Submitted by Selena Calabrese on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Hawaii sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences and the School of Education…
Public transportation has become a major part of my study abroad experience. The bus is our main form of transportation to any excursions, markets, or meetings for class. From taking the bus daily, I have learned a lot about local Hawaiians on the island of Oahu. There is an eclectic group of people who take the bus. I have seen business women and men ride the bus, labor workers, moms, dads, grandparents, people with a lot of baggage, and people with nothing. The bus is what makes this program unique. Through taking the bus, I have learned that the people of Hawaii, no matter how diverse they are, will always be proud of their Hawaiian culture and want to share everything there is to know about it. Also, through taking the bus, I have learned how challenging it is to travel far distances, navigate switching buses, and to have patience when the bus is not exactly on time.