‘Deeply moved’
Congratulations and mahalo to the Tribune-Herald, and in particular writer Kelsey Walling, for the important, insightful and inspiring Sunday story about Ed Ateria Poch-Yeichy. I was deeply moved by the article.
Here in Hawaii, we like to take pride in our multiethnic community, our “rainbow of races,” mixing and getting along.
However, once we look beneath the surface, it is evident that the Pacific Islanders face extraordinary economic, health and education challenges from their position in our society.
How thrilling it is to read about Ed’s success in overcoming these very real obstacles. To know that he accomplished all this at my neighborhood Hilo High School is particularly warming and makes me especially proud. I am particularly excited about his desire to return to his community and bring his skills and determination to improving our quality of life.
Ed, you are an inspiration to all of us.
Dave Gallagher
Hilo
More college exposure
As a senior who just graduated high school, there are two options that most students are referred to, which include college or joining the military.
The sad truth is most students do not get exposed enough to the option of college and are pushed more toward the military. Many feel as if that is their only option.
The problem is many students are not aware of all the choices they have after high school. I knew I wanted to attend college, but I was worried about paying, so I took the cheaper option of staying on the islands. However, I have many friends that would tell me, “I don’t know what else to do, I am just going to join the military.”
Now, I am not saying that is a bad option, and I am not bashing anyone who decides to join the military. I actually commend them and thank them for their service. But what I want to make clear is that joining the military is not their only option. Schools and educational systems should be giving students exposure to more opportunities.
At my school, we are exposed to college a lot. We have college awareness days, and we are given the opportunity to take early college classes or running start classes. However, Waiakea High School is known as an “above average” school.
Compared to other schools that are lower income or have less students, many do not have the same opportunities that I was given. There are schools that do not have early college classes. And those that do, students barely attend them because they are unaware of the option. Before most students get a chance to learn more, the program is pulled from the school because of the lack of participation.
In order to help students realize there are more than two options, schools should start putting out more than college and military pamphlets in their counselors’ offices. We should be encouraging and exposing the students to opportunities like early college.
With that, there should be funding for lower-income schools to be given those opportunities so all students are aware of their choices and given the same opportunities.
Patricia Saiki
Hilo
