Feeling pressures
of adulthood
There are simple questions adults commonly ask children, one of which is: What do you want to be when you grow up?
It’s ironic how a simple question that even small children can understand becomes increasingly difficult to answer as you get older.
As someone who is going to be graduating high school and will be recognized as a legal adult this year, the pressure of having a plan for my future has been weighing on my mind. Depending on how I answer that “simple” question, it can lead me to make a decision that will ultimately determine how the majority of my life may play out.
One of the most pressing issues I’ve found to have in common with classmates is the financial aspect of adulthood. The transition into adulthood is stressful for many, especially young adults who are just starting life out of high school. We aren’t always fully equipped to support ourselves financially. We do not have the reality of financial literacy that is necessary for a successful transition into adulthood.
Is it fair to suddenly place the hardships of adulthood on young individuals who have only recently graduated and know little about the real world?
This stressful period for young adults is often dismissed as a natural part of the growing-up process. Some older adults forget that they went through this period, too. I say this, because many of these older adults act like this period of life was easy for them, and they forgot what they experienced.
I want to encourage and emphasize the importance of being patient with teenagers, especially as we’re going through a sensitive time of transitioning into another stage of life. We need positive encouragement and thoughtful guidance, not insensitive questions that add more stress.
Kailee-Anne Rodrigues
Hilo
Do not change the
name of hospital
Hawaii cannot be bought! Hilo Medical Center is owned by the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, which is dependent on state legislative appropriations to fund a part of its operating budget and support. It is funded by the state taxpayers, of which I am one.
It is not appropriate to change the name to a private citizen’s (Marc Benioff), who is not a revered kupuna of our community or has strong community connections.
It is someone else who is buying our ‘aina. Someone who has bought up parcels of land in Waimea and South Kohala through his name and/or corporations. Large donations to the Hawaii Fire Department are to assist in protecting his interests and properties in those areas.
If he needs recognition, name the wing after him, but the hospital should retain its original name to honor the community role and heritage.
As an example, consider the Hawaii Fire Department, which has received significant support from the Sayre Foundation, yet the department’s name remains unchanged. The foundation has raised millions of dollars to support our community by supporting the Hawaii Fire Department.
They are honoring their son by doing so, but you do not see their name on the department. This respectful approach allows these benefactors to contribute meaningfully without shadowing out community identity.
Also, this is not some sacrifice of the gentleman. This does not involve true sacrifice. Sacrifice means to give up, surrender or give up something or permit disadvantage for the sake of something else. This is just interest on his money.
True community involvement comes from respect and integration, not merely financial contribution. If you really want to be part of our community and not just buy your way in, do what is right for the community and leave the name alone.
Cheryl Brzezowski
Hilo
