Chaminade really delivered the goods. For four years, it gave me great friends, amazing memories, and, honestly, a beautiful view of Honolulu from the top of the hill.
But let’s keep it real. Some parts of campus have tested my patience more than any exam ever could. Here are five I’ll be saying goodbye to as a student.
Campus Parking
If you’ve ever tried parking at Chaminade between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., you know it’s all about surviving out there. You circle, you wait, and you pray. Sometimes, you end up with no parking, forcing you to miss class, or sometimes, you get really desperate and park at Times Supermarket, hiking up to campus and showing up as sweaty as if you’re training for a marathon. The permit costs up to $275 a semester, and the parking struggle is so real that it should be included in the course learning outcomes section of our syllabus.
Mystical Rose Construction
Remember when we all thought the MRO construction would be “done soon”? Yeah, that hope disappeared over a year ago. For those of us who have classes in Eiben Hall or study in Kokua Ike, the sound of drills, jackhammers, and excavators has become the unofficial Chaminade soundtrack. The cones, wooden fences, and caution tape have turned into permanent landmarks. It has gotten to the point where no one questions the construction, and it has become a part of campus life. Hopefully, future students will get to enjoy the finished product.
The Character-Building Hill
“Walking up the hill builds character.” Sure, but after almost three and a half years at Chaminade, my character’s overdeveloped. That climb from lower to upper campus in the midday heat is a quad-buster. By the time you reach Kieffer Hall or the gravel parking area, you’ve broken a sweat, lost your breath, and questioned all of life’s choices. Add a heavy backpack and your insulated tumbler/cup, and you’ve basically gone through a full-body workout. On the bright side, at least Chaminade students never skip a leg day.
Sullivan Sails with No Shade or Protection from the Rain
Sullivan Sails had all the potential to become the perfect campus hangout spot: a great location, open space, and, on most days, a nice breeze. The only problem? The shade provides little shade, and the cover has gaps in it. When it’s sunny, it feels like you’re sitting inside an oven. When it rains, it turns into a slip-and-slide, with people often getting that small shock when touching something that has power. There’s no winning with the sails. You either melt or run for shelter. However, it’s still a cool spot to hang out between classes or when eating your lunch, but some protection from the outdoor elements would’ve been nice. Maybe one day they’ll add a roof. Until then, bring sunscreen and an umbrella.
Price of Food on Campus
As a commuter student, I’ve come to know the POD (Provisions on Demand), Chaminade’s one and only convenience store, as both a lifesaver and a financial trap. When you want to beat the morning traffic or are rushing between classes, the POD becomes your best and sometimes only option, besides the many vending machines with broken card readers. But as we learned at Chaminade, convenience comes at a cost. Those chips, sandwiches, and energy drinks add up fast. Before you know it, you’ve spent your paycheck on snacks and instant noodles. It’s small and often crowded, but when the hunger hits, you have no choice. I’ll miss the five-minute POD breaks from professors, but my wallet will have the chance to breathe once I’m no longer relying on the POD for my food.
At the end of the day, Chaminade has been my home. It’s been a place full of growth, unforgettable moments, and laughter. But as I walk across the stage and toss my cap in the air in May, I’ll also be saying goodbye to these features that made student life memorable. I’ll probably miss these “features” in the future, but until then, bye!