Month: May 2017

Geneva Costales is a fourth-year student majoring in Family Resources. The 24-year-old recalled times when her aunt would tell her that she should attend KCC when she was older, however, Costales was considering to start off at UH Mānoa. Her plans changed when her parents didn’t approve of her wanting to become a high school counselor, telling her that she would have to pay for college on her own, which led to her decision of attending KCC which she said is more realistic for those who aren’t as financially stable.

Costales said that her teachers have been, and are, her biggest influences, some even portraying a parental figure to her. Choosing to attend KCC is what she said was a good decision that has given her experiences that have positively impacted her life. Serving as a Hoʻokele Peer Mentor since Spring 2012, Costales said that choosing to become one has helped her to boost her confidence, as well as helping her to improve her leadership skills.

“The one thing I like about KCC is that there really is a sense of community, and you can feel that and see that all around you,” Costales said.

Professor Lisa Kobuke has been teaching Japanese for 16 years at KCC, although she began teaching at UH Mānoa. Professor Kobuke first got into teaching back when she attended UH Mānoa and was required to teach Japanese in order to earn a scholarship. Her mother, who came from Japan, taught Japanese as well, so that interested Professor Kobuke as well. She loved getting her first class, but she also remembers scripting her entire lectures the night before during her early semesters of teaching.

“I just love Japanese literature and I see so much that I want to share about Japanese culture. Language is just one avenue in which I can share that,” said Professor Kobuke. “It’s more of a package. You cannot separate language, culture, and history. Everything is together. It’s my mission to share that.”

Some of her favorite Japanese literature includes “The Tale of Heike” and “Hōjōki.”

Professor Kobuke loves the KCC community. “I feel a deeper connection with the students here,” said Professor Kobuke. “I love getting to know the students, getting to joke around in class, or finding out how you’re going to use the language you’re learning.”

Professor Kobuke currently resides in Kāneʻohe because she “has to see the Koʻolaus.” In her free time she likes to read or appreciate art in museums.