Join the Excitement: Pacific University’s ‘808 to 503’ Welcome Event for New Students!

HONOLULU – As high school graduates prepare to head off to college soon, both students and parents are feeling the pressure. To smooth this transition, Pacific University in Oregon hosted a special welcome event dubbed “808 to 503.”

Dozens of students gathered at Moanalua Middle School to get ready for their new adventure on the mainland. Donna Ramos Barsana, the assistant director of admissions, lightheartedly remarked, “Being in Oregon isn’t study abroad; it’s just life on the mainland. The hardest part is often being away from home—especially the family and familiar food.”

What makes this transition easier is that Pacific University has a strong community of over ten staff members from Hawaii in various departments. Barsana mentioned that this support helps students adjust better. New students also met peer mentors—current students from Hawaii—who answered questions about campus life, housing, and athletics.

Volunteer Donny Maa noted that parents often feel more anxious than their kids. “Students are excited to dive into their new lives, but parents worry. We help ease those worries by sharing what life is like at Pacific.”

Interestingly, about 20% of students at Pacific come from Hawaii. Many of them even choose to stay in Oregon after they graduate, showing just how strong the ties can be.

This year, a survey found that over 70% of first-year college students reported feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about starting college. Experts suggest that keeping lines of communication open between students and parents can help ease these worries.

Transitioning to college is not just about the education; it’s an emotional shift too. With support from their peers and mentors, Hawaii students at Pacific University can navigate this new chapter in their lives with confidence.

For more insights on how to make college transitions smoother, check out resources from the National Center for Education Statistics.



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