Senior Proj-kick

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  Wai'anae, Hawai'i
  December 19, 2014
  
  Successfully graduating high school has many requirements; doing homework, passing tests, and the famous senior project. Every senior that attends public school in the state of Hawaii must complete a senior project that allows them to walk across that stage and into the next chapter of life. From research to life changing decisions, the senior project helps seniors get on the right path to a brighter future.
  
  "The senior project is an opportunity for our seniors who are finishing up twelve years of education and getting ready to move into the real world. there is an english project that is about a seven page paper and then there is a senior project which qualifies you for the recognition diploma which is a ten page paper, a presentation and evidence that you are giving back to your school and your community," said Waianae High School principal Disa Hauge.
  
  Senior Dani Kaohe-David is kick starting her senior project by going back to her martial arts roots.
  
  "I started taking karate originally to be closer with my family since I am an only child I didn't really have anyone to hang out with. I joined karate to be closer with them when they moved away," said Dani.
  
  Karate is more than just a comfort to Dani, it is home. Dani started karate when she was ten years old and earned her black belt just two years later. In trade for becoming the best she had to compete.
  
  "Competing for me actually made me very competitive and it made me want to work hard."
  
  After years of sweat and dedication to her skills, Dani decided to stop karate when she went to high school in order to pursue new challenges.
  
  "I stopped karate because it was my freshman year of high school and I wanted to try something totally different, so I chose cheer."
  
  Now, in her senior year, she is putting her "gi" and black belt on for her senior project and taking on the new challenge of teaching.
  
  "I wanted to help out and teach people like how I was taught and just learn the ropes. I know I am giving up my time and even though I am not getting paid, it rewards you in a different way," she explained.
  
  Although she is giving up her time, Dani seems to be breaking through her senior year with the Japanese way to yell, the kiai.
  
  Like any teacher, Dani finds the silver linings within her project.
  
  "My favorite thing about teaching is when the students are finally catching on after the amount of time you put in. Even though they are happy you feel like a sense of accomplishment and you did something, and it feels good."
  
  As she teaches she realizes that not only does she love to teach, she realizes the struggles that any teacher goes through on a daily basis.
  
  "Teaching is hard and I now know how teachers feel when students don't listen. It's hard being a teacher but it is rewarding," she said.
  
  Dani is giving back what she has gained from her past instructors by paying it forward with the next generation of karate students. Her senior project is meaningful and she is enjoying every moment, for she is getting in touch with her inner warrior. As many other seniors complete this project they have a chance to discover their newfound passions, just like Dani.

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LOOKING BACK

Dayten Pua, Photographer 

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"I realized that you can reconnect with your roots in ways unexpected."



Wainani Wetter, Reporter

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