I still remember sitting at my desk during my first semester in college, staring at a blank page and feeling both excited and overwhelmed. How do you take all this knowledge, these ideas floating around in your head, and turn them into something meaningful on paper? That’s when I stumbled upon the power of reflection—not…
Month: September 2025
The Big Helper: How Dr. Cottrell Shapes Learning and Community
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein I remember the first time I heard about Dr. Timothy Cottrell joining ‘Iolani. It was a balmy summer morning, and the campus buzzed with anticipation—new faces, new ideas, and a fresh sense of possibility. But behind the calm Hawaiian…
Expert Tips on How I Write Discussion Questions (With 20 Ideas That Never Fail)
I still remember the first time I had to lead a classroom discussion in college. My palms were sweaty, my voice shaky, and I kept glancing down at my notes, afraid of losing my train of thought. But what I really struggled with wasn’t public speaking—it was coming up with the right questions. I didn’t…
School in Focus: Moments That Inspire
Last December, I found myself sitting in the early-morning quiet of our classroom, coffee in hand, as a group of ‘Iolani students gathered at 5:45 a.m. to connect with a school in the Djabal Camp in Chad. Through a live video chat, they were about to speak directly with Darfuri refugees—students like themselves, yet facing…
Dr. Carey Inouye: Guiding into the Future
I’ve always admired people who dedicate their lives to shaping others, and Dr. Carey “Doc” Inouye ’66 is exactly that kind of person. Having walked the halls of ‘Iolani as a student, teacher, coach, and now as Dean of Instruction, Doc’s impact on our community is profound and enduring. When I first met him on…
Remembering Eddie Hamada: The Silver Fox
I’ve always believed that some people leave footprints so deep, you can feel them long after they’re gone. Eddie Hamada ’46 was one of those people. I first learned of him not through headlines or awards, but through stories from teammates, students, and colleagues who still carry his lessons in their hearts. Eddie wasn’t just…
When Chemistry Becomes a Story: Remembering Pamela Fujinaka
I still remember the first time I heard someone chant “Up, up-down, up-down…” — not at a game, but in a chemistry class. That was the kind of magic Pamela Fujinaka brought into her teaching: formulas turned into rhythms, lessons transformed into memories. Pamela, or simply “Fuj” as her students called her, spent decades shaping…
Cherry Blossom Queen Kristine Wada ’02 Remains True to Herself
I remember the first time I watched Kristine Wada ’02 perform the Japanese tea ceremony. There’s something mesmerizing about the deliberate, graceful movements — the way she turns the bowl, arranges the table, and even positions her guests. Kristine calls it ichigo ichie, a Japanese phrase that roughly translates to “one chance, one moment.” And…