During Spring Break, the Opportunity Scholars Program took students from the Tourism and Hospitality class to the Aloha State. They were immersed in Oahu’s tourism culture through company visits and a service project at the He’eia Fishponds.
“My journey in Hawaii was an invaluable addition to my academic trajectory, seamlessly blending classroom knowledge with real-life experiences that have profoundly shaped my learning journey. From engaging in meaningful conversations with classmates to immersing myself in Hawaiian culture through activities like the Polynesian Cultural Center and service projects, every moment has added layers of depth to my understanding,” said Senior Aya Hadid. “The trip provided a unique opportunity to apply theoretical concepts learned in the classroom to real-world situations, elevating my learning experience beyond the confines of traditional education.”
The first half of the trip was spent in Laie, Hawaii, visiting BYU Hawaii and the Polynesian Culture Center (PCC). At BYU, they had discussions and presentations with Kanaka Maoli on Business & Government: Hospitality and Tourism Management and the impacts of tourism on indigenous Hawaiians. Later that evening, they took a backstage tour at the PCC before watching the show, Ha! Breath of Life, learning about the different Polynesian Islands. Later in the week, students also had the opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor, Hawaiian Airlines, and Kapolei Real Estate and hear from Advisory Board Chair Nate Webster.
Students also took the opportunity to give back to the Hawaiian community. Volunteering at the He’eia Fishponds, they learned the impact of tourism on the environment while helping clear areas for future projects.
The goal of the Opportunity Scholars Program at the Eccles School is to support and enhance the educational experience of first-generation business students as they progress toward graduation. For more information, visit Eccles.Link/opportunity-scholars.