Amista Lujan, Staff Writer
Two of the biggest multicultural clubs on campus are the Pacific Islander Club and Hui’ ‘O Hawaii clubs. Founded by Pacific Islanders to create a home away from home community to allow the students from these faraway places. These clubs hold a very special place in the hearts of many of our Saints on campus, as we are always invited to see the beautiful performances done by their club members. I talked with the Pacific Islander’s Club President Bernand Mariano, Hui ‘O Hawaii’s Secretary Kailee Higa, and their Co-Food Chair Jayse Arcalas. Events to look forward to in the Spring Semester:
- Pack the Pav
- Hui O’ Hawaii Luau
- Pacific Islander Club Pasifika Night
Talking with these officers allowed me to understand more of their missions and hopes for their club’s future. While talking to Bernand he answered what he is excited for being the president of a multicultural club, he stated “The most exciting thing about being president of this club is being able to see the club grow. The people before me as president and the e-board had built a really good legacy of what this club means and stands for. Carrying on the mission of our club is important to me and has really found a space in my heart.” While talking to Kailee and Jayse, they had responded to what community means to the Hui club, Kailee said “As the Hawaii club, Hawaii is all about community and family. Caring for one another, and I think part of what we do is to bring that culture to the mainland to share it with other people and to welcome people who are not from Hawaii or Hawaiian to embrace each other.” Jayse chimed in with more about his belief in the club’s cultural community with “Truly just spreading that ‘Aloha’ spirit and making sure that everybody can get to know each other and just have fun with everyone.”
These multicultural clubs hold a special place to the islander community and to those who want to learn more. This year so far, they have held a “Many Cultures, One Voice” event that displayed some of the cultural dances to the community. They typically hold smaller events such as the “Many Cultures, One Voice” event and major events like Pasifika Night and the Luau. The two clubs aim to share the cultures of the Pacific Islands with the Saint Martin’s community. If you see them on campus, they welcome students to approach any of the e-board members if you have questions regarding wanting to participate in events, joining the club, or attending events. You are welcomed to follow both clubs on Facebook and Instagram @smuhuiohawaii and @smu_pacificislandersclub. Reach out to these clubs if you are interested in joining or participating in any club related activities. They welcome all students to say hello and join in on the community. They emphasize all are welcomed to join you do not have to be from any of the islands, everyone is welcomed!
The Belltower 