By Cameron Enomoto | Staff Writer

Bree Laurna is a 30-year-old student at KCC who is taking multiple language classes to increase her proficiency. Originally from Durham, North Carolina, Laurna moved to Honolulu in 2018 with her husband. While she is not working towards a specific degree, Laurna hopes to use what she has learned while traveling to 7 different countries this summer.

“I am fortunate enough to have a husband who takes care of me financially,” said Laurna. “Of course, I take care of household duties and make use of my free time by volunteering or staying active. It has always been my passion to learn multiple languages and Hawaiian was one of the ones on my list.”

Laurna took Spanish, German, and Italian throughout high school and is now studying Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Hawaiian. She will be traveling to Greece, Italy, Austria, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea this summer with her family.

“My family usually goes on a big vacation every five years or so, and this is our first vacation together since Covid,” said Laurna. “I’m excited to see how the world has changed, though I’m really looking forward to trying all the yummy food.”

Outside of the four language classes Laurna is taking, she enjoys going on long walks in Kapiʻolani Park with her dog, Josie. Her favorite place to volunteer is the Waikīkī Aquarium because she enjoys learning new facts about sea creatures.