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Strongman Spotlight
An Engineer Answers the Question, “Why Not?”
Hanalani Schools alumnus Jose Lucina (’02) would have never dreamed he would be working in the career he is today, as an engineer at Pearl Harbor. Back in high school, he was always interested in marketing and business. A self-described “people person” who loved economics, accounting, and entrepreneurship, Jose made many friends during high school – many of whom he continues to stay in touch with. He flourished at Hanalani, trying his hand at many extracurricular activities like student body council, volleyball and basketball teams, choir, band, and drama productions.
“Hanalani Schools taught me to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way,” he says. “Test the waters, and see what fits you; if you do that, you’ll get to know yourself better.”
Pursuing a Surprise Interest
As a business undergraduate at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Jose took this advice, tried out an engineering class and surprised himself when he really took to it immediately – in fact, he changed his major entirely! Upon graduating in 2010, he was fortunate to land a job at Pearl Harbor. “It was competitive to get into the engineering field, especially in the federal government, but I truly believe that Hanalani Schools gave me an edge by teaching me important leadership skills, the ability to avoid distractions, and how to stay focused on my goals.”
An Exercise in Faith
At Hanalani, all students participate in weekly exercises to memorize certain Bible verses that provide guidance on walking the path of God. His favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 New King James Version).
Out of all the verses he had to memorize in his 13 years at Hanalani, this one really stayed with Jose because it helps remind him that God always has a plan. Even when he might think situations are unbearable or frustrating, Jose knows that his faith will give him the courage to persevere and succeed.
Royal Gems of Advice
His advice to current Hanalani Schools students? Take all the hard classes. “It’s something I wish I did!” he admits. “High school is a lot easier than college, in my opinion. Getting all the AP classes out of the way will set you up for the future.”
Looking back at his formative years, Jose truly appreciates the personal values the school embodies, even if at times the rules may have seemed strict to a teenager.
“Hanalani is a great school, and is on par with other larger private schools,” says Jose. “Even as their curriculum advances and evolves with how kids learn nowadays, the school still stays true to their values and I always felt like all the teachers really cared about us and rooted for us to succeed.”
