New Year, Same You
Ehra Louise Guiwa | Maui High School, Class of 2028
As the new year begins, many of us are starting the resolutions we made as the clock hit twelve. Whether that means being more outgoing, becoming more fit or saving money, our New Year’s resolutions set the tone for the year and hold deep value within us like unspoken promises. We often cling to the same traits and habits, however, that have built up over the years, ultimately because it’s a part of who we are. If we keep changing every little thing about us, how do we remember the path we took to get here in the first place?
A junior from Baldwin High School, Nathan Salaguinto, associates himself with the traits of being humorous, charismatic and loving. Over the years, Nathan realized having a good mindset is what has made him the amazing individual he is today. “I feel like growing up in an environment where people like me aren’t always treated as equals made me resilient, it taught me to have a good mindset and a good heart.” Love is such a powerful yet vulnerable feeling; being able to express it, as Nathan does openly, is truly admirable. “I wear my heart on my sleeve and show off how I truly feel through my behavior and my creativity flows like a river.”
For Maui High School sophomore Shayne Banchiran, her identity is rooted in her family upbringing: “I’ve always been taught by my parents to become the best version of myself by being responsible and hardworking, despite situations and hardships.” To Shayne, being responsible is one of her favorite traits; not only does it connect her with her family but also with her faith. Shayne mentions being a pastor’s daughter and how her dedication through religious practices such as “daily prayers, reading the bible and even worshipping Him through singing,” ties into her discipline.
Charley Garo, another Maui High School sophomore, comments, “Some traits I’ve kept the same over the years are helping others and trying to do good whenever I can.” Charley describes himself as a positive and easygoing person, no matter the situation. He also emphasizes “I think my actions say the most about me and the way I carry myself around people.” Rather than letting his words define him, he takes great fulfillment in showing them through how he makes others feel.
“My drive for success and my willingness to be transparent,” is what Malycah Tumaccder reflects on when thinking about traits she has kept consistent over the years. She further explains her dedication from “the idea of being my greatest or having to achieve something.” Although she is just a freshman at Maui High, Malycah carries a profound sense of emotional understanding of life. She understands things might not go the way as planned or new opportunities may pop up but instead of shying away from these experiences, she takes this to her advantage.
While these traits build our character on the inside, self-expression is what allows them to be seen. Through trial and error, we can find comfort in the ways we choose to express ourselves. Whether that be through fashion and music like Charley or handmade gifts like Nathan, Malycah, and Shayne.
For me, I express myself whenever I write, although I may not be the most articulate person but I believe writing should evoke emotions. You wouldn’t read something that would make you feel bland; you read for your entertainment, to feel sad, happy or frightened.
We often keep so many worries in our minds it can feel overwhelming but through writing, my thoughts become more coherent and it lessens my troubles.
After reading this month’s column, reflect on how you choose to express yourself and what are the traits you choose to hold onto.
Google® Is Not Everything…... is a monthly column authored by high school students. The column’s title emphasizes that education is more than just googling a topic. Google® is a registered trademark. This month’s guest columnist is Ehra Louise Guiwa, a Sophomore at Maui High School. She is the President of Sabers Of Law (Maui High’s Mock Trial Club), one of the Executive Vice Presidents for Student Government, Historian in the Key Club, and a student of eskrima under Doce Pares Multi-Style Hawai‘i. Ehra Louise is in the Law and Public Safety pathway at Maui High and aspires to be a U.S senator. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, baking, volunteering at church, spending time with family and friends, and exploring. She is the only daughter of Merlyn Guiwa and Reymund Guiwa.