COMMENTARY
Home from East Coast, you like Hawai'i even more

By Nina Horioka

In my nine years in Hawai'i, I often heard the phrase "aloha spirit." Hawai'i is known not only for its beautiful beaches and mountains but also for its beautiful people, inside and out. After spending my first semester at an East Coast college, the contrast in lifestyles made me realize how the spirit of aloha truly radiates in the Islands.

I am a first-year student at Smith College in Northampton, Mass., where no one knows what a haole or spam musubi is. When I decided to attend an East Coast school, I was prepared for colossal change and an entirely new experience, but what I wasn't quite prepared for were the differences in social interactions.

For example, it is uncommon to strike up casual conversation at a bus stop with a kind stranger, as you might do here. It would be unfair to say residents are unfriendly; perhaps simply more reserved.

At a supermarket, I experienced something I do not usually encounter. At first I thought it was because of my Asian ethnicity, or maybe my age, but after fuming for a little while, I realized I had no reason to be offended. It could have been discrimination in whatever form, but more likely it was simply a different lifestyle.

None of the clerks or workers bothered to say hello or even give a friendly smile. They helped me begrudgingly, as if I were taking precious moments of their time.

This experience is not an accurate representation of everyone I have met, as there are certainly many friendly East Coasters.

I find that many of Hawai'i's high schoolers elect to attend West Coast or Hawai'i colleges because they feel more comfortable staying close to home. For those of us brave enough to venture farther across the Mainland, a whole new world awaits.

The seasons are distinct, with beautiful fall foliage, and harsh, cold winters with a chance of snow anytime between October and April. The pace of life is generally fast. To each his or her own business — as people rush to their destinations. Efficiency and speed are a must.

At home for winter break, I am even more appreciative of everything that Hawai'i has to offer. I am glad for the weather after living in an inhospitable climate, but it is even better to be back in such a welcoming community. A true sense of belonging can be hard to find, but I have found it here.

Now, when my college friends tell me "lucky you live Hawai'i," I will know how right they are. The only way they can experience the aloha spirit themselves is to come visit. My door is always open.

Nina Horioka is a freshman at Smith College in Massachusetts and a graduate of La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls.