Seniors Look Towards the Future!

STAFF WRITERS:   Sara Alejo     Katelyn Yang

Some seniors have found their college, some have an idea, and some are unsure of where they will be attending college.  An interview with Damien’s high school and college counselor, Mr. Rodney Lum, may provide some experienced insight. Ke Ali`i spoke with Mr. Lum to ask about colleges visiting Damien in the second quarter, as well as Mr. Lum’s recommended college destinations.

As a proud graduate of UH Manoa, Mr. Lum couldn’t recommend anything else when asked what his favorite college is.  It’s the most popular college for Damien students, but colleges on the west coast are close runner-ups.  When asked which college is the best for Damien students, he explained that  the process is similar to “shopping for shoes.”  He goes on to say that a person shopping for shoes won’t fit a shoe made for someone else, so in a similar sense, the same college won’t fit every student.  Different shoes are also used for different purposes, just like different types of degrees. 

Everyone thinks about how they are going to pay for college. There are many scholarships, both national and local, that you can apply to. However, Mr. Lum recommends applying for local scholarships, specifically those just for Damien students. “At least you know, guarantee, someone from this class of ‘23 is going to get it.” Mr. Lum explains. 

There are many colleges that will be visiting Damien in the second quarter such as Oregon State and Saint Martin’s University.  College visits give students a chance to inquire about the culture and opportunities present at different schools, and they give students a chance to speak with recruiters one-on-one to get tips for success,  and also to ask questions.  If anyone is interested in these attending a college visit this year, make sure to sign up for them with the counseling office soon, because shortly after Thanksgiving break, they will slowly stop. 

For those unsure about what major to go into, Mr. Lum says that lots of students have gone into physical therapy within the past few years.  But similarly to the shoe metaphor, it really all depends on what fits for each student. Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a high school student makes, and the students of Damien are lucky to have such a great resource as Mr. Lum fighting for their future!