Choosing a New Path

Students at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy come from around the world. One thing they all have in common is that once they’re here, their lives start down a new path.

Landy came to HPA as a freshman from Singapore, an island city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. He turned 15 at HPA and noted that if he were living in Singapore when he turned 15-and-a-half, he’d be obligated to serve a minimum of 24 months of compulsory national service in the Singapore Armed Forces, the Singapore Police Force, or the Singapore Civil Defense Force at the age of 18.

Serving one’s country is a noble pursuit. But at HPA, Landy is focused on a different kind of service. “I want to start my own business,” he said. “I like being around people. I’m very sociable.” To attain that goal, he plans to pursue a degree in business, public relations, and marketing with a minor in film probably at a college or university on the west coast of the U.S.

In Singapore, Landy lived in the city and went to school there. He says classrooms in the city “are built up, not out,” as they are on the sprawling HPA campus. The feeling also is different here at HPA. “We’re a small school, so it’s more homey,” he said. “You get closer to teachers here and you can get lots of help from them if you need it.”

Landy might never experience military training, but he does lead a rigorous life. At HPA, he typically rises at 5:30 a.m. and heads off to the weight room for a work out. After showering and eating breakfast, he’s in class from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., with a break for lunch. Every student participates in sports from 3:15 to 5 p.m. Landy’s sport is soccer. Dinner is served from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by two hours of study hall. Then it’s lights out at 10:30 p.m., except for seniors who have until midnight for late night studying.

HPA students spend a good amount of time studying in preparation for college. “AP courses and honors courses are challenging,” he said. “But in a good way. If you set your mind to it, you can get good grades.”

With minimal free time available during the school week, students look forward to the weekend and a slower pace. Landy helps plan activities for other boarders, including movie and game nights, formal dinners, dances, and pool parties.

“The American school system gives you a good balance,” he said. “Sports, social activities, academics—those make you a better person.” He also enjoys being around HPA students from different countries. “There’s a lot of diversity here, which is good,” he said. “There are more people from different places, so you feel comfortable.”