What made you leave Hawaii for the mainland?
I wanted to check out the world, see and do things. I wanted to know what people were talking about when they’d go off to the mainland for college. I had this intrinsic desire to explore beyond Hawaii.
Why do you think so many Hawaii kids leave for college?
Two outstanding factors: 1) The Bubble Factor. People from Hawaii have little to do with other parts of the world so one can feel very isolated. 2) The Cheers Factor. This is good and bad. You know the song, “…where everybody knows your name…” that’s how it is in Hawaii. Everyone knows you, your life and things sometimes you don’t want them to know. In Hawaii, people treat everyone like family. You call any older person “Uncle or Aunty” in Hawaii—Renee you know that.
Are you glad you left Hawaii?
Sure I am. There was an opportunity to see more of our country and I took it.
How did you like your mainland experience?
Loved it. It was different and I had some great times up there. Met some good people I will remain friends with for the rest of my life.
What made you come back?
The ocean (Williams is an avid surfer), the people, the love. Its home and the most beautiful place in the entire world.