“I looooooove my kids!” <– This was likely my most used phrase this semester, and for good reason too. Cluster 27, my group of 10 pre-health students, was usually the highlight of my week. Since I– wait a minute now, I haven’t even let anyone know who “I” even am! Pardon me, I’m Shauna. Pleased to make your acquaintance! Anyway, back to my story. Since my CAS110 class fell on the morning of every Friday, it was almost a ritual for me to prepare for class on Thursday evenings. Although, it wasn’t as much “preparing” as it was enjoying myself; my weekend essentially began the second I started to prepare for class.

Needless to say I was thoroughly pleased with every class as my kids and I unwound from a long week of hard work. We’d share in each other’s misery in labs, join in everyone else’s satisfaction on exam scores, and laugh together about a silly video we’d caught sight of on  youtube.  Classes in general were easily the best part of our cluster. Although we did attend a movie night here and there, and held class in Yogurtland, I do believe a majority of our memories were formed in good ol’ Room 108.  All the games we played, all the conversations we’ve had– they will remain with me for always, and I do sincerely hope that my kids feel the same.

The funny thing about how much fun my kids and I had was that everyone came from a different place, story, and life. Many of them came from the mainland, spanning their place of origin all over the country. A few were from right here on O`ahu, and I was from my own home island. As we found throughout the course, we all have different tastes in music, different learning styles, and different cultures. And yet somehow we managed to find some common ground and breeze right through the first semester. These kids of mine, I tell you, they are going places. They have all the potential in the world to do whatever it is they want to do. And the best part? One day I will be able to call them my colleagues, and THAT will be one of the proudest days of my life.

xoxo Shauna

A feel good song:

A song for my kids:

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