Kalaepohaku abuzz as new and returning students are welcome for the first day of classes
It’s natural to have the jitters on your first day of college. And while Kameron Arizumi ’28 had made a couple of visits to campus over the summer, he arrived early Monday for the first day of the new academic year—leaving himself ample time to find his first nursing class in Henry Hall.
What he found was a campus abuzz with activity.
“I am excited and looking forward to get started on my college journey,” said Arizumi. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about Chaminade’s nursing program, which is the reason I chose to come here.”
Ulupuhi Pale ’27 kicked off his sophomore year on Monday. He said he’s still considering going to seminary school after he graduates from Chaminade. He turned to his faith during the darkest days of COVID, and the Kuliouou native says he’s a strong proponent of Chaminade’s mission and values.
“I believe in an education in faith and service to the community,” said Pale, who can often be seen strumming his ukulele or playing his guitar on campus.
“Chaminade was the perfect school for me and I really like the people and the sense of ‘ohana.”
Lounging in an Adirondack chair in Zuberano Courtyard, LaVelle White ’26 said it felt good to be back on campus. Waiting for his Digital Humanities class to start, the Data Science, Analytics and Visualization major said he’d already attended two classes in the morning and was excited about the year ahead.
“Over the summer I did a couple of internships which kept me busy,” said the Army veteran. “I’m glad to be back because it means I’m getting closer to completing my degree.”
Chaminade President Lynn Babington was delighted to see the energy on campus Monday.
“It’s wonderful to welcome our new students to campus, as well as our returning students since today marks the first day of classes,” she said.
“It’s great to walk around campus and see all the smiles. Everyone is happy to be back.”
Indeed, Monday morning started off for many students with embraces and shakas, as they greeted friends they hadn’t seen over the summer break. Returning students could be heard sharing their classes for the semester, while freshmen could be seen asking for directions to various campus buildings.
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A first-year student in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program, Walter Lee was admiring the beauty of Chaminade’s campus Monday, commenting on the ocean views and slopes of Kalaepohaku. “It’s the first time I have ever stepped on this campus,” he said.
“I chose Chaminade’s PsyD program because it’s more clinical and less research. I like to communicate with people and listen with an empathetic ear.”
Taking photos and promoting Movie Night this coming Thursday, Madison Makashima ’24 can’t believe it’s her senior year. “When I first started, I remember people telling me to enjoy every moment because it goes by quickly,” she said. “I thought they were exaggerating a little bit, but now I know they were telling the truth. It’s a great feeling to be back and seeing all the familiar faces and the new ones as well.”
