Among many unchecked biases is the notion that mainland and international students are intrinsically smarter than or more worldly than local students.

This misconception was reinforced by the University of Hawaii president. He was quoted as saying, “Bringing in a robust and diverse student body improves the educational experience for residents, especially those who might not have lived anywhere else” (“University of Hawaii proposes tuition decrease, then freeze,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 28).

This statement is not untrue. However, I would like to offer a follow-up statement that reflects the confidence in our local students and residents who have deep-rooted knowledge and experience, interculturally adept ways of getting along and diverse worldviews to share with the rest of the world.

Local students, the lands and sea of Hawaii, Hawaii residents and, most significantly, Native Hawaiians, along with the international recognition and governance of their alii, likewise enrich mainland and international students’ educational experience. This exchange is not one-sided and should no longer be perceived as or written about as such.

Sonya Zabala

Kaimuki

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