In Hawaiian language, "ho'okahi" translates "to make one."
On Mondays and Thursdays this summer, GoSwords.com will talk to select returning student-athletes from all 10 Chaminade University sports about how they are learning from home, keeping busy and coping with the current situation.
Featured here is
Eri Leong of women's cross country. The freshman completed her first year on the squad and enjoyed three third-place team finishes last fall with a top-10 finish at the Hawai'i Hilo Invitational on Oct. 12.
Q (GS.com): What are you missing the most about Chaminade?
A (ES): Definitely all the friends I've made and the people I met. I just miss being able to see a friend on my way to class or wherever I'm headed and smile and say a simple "hello." Even though it seems like a small interaction, tiny things like that bring so much joy to my day. I'm such a social butterfly, so having to stay at home and not seeing the lovely people I know is a huge change of pace for me.
Q: What are you doing to keep your spirits up during the situation?
A: Fortunately for me, I was able to return home (to Las Vegas) back in March so being closer to family helps a lot. I get to spend time with my sister and her boyfriend 24/7 now and it's a spirit booster in itself after being away from them for so long. Right now, I'm in the middle of watching all 22 seasons of Pokemon. I also spend time with my boyfriend on occasion, which is nice after being (separated by) a long distance during the school semester.
Q: How are you staying connected with your coaches and teammates?
A: I check in with my coach when I need a new schedule for training via text. As for my teammates I see how they're doing through social media or just texting and FaceTiming.
Q: Have you learned any new skills or picked up new hobbies that you otherwise would not have if not for the current situation?
A: I've learned a couple of new skills in doing makeup which is something I've always wanted but never really got around to actualizing until the quarantine hit.
Q: What is your favorite on-the-field or on-court memory from this past 2019-20 year?
A: My favorite memory from this season would probably be when we traveled to Hilo. It was my best performance of the season and it was the first time I got to travel with my teammates. They also had a lot of really good snacks after the race, which is something that keeps me motivated to make it to the finish line faster.
Q: What is the first thing you will do after we return to a sense of "normalcy?"
A: The absolute first thing I'm doing is hanging out with my friends that I haven't been able to see since lockdown has happened. It's kind of heartbreaking being home knowing I'm able to see all my friends from home without actually being able to see them, if that makes sense. I just want to spend time with my friends and give them super-tight bear hugs after not being able to for so long.
