Brendan - Sharks and Puffers and Reefs Oh My!

Today's lecture at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
inspired me to think more critically. From the lecture this
morning, I focused on what to change in my everyday habits,
or as our lecturer described our "carbon footprint". Our
world is ignorant to the environment issues that are taking
place because we can't physically see them yet. Even
lobbyists for oil companies advocate that our world is fine
and there are no problems that need fixing. But if we ignore
the problems and live comfortably in the present, there will
be long lasting effects in the future. Simple things can be
done to help our world in an eco friendly way, just like
changing your light bulbs frequently is one way to help.
Another hard hitting fact was that coral reefs may be
extinct by 2100. How can you ignore a prediction like that?
Without coral reefs, there would be no fish, sea
critters,well seafood entirely. If seafood was depleted,
humans would need another source of food since people are
dependent on seafood. We must first educate our public so
they know something needs to be done. As our lecturer said,
we need to learn how to manage our resources. This could be
letting the big fish grow and only catching smaller fish.
Also, voting in general can help. Overall this lecture was
very informative and shined a different light on
environmental issues because it can affect my future for
myself and children someday.
Coconut Island had so much to offer, there were numerous
research projects going on at a time but all related to
biological connectivity which was the topic for our lecture.
One of the research projects that I found interesting was
that Tilapia fish have similar nervous systems to those of
humans. This means that one day these fish can serve as
testing organisms for experiments instead of mice. It was
also interesting to see sharks and pufferfish first hand.
The history of the island was intriguing because of the
addition that was added years ago by the settlers of the
island. It is hard work to move reefs and sand to make more
land and also create a lagoon.
It was an honor to know that we were one of the few
people to ever see three kinds of reef in the same place
which were fringe, patch and barrier. I hope all the
research these scientists are conducting can one day save
the environment.

Surfing Lessons-Erika Pesta

Today was a day full of fun in the sun for ten out
seventeen of us. We went on a surfing extravaganza. Let me
just say you never realize how hard surfing is, until you
try it. It is like a full bodywork out; know wonder all
surfers have nice bodies.
We started our day off like any other day, with a nice
nourishes breakfast. We met our surfing instructors at U of
H, which we found out they are just about the same age as
us, except had five years of surfing ahead of us. As we all
piled into the van, and strapped on our massive long boards
we were headed off to the ocean. I am not exactly sure of
what the beach was called that they brought us, but it was
definitely surfer central. Once we got there, we all made
surf sandwiches which were two people squished in between
two surf boards. We have to pretty much hike down to the
ocean through a jungle trail. Was not aware of the walking
warm up before the surfing lesson. When we finally got down
to the shore they gave us a quick little lesson on land,
then it was off into the ocean. Before this lesson I have
tried surfing twice, let me just say I forgot how hard it
was. Pretty much the whole hour you are out there you are
paddling and fighting the current, and trying to stay
balanced on your board. Since there were a lot of us, it was
hard for the two instructors to keep an eye on all of us.
Most of the time we stuck together, but the only problem
with this was when we were to close and a wave would come we
would all clobber together, and lucky me I got slashed in my
head and arm with a long board due these collisions. After
that I stayed far far away from everyone. Over all I think
everyone did a really good job, due to the fact that most of
us it was our first time. The worst part of our surfing trip
was the aftermath of it. Since the boards that we were using
were not the best of quality, we all pretty much got rashes
on our bodies from rubbing against the board so much.
One thing that I found interesting about surfing was
the appreciation that the surfers have for the ocean. At
first when the surf instructors were talking about the water
and how peaceful it can be I really did not understand what
they were saying. Once I went out there and was just
floating around and absorbing what was around me, it was
pretty amazing. I would defiantly say that today was a
success, and that I would try surfing again. Its definitely
a challenge, but that adrenaline rush you get once your up
on the wave, is amazing!

Zack Pollack- Blog- January 10, 2010

Aloha,
Nine days in Hawaii and I am having an incredible time.
It's hard to believe that the trip is more than half way
over. Each day is filled with a new adventure, experience
and lesson. Today January 10, 2009 I had the intentions to
venture kayaking with a few of my fellow "Hawaiian
classmates". However, due to confusion with the bus
schedule and being dropped off in a location, which was not
the University of Hawai'i, and rather a street, which I
did not recognize, I missed the opportunity and I did not
partake in the activity of kayaking on the beautiful Pacific
Ocean. I was originally upset for two reasons: Firstly
Kayaking has always been an activity which I had always
found to be relaxing which would give me a sense of harmony
and joy, especially being out in the beautiful Hawaiian
weather and secondly, today I am scheduled to post my blog
and I was unsure of what I could write about in order to
replace the activity of Kayaking, since I missed it. Luckily
Andrew had the phone numbers of both Professor Bullard and
Professor Miceli, so he called them and Professor Miceli
told Andrew that she knew Dean Goldenberg was interested in
visiting the Iolani Palace, which was a site that is not
on our trip itinerary but a site recommended by many local
Hawaiian residents who explained this is a site which
tourists should visit. However, we found out the palace is
closed on Sunday. Dean Goldenberg asked if a few students
and myself would be interested in visiting North Shore which
is about a 40+ minute drive in a car and 2.5 hour drive via
bus from the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. Once we arrived we
stopped for shaved ice, which is similar to a snow cone.
Interestingly, Dean Goldenberg informed us that President
Obama had visited this place with his family to get a cold,
refreshing treat of shaved ice, when he recently visited
Hawaii. Over the course of the past week many people have
told us to visit North Shore because it was a beach, which
has unbelievable sized waves this time of year, reaching a
high of 30 feet. Depending on how far along the beach you
go, you will observe how the waves vary in size. We drove
down until we found a comfortable spot to stop and we
watched the large waves crashing onto the sand of the beach.
Although the weather was rainy and it wasn't typical
Hawaiian weather, it appeared to be a beautiful beach with
some of the largest waves I had ever seen. Dean Goldenberg
told us of a Mexican restaurant which he believed was the
best Mexican food on the island (which I am sure it was
because it was delicious). It was great to have lunch and
spend the day with Dean Goldenberg. I had always known who
he was, but this was a great opportunity to have more of a
thorough exchange with the mastermind who runs Hillyer
College and the one who invited me on this remarkable trip
to Hawaii. After lunch we walked around a shopping center,
which had many interesting Hawaiian stores where we observed
many unique Hawaiian artifacts and unique stores which we
would not see back on the East Coast. Although my day was
different then I had expected and I was originally
disappointed that I missed kayaking, I truly had an amazing
time visiting a part of the island, which I did not think I
would see during this trip, and it was great to share the
experience with Dean Goldenberg, Brendan, Andrew and
Brittany. As we approach our last few days of the trip I
would like to express how I am having a great time and
learning so much culturally. I hope you all are enjoying
yourselves as much as I am while each day is filled with
something new.
Mahalo,
Zack Pollack

Blog for 1-7-09 Ashley Merkman

Thursday January 7, 2010 was a very long and fun filled
day. Around eight thirty in the morning we took a VIP bus to
Pearl Harbor. We went in and looked around the museum of all
the pictures and artifacts. There were replicas if the ships
like the Arizona and there was also a small replica of the
cemetery above the Arizona. Going through the museum was
just the beginning but it was very touching. Just walking
around looking at everything and reading the captions made
everything seem more realistic. There were actual survivors
that you could talk to about Pearl Harbor. Being able to
talk to them was very useful because they could answer all
your questions and give fed back from their experience. At
ten thirty we watched a movie about Pearl Harbor but it only
talked about the Americans point of view on the attack. The
movie covered all he main points and it gave you an
overview of Pearl Harbor. There was a white boat that took
you out to the Pearl Harbor memorial. You stood a memorial
right above the Arizona ship and there was a list of all the
people who died in the attack. Overall the memorial was
sentimental. We then got on the bus to head to Fisherman's
Cove but the bus ride gave us time to let the experience at
Pearl Harbor set in and come to an understanding with the
horrific attack. At Fisherman's Cove we got to go on a
Catamaran trip around the ocean. We expect the trip to be
more of a tour around the island but instead it was a whale
watch. It was nice because we got a lot of sun but we stuck
in one place not moving. For the amount of money spent we
could have went on a boat trip that was more productive and
we could actually learn about the Hawaiian culture. Lunch
was provided on the boat for us but it very unusual. There
were hot dogs and tuna bread but overall the food looked
strange and wasn't the best. We also got one drink or free
if we had a ticket otherwise a single drink would cost two
dollars. Everyone had a long day so afterward everyone went
back to the hotel to relax and do our journals. A group of
people ordered Pizza Hut for dinner but I chose to go out to
a Japanese restaurant. I had vegetable sushi and ramen
noodles. The sushi was magnificent and it wasn't over
priced. It was freshly made to order. It was a restaurant
located in the Marriot and I would recommend it to other
people who enjoy sushi. It was a long day but it was a great
experience and something to remember especially visiting
Pearl Harbor. By Ashley Merkman

Music Blog for January 8th-Kayla Colbert

Wow what a long day we had guys!! Two lectures in one day
and we survived!! It was a really long day but we still had
fun and learned a lot in the process. I enjoyed the first
lecture on Hawaiian Sovereignty, but I personally liked the
music lecture more. The woman who presented the first
lecture was a great speaker and she did a great job
explaining the material and relating the information to
events in the real world so we all would have a better
understanding of the history of the Hawaiian Islands and the
struggles that have been encountered throughout the years.
I enjoyed learning more about the history of Hawaii, but I
was excited for the music lecture that was still to come. I
love music, so being able to learn about any type of music
from any culture interests me. Before the lecture began, I
was expecting to only learn about music of the Hawaiian
culture, so when Professor Lau began speaking about Chinese
music, I was a little confused at first. By the end of the
lecture I was happy that he gave us a basic overview of the
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese, Puerto
Rican, and Hawaiian music. I loved listening to the
different instruments that Professor Lau had prepared in his
PowerPoint presentation. I did not care for the Chinese
opera that he played for us, but I loved listening to the
Japanese Koto. This instrument makes beautiful music and I
feel as though it takes a lot of practice to perfect the
sounds that are created. To be able to play any instrument
that well definitely takes practice and Professor Lau
constantly expressed how important music is to each culture,
so perfecting each instrument is key. Each style of music
that we listened to today is definitely different from the
music we all listen to back home. It was great to have a
chance to be exposed to music that is unfamiliar to all of
us and have a chance to learn a little about the importance
of the music to the people within the culture. The Oli
chant is the music we should all be familiar with because we
learned it as we were preparing for our hula lesson on
Wednesday. It was great to be able to hear how the chant is
supposed to sound. When we were learning the chant we were
simply reciting the words, we were not singing it, so
hearing the chant with music playing in the background was
great. I loved all the songs that Professor Lau played for
us at the end of his lecture, especially "Somewhere Over the
Rainbow." I love this song; it has always been one of my
favorites and it took on a more special meaning for me after
my uncle passed away back in November. To me, the song is
about heaven. Somewhere over a rainbow, a person who is no
longer living can watch over everyone and can see the beauty
of the world from a different view. The song is obviously
open for interpretation, but I like to believe that my uncle
is watching over me and my family and whenever I hear this
song, I now think of him. I hope everyone enjoyed the music
lecture as much as I did. :)

Antonia's Blog

Well today was a long day,
We had to wake up early in the morning to attend 2 lectures
at the University of Hawaii. The first lecture was Political
Perspectives of Hawaiian Sovereignty and Nationalism. In
this lecture we basically learned about the annexation of
Hawaii by the United States and the legal sovereignty of the
act that occured. Sovereignty is the right and the abilty
for a nation to govern itself. Being that the United Sate
didnt make treaties or declare war with Hawaii to make it a
state it is not legally a state it is considered The
Occupied Nation State of the Hawaiian Island. I found this
interesting because now that brings up the issue of are
there 50 states? Should Obama really be president? There
were 3 choices that the people of Hawaii have. To have full
sovereignty, to have some human rights or to be a completely
independent colony. I felt there were many pros and cons to
any choice made. However if Hawaiians dont want to be
controlled by the United States ( which many of them don't)
than they shouldnt be. Throughout the lecture I learned the
full story of how Hawaii is considered a state and how it
legally isnt. I actually can connect the lesson with
observation of the natives while here because you can see
that some of the younger to middle aged people look at
tourists with the cold shoulder because they feel we took
their freedom away from them. Overall I've learned tons of
history today and it helps me understand Hawaiian society
today.

First Lecture Blog - Stephanie

Aloha!
Today's lecture, Center of the Pacific, by Professor
Osorio, covered many topics including songs. He discussed
questions of origins, voyages made by ancestors. We learned
how "ranks" are determined in the Oiwi society, such
as Ali'i nui, ali'i (chiefs), and maka'ainana.
Professor Osorio also talked about how the ahapua'a (or
properties) were divided among landowners. He also covered
some misconceptions such as how Hawai'i is the oldest
island. Lastly he talked about Kamehameha's rule and what
he meant to the Hawaiian natives. There was much more depth
than what I covered, however, covering it all would take a
long time.
After we took a tour of the campus. We got to see their two
libraries (much nicer than Hartford's) and lastly we
got student id cards. That about sums up the day!
Mahalo Professor Osorio!

Multi Cultural Island Tour Blog

Today was an extremely eye-opening day. We woke up early, eager to
depart for our bus tour around the Island of Oahu. Aggy, our tour
guide, took us around the Island and showed us the land and
interesting activities. One of her activities was to create a scavenger
hunt. On the hunt we saw churches, the Hawaii State Capital buildings,
the Iolani Palace and much more. We had fun hunting for the answers to
some of the questions. After the hunt, we ended up at a lookout, which
was on a mountain. While we were there the weather became a little
windy, but we carried on to over look the Island of Hawaii, which was
beautiful. Next, we traveled to a temple where there was a statue of the
Bhudda. This was very interesting. I was amazed to see people pray to
Bhudda because this was something I have never had the opportunity to
see before. As we took our shoes off to respect the temple, we watched a
family pray to Bhudda. I was so blown away at the effect that this had
to the family. Reading about the religion in a textbook does not have
the same effect as it does when you see the effect on those first
hand. Having this hands-on experience was amazing. I lit a stick,
which resembled in-scents, and put it in a pot with ashes in it.
While placing the stick you are supposed to pray. I thought that
was really cool because I never thought I'd have that opportunity,
ever. The temple was beautiful. It was a red building, which almost
looked like a Japanese building and it was in the middle of a
cemetery. I have honestly never seen such a gorgeous cemetery. After
the temple we traveled over to a valley which we were told stories of
the legends and the history of it. We spoke to a family who had
interesting stories about people turning into stone and the
interesting morals that they teach. Later, Auntie Mae came to show us
the resources that the native Hawaiians use to make games, hats, toys, salt, and so
many more things. I thought it was so interesting to see all the
things that the hawaiian natives made just out of resources. It kind
of makes you realize how lazy we are back at home. In Hawaii they cut
their fruit fresh and it is easy. They also make their own jewelry and
use their resources to their fullest use and we buy everything or have
instruments do things for us. I would like to be more resourceful,
just like the Hawaiians. After Auntie Mae and the valley, we went to
the north shore to see some pretty decent sized waves and surfers.
This was really cool, although the waves weren't 50 feet, where that
is happening on other beaches, they were much bigger than anything I
have ever seen. After the beach we traveled to the Dole plantation. We
ate fresh pineapple, bananas, coconut, sugar cane, mangoes and papaya.
The fruit was so fresh and tasted so good. I have never had anything
like that from the grocery store back at home. On the way back from
the plantation we stopped over to the royal birthing place. This place
had rocks set for 36 cheifs to sit while watching someone of royality
have a baby, just to prove that the baby was truly royal. We weren't
allowed to step on the rocks because they were sacred. Across the way,
on the mountain, sunlight was glistening through the clouds and the
sight was amazing. I love Hawaii and its scenery. It is truly one of
the most amazing places in the world. I cannot wait to see new things
and learn more about it.

blog post from andrew elish

Catamaran Trip?
Ok, so today was going to be a great day, at least on paper.
We were all going to head out to Fisherman's Wharf (where
we tried to go jet-skiing yesterday) for a few hours of
sailing around the island. About ten minutes before we were
scheduled to leave, the charter company called to say that
due to high winds, and the resulting large waves, we would
have to reschedule. The change was kind of disappointing,
but everything turned out well anyways. The sailing
excursion got re-scheduled for Thursday, after our tour of
Pearl Harbor, and we were given another free day to go
explore the island.
The small group which I went off with
decided to check out the Sea Life Park, which is about a 40
minute trip from the hotel. It turned out to be in a really
nice setting, which was good, since I personally did not
want to spend almost $200 to swim with the dolphins. The
park is set in the hills, and overlooks turquoise water, and
some smaller islands which are close to shore. In general,
it was nice to get into the hills and away from the main
ocean-front strip where we've spent a lot of our time
since getting here, and into the other side of the island,
especially its more mountainous side. Coming back was
interesting, since we missed our bus stop, and wound up
walking along a road which runs parallel to the ocean-front
strip in front of the hotel. Eventually, we made it back,
all in one piece, and having seen a bit more of the island,
which is definitely a good thing. I'm looking forward to
the island- wide tour tomorrow, and in getting to know more
about the area at large, not just the small area around the
hotel.

Day 1-Mallory

Hey guys!
So after that long plane ride I think everyone was happy to
sit on the beach today in the nice 80 degree weather. The
sand was so nice and the water was great. But then we all
took that failed trip to go jet skiing which didn't work out
at all. But when we got back some of us decided to walk down
the strip of shops and we ran into this really cool local
named Ronnie. He gave us free fish made out of palms and
then he made me this really cool anklet out of rope which he
melted together and said that it won come off ever unless I
cut it off. He also told us that he is originally from rhode
island but goes to school here for engineering. And he told
us that coconut trees are the most prizes thing on the
island because you can do so much with them and that's why
they use to make thier houses out of them. And that the
holes in the trees are from spikes becuase every couple of
weeks they have to climb and cut down the coconuts becuase
if they fall on someone they can kill them! Then he showed
us how he climbs the tree to get the palms! Ronnie was
really fun and I know I'm having a great time here already!
And I hope everyone else is! Well I can't wait for this boat
trip tomorrow. See you guys later. Mallory

Its so great getting to know everyone here, the island is
beautiful and this trip is going to be so much fun. i cant
believe i have laughed as much as i have in the small amount
of time that we have been here! cant wait for tomorrow!

Here Waiting For You

I made it!!! I got in yesterday afternoon. The flights weren’t too bad. I was a lot more rested when I arrived that I expected because I slept a lot on the planes. It is BEAUTIFUL here!!! I can’t wait for you to get here! Feel free to call or write if you need anything.

Stephan

I'm Looking Forward to the Trip!!!

Hi Guys!

I just drove 10 hours to my folks place (near Pittsburgh) for the holidays. I spent most of the time dodging snow drifts and looking forward to being in the islands. Travel safe and I will be there to meet you when you arrive!

Stephan

The Excitement Builds

Hawaii Bloggers-
It has only been 3 days since my last post but my excitement
for this trip to Hawaii has increased beyond what I had ever
imagined. Anytime I see a friend from home they ask if I am
doing anything over vacation, and I always react with a
bubbly comment filled with excitement. I think my friends at
home are starting to get sick of me repeatedly saying how I
am going to Hawaii and probably just want me to go there
now. I also feel like this cold is getting more brutal each
day and the thought of being on a beach away from this
weather seems to get me through the day.I am trying to spend
as much time with my family and friends at this point since
we are only 10 days away! Whenever it hits vacation time, my
mind can never recall which day of the week it is, so now I
keep a countdown on my phone to tell me how many days it is
until January 1st. Ah!, how I would give anything to be able
to be on the island now, being able to see the beautiful
scenery and getting able to see anything any color other
than white everywhere. I told my friends that they may not
ever see me again after our trip to Hawaii since I'm going
to never want to come back to New England. I am so blessed to
have this opportunity and next time I blog, I will finally
be on the island of Hawaii!

Thoughts on Departure: BRITTANY WOMACK (lover of Capital Letters)

I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT HAWAII ALONG WITH THE REST OF MY
FAMILY. AFTER FINALS AND THIS COLD BRUTAL WEATHER, I CAN'T
WAIT TO GET AWAY! I WANT TO SEE THE CLEAR BLUE WATER AND GET
MY TOES IN THE SAND! I THINK IT WILL BE A WORTHWHILE
EXPERIENCE TO STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY. I AM STARTING TO LAY
THINGS OUT THAT I WANT TO BRING. I AM TRYING NOT TO PACK TOO
MUCH IN HOPES OF BRINGING ALOT OF THINGS BACK WITH ME FROM
HAWAII!!! I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO TEXAS BEFORE SO FOR THE FEW
HOURS WE ARE THERE BEFORE OUR NEXT FLIGHT, I I THINK IT WILL
BE COOL. THERE IS NOT MUCH HAVE TO SAY, BUT I DEFINITELY
CAN'T WAIT FOR VACATION. I PLAN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL
THE TIME WE HAVE THERE! BRITTANY WOMACK

Thoughts on Departure: Javianna Silvers

Aloha Everyone,
We only have 14 more days until paradise!!! These last 2
weeks of classes were so stressful, but the thought of hot
weather, the beach, and good food made me more motivated to
just get it done. It just dawn on me today that Hawaii has a
4 hour time difference. I don't know about you, but sleep
is very important to me and I hope my body gets well
adjusted to the time zone in reasonable amount of time.
I'm already bummed thinking about how I am not going to be
able to sleep going into the New Year, since we Hartford
people have to be on the plane at 6am. But at the end, it is
all worth it and I'll trade all the sleep in the world to
visit Hawaii. I'm so looking forward to see what everyone
is talking about when the talk about Hawaii. The beautiful
beaches, beautiful people, the peaceful vibe, and the food
(most important). I'm also shocked about how Hawaiian
native people are being treated. It kind of makes me sad how
people can be so deprived in the country. I can't wait to
learn more and get all my questions answer. This is a once
and a lifetime experience and I'm so looking forward to
see you all in 14 days.

Thoughts on Departure: Erika Pesta

There are only 17 more days left until we leave for
Hawaii. I hope you all are as excited as I am. This trip
will definitely be an experience of I lifetime I think for
all of us.
I have a question for everyone, who has never been on
a plane before? I did not think of this until the other day.
These people are in for a real treat. It’s nothing to be
nervous or scared about. I love plane rides, they just get
annoying after awhile. Especially with the amount of time we
will be spending on them. Airport happen to always be a
little crazy and overwhelming at times, but its just because
people tend to make a bigger deal out of things then
necessary. One thing that you will find is that airports are
a great way to people watch. You will find a variety of
interesting people. The most important thing I think people
need to remember in airports is to stay calm. People tend to
over react, and blow things out of proportion. You will get
to your destination eventually; there is no need to stress
out.
The day that everyone departs is definitely going to
be crazy. We will have mixed emotions running through our
heads. Whether it is, excitement, being nervous or just
exhausted because we had to wake up at four AM to catch a
plane at six AM. You must keep in mind though the place you
are going, and the amazing things that we will be seeing. I
can’t wait to see you all, and I am very excited to share
this experience with you all!
Fly Safely,
Erika Pesta

Thoughts on Departure: Leevette Rivera

Hi Everyone
I am so happy the semester is finally over. We only have two
weeks left before we head off to Hawaii and I cant wait. I
keep looking at the calendar wishing time would fly by and
it would be the Jan 1st already. I am dreading the long air
flight. I hope there is a good movie playing or I fall
asleep. It's going to feel so great to get away from this
really cold weather we're having. I wonder how the different
time zone is going to affect me. I am looking
forward to learning about Hawaii's culture and scenery. I
can't wait to go to Pearl Harbor since it has made a huge
impact on Hawaii's history. Overall I think Hawaii is going
to be a wonderful experience to remember. I cant wait till
we're there already.

Thoughts on Departure: Elissa Golub

Hi Guys!
It's getting closer to the big day where we fly off to Hawaii! I'm
really excited to go and am anticipating an amazing trip. I am not
only looking forward to experience the culture and ways of Hawaii, I
am excited to have this experience with a group of people that I am
truly excited to get to know. This experience is going to be one of a
kind. I am a little nervous about flying alone, knowing me I might
miss my flight, just kidding. On the other hand, I can't wait to see
things in Hawaii which we don't have the opportunity to see here. I
can't wait to see the beaches and look at the gorgeous land
surrounding us. This trip is definitely going to be one to remember
forever. Taking classes and experiencing an education is a first hand
experience I can't wait to be apart of. I wonder how the teaching
techniques will be and what I will take away from the lectures and
trips. Another interest I have is the time zone. I wonder if being in
a different time zone will affect me hard. I am interested to see if I
am either really tired, or have a lot of energy. I am just excited to
be able to have this experience. I can't wait for the trip to come
already, Hawaii is going to be amazing.

Thoughts on Departure: Stephanie Madler

I know that I will not be the first person to say that I am
excited to go to Hawaii. Not only because I personally have
never been out of this continent let alone time zone. This
trip has gotten many positive reviews and is only making me
more excited to go. I can almost picture myself there
already. Palm trees, gorgeous scenery, who wouldnt want to
go? i look forward to learning about Hawaii past the
appearance of it. I can definitely say with confidence that
I will have one heck of a time trying to manage what I am
going to bring. Naturally I would love to bring everything
with me, although that isn't exactly feasible. I also worry
what i am going to do on the plane, a 15 hour flight? that
is going to be interesting, especially following new years
eve. although i must say i am really pumped to bring in the
new year in a new place. hope everyone finishes off the
semester well and i will see you all so soon!