“I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and I’ve lived there my entire life. Aside from spending a few summers away from home for soccer, the only other place I’ve ever lived is here at Northwood. Oahu is the place where I feel most comfortable calling home. It’s where I grew up, built all my memories, and where my entire family lives. There’s something special about the pace of life back home. The people are laid-back, the culture is welcoming, and the island’s natural beauty has always made me feel grounded. No matter where life takes me, Hawaii will always be the place I return to when I need comfort.
“Growing up in Hawaii, I never faced social barriers because of my Asian identity. Hawaii has a strong Asian culture, and many people there are Asian themselves, so I always felt like I belonged. It wasn’t until I started traveling to the mainland and eventually living here that I noticed how much less common it is to see Asian Americans. Still, I’ve never felt discriminated against or like I don’t fit in. Instead, seeing these differences made me more aware of how unique Hawaii’s cultural diversity is, and how lucky I am to have grown up in a place where different backgrounds are so naturally accepted. That experience has given me the confidence to carry myself comfortably in new environments.”
As told to Li Feng ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.