With graduation upon us, we spoke to some of CFA’s talented #LMU18 graduates as they gear up to leave LMU and take on the world. In our We Love Our Grads series, we asked a senior from each of our departments to share some words about their time here, as well as their plans for the future.
Uakea Jose, ‘18
Majors: Communication Studies and Psychology
Next step: Homeless Outreach Coordinator with Ignatian Service Corps
How did you decide to become a CMST major?
I began my time as a Psychology major, and wanted to add a second major in order to strengthen my skills and knowledge. I find people and their essences extremely fascinating, and after a little exposure to Communication Studies, I decided that I wanted to dive into understanding the communication (and miscommunication) styles of those around me and in the world.
Tell us a little about your time at LMU.
In my last four years, I have been deeply involved with the culture of LMU. I have been a part of the Psychology Early Awareness Program and McCarthy Experience in Service and Action – two living-learning communities. I began working at Mane Entertainment within the Office of Campus activities my first weekend of being at LMU, and have been a student events and marketing manager within the organization throughout the past three years. Additionally, I was a part of Na Kolea (LMU’s Hawaiian Club) my first two years.
I also joined Creare Service Organization, where I served as President, which has given me the opportunity to teach guitar and ukulele with the most amazing kids of Ascension Catholic School. This experience led to me receiving a Lingdao Fellowship and travel to Beijing in order to study the concept of global leadership and how to apply it in my own leadership positions. My experience at LMU has been busy, but filled with the most incredible people and mentors.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am doing a year of post-graduate service with Ignatian Service Corps as a Homeless Outreach Coordinator. Service has been the most transformational aspect of LMU so I wanted to continue this form of learning in a program that still encompasses the Jesuit values. I also came to this decision because I want to take time to discern my future career, and I am confident ISC will guide me through that process. Eventually, I would love to become a Marriage and Family Therapist back in Hawaii to serve native Hawaiian families and the many mental health issues that go unaddressed.
Did you have a particular experience that led you to this path?
Serving with the students of Ascension Catholic School for the past three years has taught me how to truly be present in service with others. I think my relationships with them led me to wanting to challenge myself to take an entire year to mainly focus on service with a population I am not as familiar with.
Do you feel you experience at LMU prepared you for this next step?
Absolutely! I have learned how to be a compassionate, critical, and servant leader thanks to my time at LMU. The challenges I have endured here have made me stronger and able to take this next step that I know will be filled with both hardship and joy.
What will you miss most about LMU?
I will miss seeing the many faces of the people that have held my heart these past four years. Whether that is my 2nd Floor DRS/PEAP gang, my Cres, my Manes, my MESAs, my O-Fam, my Campus Minions, and the many other students, faculty, and staff members of LMU – I will miss them all.
What advice do you have for underclassmen?
Embrace the unknown and the uncomfortable. It is when you are least sure of life that you learn the most about it.
Photo courtesy of Uakea Jose.
