PUHI — Kaua‘i Community College hosted about 75 student leaders from within the University of Hawai‘i for a three-day conference presented by the Hawai‘i Association of Student Life Advisors, the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i-KCC Student Government, and the Student Activities Council.
“Without these student leaders, there would only be the chancellor,” said KCC Interim Chancellor Margaret Sanchez on Saturday when the delegation met at the Student Life Center, a haven from the rain, thunder and lightning that soaked the island from as early as Friday night and continued through Sunday morning.
“These groups did their field trips on Friday. They’ll be at the college for workshops and breakout sessions. That’s good, because look at the weather,” Sanchez said.
John Constantino of KCC said the group was broken up, with each group having a different destination. Groups were dispatched to the Alakoko Fishpond for service learning projects, Kamalo Ula cultural preserve at Prince Kuhio Park in Kukui‘ula, where the group toured the facility and performed various tasks around the park that was established because of its location close to the birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio, and Catholic Charities in Lihu‘e for more service learning projects.
“These delegates represent almost the entire University of Hawai‘i system,” Sanchez said. “They come from the different community colleges and the university itself.”
Labelled Ho‘opili Hou 2023 (literally to reconnect), the conference brings the different student leaders together to network, and return to their respective campuses with ideas and guidelines for improving student life in the UH system.
“Our conference will focus on the following goals — Learn, strengthen and build leadership skills; Network and connect with both private and public colleges and universities; workshops; and Be inspired by colleagues and keynote speakers,” the HASLA organizing group said.
Some of the topics on the table included “Learning Your True Colors,” “Brightening Your Dullest Color,” “Fear of Failure,” “Identi-tea: Spill the Tea…About Yourself,” “Culture and Self,” and more. Broader discussions included “Communication Climate,” “Building a Beloved Community” and “YouTube and Effective Content.”
Following the format of traditional conferences, there was ample time for entertainment, camaraderie, games and seeing the island.
“The conference is designed as an intensive living and learning experience for student leaders with sessions running throughout the day and evening,” the HASLA said in its printed literature for the conference. “Participants will be investing time and student activity fee money to participate, so come prepared to spend time developing skills to help you, your organization, your campus and the community.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
