James Lee is a 27-year-old student at Kapiʻolani Community College from Hong Kong and is in his 4th year.

He is a Natural Sciences major who plans to eventually switch to Zoology, specifically Herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians.

“I’m passionate about animals and I really want to work with them, especially reptiles,” said Lee.

He has many pets back home, including a rhinoceros beetle, praying mantis, leopard gecko, frilled neck lizard, and a ball python. 

“They’re more easy to take care of than a dog or a cat,” said Lee. “Their care is very different. For example, reptiles are very hardy. …most of them, you don’t have to feed every single day, so it’s very low maintenance.”

Lee plans to transfer to study at either UH Mānoa or a college in the mainland. He came here because there were more opportunities to study what he’s interested in.

He is very active on campus, being the President of the Ecology club and participating in student activities.

“It’s cool to have this experience at this campus,” said Lee.