What made you leave Hawaii?
I wanted an chance to grow up. I left at 19 and I wanted to be more independent. I also knew people (our friends in common moved there as well) and I knew that the area was nice with the mountains (for snowboarding) close by.
Why do you think Hawaii kids leave for college?
Leaving forces you to mature faster. They want to venture out and not stay so isolated.
How do you like your mainland experience?
I like it here; I have a new perspective on life because I left.
What made you stay?
Once life gets going—you get a good job, house, friends etc. It’s hard to leave the new life you built without anyone’s help. You end up having two lives—one at home and one in the mainland. It can get complicated, but I know where home is.
Are you glad you left home?
Yes and no. I am glad I know how to be an adult, pay bills, etc. But I’m also missing out on my little brother and sister growing up and I am extremely close to my mom.
What was a big obstacle you faced?
At first it was culture shock. Every Hawaii transplant goes through this. All I knew was life in Hawaii and it was a shock to experience something so different as the mainland compared to Hawaii. Then later is became money, it’s hard to save money.
What was a major influence on you leaving?
I always wanted to try it out; at times I’d feel claustrophobic. Our friend Shannon also convinced me that it would be worth it to move up here with her.