Hi everyone! My name is Mireya Hernandez and I am a freshman here at HPU. This is my second semester and I’m majoring in Communications. To be completely honest, I have no idea what I want to do as a career, but out of everything I do enjoy journalism, photography, and anything media-related. This is why I hope this course and writing for Kalamalama immerses me more in this world and I learn ways to improve as a writer.
I am 18 years old and was born in Tucson, Arizona. At an early age, my family moved to El Paso, Texas, which is where I grew up and consider home. I have the two most supportive parents, Maria and Juan who I wouldn’t be here without. I am the middle child of three kids, with an older brother; Jahir, and a younger sister; Milagros. Our household is deeply rooted in Hispanic traditions, and I grew up speaking both Spanish and English. As a Mexican-American in El Paso, a city rich in Hispanic culture I’ve always felt closely connected to my heritage through family traditions, food, and language.
One of my favorite dishes is a simple yet delicious Burrito de Rojo (Chile Colorado). It’s something I could eat every day without getting tired of it. Other foods I love include chilaquiles, tamales, pozole, pan dulce, and enchiladas. If you’ve never tried Mexican food, I highly recommend it! While Hawaii might not be the best place to find authentic Mexican cuisine, if you ever have the chance to travel, definitely give it a try.
I’m incredibly proud of my Mexican-American culture, and it has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. It’s more than just food and language—it’s about community, tradition, and the values that continue to guide me.
Why did a girl from El Paso, Texas choose Hawaii for college?
Attending HPU was never my first choice—I always imagined staying somewhere close to home, not thousands of miles away. When I applied, it was more of a casual decision. I thought, Why not? I can apply anywhere; it doesn’t mean I’ll actually go. But when I got accepted, the decision became real, and it wasn’t an easy one. Leaving home was difficult, not just for me but for my family as well. I had always been surrounded by them, and the thought of not seeing them every day felt unimaginable. Ultimately, I chose to attend HPU because the opportunity to study in Hawaii was something I never thought would happen at least not for me. The transition wasn’t easy; saying goodbye meant missing out on special family moments and cherished traditions. However, with the support of my family and loved ones, the move became a little easier.
Since coming here, I have been introduced to so many new things. Moving to Hawaii was a huge shift not just in distance, but in culture as well. At first, I felt like an outsider, adjusting to new customs, traditions, and even the way people interacted. However, I’ve come to appreciate the deep sense of community and aloha spirit that is so important here. Learning about Hawaiian culture has been an eye-opening experience, and while it is different from my own, I’ve found parallels in the emphasis on family, respect, and tradition. Although I still miss home, embracing this new culture has made my transition easier and has given me a new perspective.
As I continue my time here at HPU, I hope to continue learning and growing as a person. I can’t wait for what the future holds and the more adventures I will embark on. Until the next post! MH
