Edward Oliveira
Edward Oliveira, a current student at Colorado State University, is studying Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.
Edward reflects on how his experiences with Hawaiian Canoe Club have left a lasting impact on his life and future goals…
Aloha, my name is Edward Freitas Oliveira and I am 19 years old. I was born and raised on Maui. I am from Kihei and I feel blessed to be a Hawaiian Canoe Club Member. I have been part of this Ohana since I was 13 years old and Hawaiian Canoe Club has given me so many opportunities that I do not think I would have them if not part of this club.
We just came back from our trip to Kahoʻolawe and this year was so special as we had older members joining us and I was able to make numerous friendships. I felt blessed to be able to go on this service trip. Every time I come back from Kahoʻolawe I appreciate more and more where I come from.
Being part of the Hawaiian Canoe Club made me a responsible, disciplined, healthy, hardworking, respectful and humble young man. I have had the privilege of being trained by coach Kauhane, who I have the most admiration and respect for. It was my privilege to work for him for a couple years and I learned so much. By the way, this is my last year as a Kamaliʻi kid, and I will miss these energetic youngsters next summer, but cannot wait to see what the Club has in store for me.
I am currently studying in Fort Collins, CO at Colorado State University. Go Rams! I just finished my first year on May 9th, and came back home on Saturday May 10th, and by Monday May 12th, I was already in the canoe practicing with my teammates.
I am studying Business Administration with concentration on Marketing and I am enjoying it a lot. I love the small town and have made great friends, have wonderful professors and found my village away from home. I miss my Hawaii, but I know I can do so much for our community as I come back with my college degree. Being an out of state student is very costly, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to be there. I know how hard my parents work to give me this education. I am doing my best to keep up with my assignments and keep my good grades. This scholarship for sure helps me a lot and I am very thankful if I am awarded this year.
Being a part of the canoe club all these years has taught me how to be involved with my community, how to be a team player and follow rules. I also learned discipline, which has helped ot be on time for my appointments and be persistent and never give up. Of course caring for our Kupuna is a very important thing for me as well, since here at our Club they work so hard, so we “Kamaliʻi kis” can have a good time and enjoy our youth.
I intend to come back every summer and particiapte in the regattas and help our club succeed. I have been working hard this season so our division, 18-mix, can proudly represent Hawaiian Canoe Club on Oahu in a few weeks. Thank you for having me as a member and for all the support throughout these six years.
