Hawaii: New Foods

Submitted by Quinn Curro on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics…

One of my favorite activities during the trip included the Luau. I got to experience Hawaiian culture like the dances and songs. This was one of the most fun things I did on the program and I already want to go to another one. The performance was so lively and enjoyable, which was in front of the beautiful ocean along with dinner.

During my study abroad, I tried so many new foods, which is something that is unlike me. I am a very picky eater and tend to eat the same things over and over. So, I branched out and decided to try new fruits, vegetables, and other dishes I have never had before. I even discovered some new food that I thought I never liked before that I actually like now.

Hawaii: Coffee

Submitted by Nya Wynn on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences…

This week in Hawaii, one of my favorite things we did was visiting the Greenwell Farms Coffee Plantation. I did not have any expectations going in, but I found the tour very interesting and was blown away by all the intricacies that go into growing, processing, and selling coffee. We learned all about the history of the farm and how coffee originally came to Hawaii. We also got to see all the drying houses, coffee trees, and sorting stations. There were so many trees, but we learned that Hawaii only represents 0.4% of the world’s total coffee grown which was so eye- opening. Our tour guide also explained that due to various coffee diseases, including leaf rust, the farmers will plant other types of fruit trees in order to diversify the farm, making the plantation less susceptible to disease outbreak. Finally, we got to sample all the coffee they produce at the farm and had a blast trying to taste all the nuances of different flavors throughout the different types. Overall, we had a great day at Greenwell Farms, and as our tour guide said, “life’s too short for a bad coffee,” which will be my new mantra.

The greenhouse they use to nurture the young coffee plants until they’re strong enough to be planted.
The drying house where they lay the coffee beans out to dry for multiple days at a time before they’re processed and sold.
All the different types of coffee we got to try!

 

Hawaii: Class on a Boat

Submitted by Stella Galli on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences…

This week, I had the best class of all time: class on a boat! There were water slides, food, and a beautiful underwater sanctuary to explore by snorkeling. While snorkeling, I saw two sea creatures I had never seen for the first time – an octopus and a shark. Never before would I have thought I wouldn’t be scared to be right next to a shark, but after everything I have learned so far in Hawaii, I had no doubt that seeing a shark would not scare me! In fact, I was eager to get near it and experiencing that with my classmates was extraordinary.

While this boat class sounds like nothing but a good time, I was able to learn a lot about what I saw and take note of the many beautiful fish I viewed while snorkeling. I hope one day to snorkel in this same area again, and I highly recommend it to anyone!. This class will always be remembered to me as the best one I will ever have (probably ever again).

Hawaii: Favorite Excursions

Submitted by Jasmine Jade Newton on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences…

This week in Kona, we went on so many amazing excursions! We went to visit a Kona coffee plantation and learned a lot about the history of Kona coffee and how its production has come to be today. I thought it was really amazing to test out the different coffee they had and learn some history on the type of brew it was. One that was interesting was called Peaberry coffee, it is a bean that is completely round and doesn’t have the two different sides like a regular coffee bean. This creates a much more unique flavor in the coffee harvest and production process!

Another one of my favorite excursions was the Kealakekua Bay snorkel trip. We took a boat for about 45 minutes to a secluded bay and got to jump into the water from the top of the boat. We saw so many fish and also were so lucky to have seen an octopus and two oceanic white tip reef sharks! This was a really engaging and memorable experience that I will definitely carry with me my whole life.

Hawaii: Mix of Everything

Submitted by Emily Black on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the College of Health Sciences…

For our last week in Hawaii, we did a mix of everything we still wanted to accomplish before leaving. For education, we went to Pearl Harbor to tour the USS Arizona and the USS Missouri to learn about the war and the way the nurses impacted the war effort. It was really impactful to be at the actual start and end of the war in the Pacific. In the middle of the week, we met for class and submitted final papers to end the program. We celebrated with a Luau at the end of the week. We got dressed up in the floral patterns and someone from our group even won the hula competition!!

 


Hawaii: Haleakala Sunset

Submitted by Alyssa Stagnitti on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the  Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration…

On Sunday, January 16, I  and a group of my peers attended a local craft fair in Lahaina. We had spent a good deal of time in Lahaina throughout our program, and the town is full of stores targeted towards tourists. However, it was cool to see some of the work of the smaller, local artists. There were lots of jewelry makers, as well as people who were selling authentic Hawaiian clothing and decorations. I enjoyed getting to talk to the locals, and hearing each of their stories as we shopped around for souvenirs. I loved getting the chance to hear about the day to day lives of people who live on the island, and compare how they differ from life on the East Coast.

On Monday, January 17, we made the difficult drive halfway back up “The Road to Hana ”, which we had driven just two days prior, to visit the Ka’anae Peninsula. The Peninsula is essentially a bunch of lava rocks that extend out into the water, and we spent the afternoon walking around; watching the waves crash over the rocks. The ocean looked especially powerful and intimidating from here. Views like these give me a greater appreciation of nature and the beautiful scenery of the island.

We had our last official excursion to Haleakala on Tuesday, January 18, and it was one of my favorite memories of the program by far. It took us about an hour to drive to the top of the summit of the volcano, where we got to watch the sunset. Watching the sunset from a 10,000 foot elevation was unlike anything I have ever seen before, and I was happy to get to share this experience with my classmates, and new friends. Most of us were in agreement in saying that this was one of the craziest things we had ever seen, and we all thought it was the perfect thing to do for our last excursion. We all sat together, huddling up because it was cold at the top of the volcano, and shared our favorite memories and funny stories as we watched the sun go down. We pointed out how crazy it is to think that just three weeks prior, we were all strangers, and now we feel like we had all been friends for years.

We met a man at the summit who seemed to be there on his own, directing people where to walk and not to walk, because there are endangered plant species growing in the area. He explained that he was not native, but had been living on Maui for years now. He thought it was important to do his part in educating tourists whenever possible, to give back to the land and make sure it was being taken care of. One of the main things we have been learning about in our Leadership class has been sustainable tourism, and protecting Hawaiian culture, so it was exciting to see someone putting these ideas into action. He also told us that he comes up to Haleakala as often as possible to watch the sunset. I was jealous, as I could not imagine ever getting used to the view. Throughout the program, I made it a point to get to know as many people as possible, because I loved hearing the different stories of what brought people to this island. Although Hawaii is part of America, it feels like a completely different world in some ways, and it is interesting to see how the lifestyle differs.

As our program has come to an end, I could not be more thankful to have had this opportunity. Getting to explore a new place and culture with this group of people has been one of my favorite college experiences by far. I learned so much about Hawaiian culture, and gained such an appreciation for the land. Going into this program, I was nervous to push myself out of my comfort zone, and travel with a group of people I didn’t know. Now, I am returning to Newark with twenty-three new amazing friends whom I would not have had the chance to meet if it were not for this program.

Hawaii: Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, and Design

Submitted by Abubakarr Bah on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics…

This is me at Doris Dukes’ Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, and Design. I was amazed and incredibly grateful to go. I traveled far from home to see a place entirely dedicated to my culture. I saw things that relate to me specifically and that I could never see in my own neighborhood. The museum opened in 2002 and is still the only place in the United States solely dedicated to Islamic Art. I saw and learned things that were new to me and explained the origins of some cultural things that I do. It was a beautiful space that gave an honest view of history and the privilege needed to acquire the materials. They explained how even though it was obtained as a private collection, by opening the museum to the public, it allowed a little bit of a remedy for sharing the art with the world rather then taking from a people and keeping their work to yourself. It was nice to see others learning and appreciating something dear and relative to me. It was amazing to be surrounded by all the beautiful art and history.

Hawaii: Mauna Kea

Submitted by Megan Perdue on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences…

Aloha! One of my favorite excursions in Hawaii has been summiting Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii. We started our journey around 4:00 pm to make it to the top by sunset. We climbed up to a perfect sunset/ stargazing spot about 9,000 feet above sea level, which was above the clouds! The sun was setting through the clouds and left the sky in an array of colors. After watching the sunset, we stayed to star gaze. Because there is no light pollution on the top of the volcano, we were able to see so many stars. I have never seen so many stars (and shooting stars)! Contrary to typical belief that everywhere in Hawaii is warm and tropical, it was only 40 degrees here. After watching the stars, we made the long trek back and headed home.

Hawaii: The People

Submitted by Zane Fracek on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics…

So far, I used one essay to reflect on the spectacular sights of Hawaii and another to comment on the life-changing experiences. The last one then, is due to the people who made the program so unforgettable.

Firstly, the program could not have been more well organized thanks to Professors Sandy and Andrew Fields, and the Global Academic Ventures Team, Maddie and Zakkia. They were always nice, optimistic, and accommodating of everyone’s needs (especially my allergies). On top of that, I learned a lot from them inside and outside of class whether it was tips for vegan restaurants or wise life advice.

The guest speakers blew away my expectations. They were true industry experts with a lot of experience and knowledge to share. Many speakers began with a “talkstory,” common in Hawaii, to ask us what we wanted to know from them and why we were there. Sandy Fields observed how speakers would light up in their mood and expression once we started asking good questions that showed we were listening. It might sound small, but in Hawaii I developed my listening skills like nowhere else.

The locals were all very nice. It is hard to describe, but the people felt much different when I came back to the mainland airports. Both on the rural Big Island and urban Oahu, locals seemed more relaxed and social.

I couldn’t have asked for better students to join the program with me. I roomed with a random roommate, but he ended up being a perfect fit for me because he was adventurous and willing to join the things I wanted to do. Everyone was focused on having a great time and there was no drama. I made friends with everyone, and I am excited to see everyone on campus next semester. I would travel with this group again in a heartbeat.

I would also recommend to anyone considering a study abroad program that they go for it. They are all unique, but likely all the same in some ways. Go in with no expectations, be flexible and optimistic, and it will be a once in a lifetime experience. I have never met someone who regretted anything about their study abroad experience.

 

Hawaii: Group Photo

Submitted by Tyler Phommachanh on the 2022 winter session program in Hawaii sponsored by the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration…

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and a picture is worth a million. I believe that a memory is immeasurable. Throughout our entire journey we’ve seen amazing places and met a large variety of people. We’ve been educated and engaged to absorb all of the information that we’re given from every side of the story. We learned to dig deeper and to understand more than just the information given out to us. Throughout it all, we learned so much that every single person on this program has come out with a changed perspective.

Yet.

When we got to the summit of Haleakala, and when I finally had the chance to sit down and reflect upon our entire program, I think we realized that the end was indeed near. The three weeks of Hawaii had blown by in a flash. We did so much, but at the same time we did so little. We all sat there gazing into the endless ocean of clouds and a gentle sun that we all came onto one single detail that we had all missed when we were climbing the mountain. The pictures we take may last a lifetime, but the bonds we make last forever. We may forget the places we visit or the dangerous roads that we traveled. But in the end, we have each other. Our bonds are what hold us together as people and they drive us into the future. Thankfully, we have our memories to remind us of where those bonds began.