Incoming freshmen spent the day settling into their new dorm rooms.
College move-in day can be an emotional experience, oftentimes marking the first time that many incoming students leave behind their family, friends and pets for a new adventure.
At Chaminade on Thursday, freshmen said they were excited to be moving into their dorms.
“When I first visited Hawaii with my family a few years ago, I knew my goal was to live here,” said Alexis Lopez, who was checking into her dorm room at Hale Lokelani with the help of parents, Denise and Efren Lopez, and younger sister Madeleine.
“I’m excited about my Forensic Sciences classes, exploring the campus and meeting new people.”
Often followed by New Student Orientation events and campus tours, move-in day introduces incoming freshmen to their roommates, hallmates and resident assistants, while also gives them a chance to learn the campus and school traditions.
“As a resident assistant, we take care of all the students,” said Temika Hemmings ’25, while writing a welcome message on a floor-to-ceiling blackboard wall. “We help spread the aloha and make them feel welcome. We help them grow to become the best version of themselves.”
Accompanied by grandparents Karen and Tom Perez and her dad Joey Cruz, Ha‘ane Cruz learned she was assigned a room just doors down from where the Perez’ son, Aleksander Perez ’22, roomed six years ago.
“I also have two uncles who came here, so I feel like I already know a little bit about Chaminade,” said Ha‘ane Cruz ’28, who plans to major in biochemistry.
“I’m looking forward to the next four years, and meeting new people.”
Also moving in at Hale Lokelani, Shailah Decoito is a new transfer student from Hilo.
“I started the nursing program at the University of Hawaii–Hilo, but it was too competitive. I heard a lot about the Chaminade nursing program and I decided to apply, and I was accepted. I feel lucky because almost all of my credits from UH–Hilo transferred over, so I’m not starting from scratch.”
Checking out the kitchen and common area at Hale Lokelani, Laureano Almada-Roa ’28 roamed the room with his mom, Nora Luna, and his little brother Emiliano Almada.
“I’m nervous, excited and sad all at the same time,” said Luna, an Argentinian native. “He’ll be so far from home, but this is where he wanted to go to college.”
After touring campus, Almada-Roa said he was convinced he chose the right university.
“I saw or read something about Chaminade, and it just felt comfortable,” said the Brooklyn native. “It is far away from home, but I’ve heard that this is a close and supportive community from the people whom I’ve already met here.”
