This year I’m a sophomore. I’m returning to a place that’s familiar and I’m out of the dorms. But I have to say, looking at the new freshmen here at Gonzaga is reminding me of how great it was to come here for the first time. I came to Gonzaga from a town called Kahului on an island called Maui in the state of Hawaii. Coming here was only the second time I had ever left the islands so it’s safe to say that I was afraid. I didn’t know anyone and I was introduced to an entirely different culture from the culture I grew up with. I was also introduced to different faces that weren’t identical to the beautiful faces at home – not to say that the faces here aren’t beautiful, lol. But, I’m glad I stuck through all the loneliness and found my fit here at Gonzaga. I know it’s only been a couple of weeks, but looking at the freshmen makes me so happy. They are going to find their fit like I did with the Hawaii Club. They are going to find their lifetime friends like I have found with my roommate, “brother,” and “sister” here at Gonzaga. They are going to figure out how to manage their time and how important it is to fit coffee into their daily college schedules. They are going to meet new people and fall in love; just like I did as a freshman! And I can’t wait to be a part of it (well, at least for some of them!) Good luck and Go ZAGS!!!!

Ruben ’14