far because every day, especially at the beginning of the semester, feels like a new adventure—everything from trying to figure out the bus system to finding new friends, to navigating a massive school with 50,000 undergraduates. Getting involved in a lot of student organizations early on was really fun and I’ve learned a lot more from the people l’ve met here than the actual classes I’m taking so far. Living relatively close to one of the biggest cities in the US has been an exciting opportunity to get out town and go to some concerts. More recently I was able to go into the city for Thanksgiving break to experience the holiday decorations, ice skating in Millennium Park, and shopping at Christmas markets.
Have there been any surprises or challenges?
While I had frequently heard before coming here that college is hard and your peers will be the top students from their own schools, but something in me didn’t fully take these ideas seriously. Once I arrived here and started attending some lectures and discussions it became clear that no matter how many APs and extracurriculars I got involved in back home I would be just a little behind some of my peers in content and skill set. This is partially due to the advanced public school system that Illinois has developed that puts more emphasis on massive high schools and extremely well-funded districts that can provide more courses and resources for their students. The other reason comes down to the surprising number of international students that come to the University of Illinois. Just walking around campus and looking at the diversity of students and professors you wouldn’t know that you’re going to school in the middle of rural Midwest. The abundance of overqualified people around me has taught me that there is no use in comparing yourself to others; instead, focusing on your own improvement is the best way to succeed.
Brendan Aoki is majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
Nicole Shibuya | University of Hawaii: Manoa
How has school been so far?
School has been pretty good. The schedule is flexible which is really nice because I get to sleep in, but some classes are definitely more challenging than high school.
Have there been any surprises or challenges?
I think the hardest thing is making sure you’re on top of your work because it’s a lot easier to fall behind in classes.
Nicole Shibuya is majoring in Electrical Engineering.
Riley Lorenzo | Loyola University Chicago
How has school been so far?
College has been great! I love being in Chicago and meeting new people from different places. I am truly blessed with amazing professors and friends at Loyola who encouraged me in my first semester of college.
Have there been any surprises or challenges?
Living on my own away from family and hometown friends is challenging; however, it allows me to cultivate a new community and grow in my relationship with God. Through the Lord’s guidance, I am learning more about how to be a loving servant of Him as a college student in a secular environment.
