Spring 2009 - Issue 5

The Silversword: Home > Editorials > Rocky roommates

Rocky roommates

By Anna Vaagensmith
Chaminade Silversword

Living in Hawaii, introversion is a luxury. Most of us have felt the crushing tension of elephant-in-the-roommate quarrels. But when Chaminade students are only allowed to switch dorms during the second week of classes in January, it's not always easy to decide which straw should be the last.

“It’s all resolved now, I think we’re on good terms,” said Criminal Justice major Justin Motta. “But at one point, we were both ready to fight.”

Justin Motta, a freshman living in Pohaku dorms gave a knowing glance to his brother, Lewis “Kawena” Motta before divulging his roommate experiences earlier this year, declining to specify names.

Motta described moving into his dorm for the first time this past semester (Fall 'll), having prepared to meet all of his roommates, but was surprised to find he was the first arrival. He claimed his bed and left to enjoy the weather. When Motta arrived back, he saw evidence of his roommate’s existence, but didn’t see hide nor hair of either roommate for the first week living in Pohaku.

“Finally I met one roommate, he was a really nice kid from the mainland,” said Motta. Then he met his other roommate.

Motta scratched the back of his neck, unsure of what words to use.

“To put it nicely… his etiquette and his hygiene were not… up to par,” said Motta.

The lack of hygiene grew to be a “health hazard,” and Motta could no longer concentrate on his homework and began having trouble falling asleep.

“Finally, I went to consult with Res Life about the situation,” said Motta, with a relieved smile. “Now I’m glad to say I live in a clean and fresh environment.”

“Students are allowed to switch within the second week,” RA of IT dorms, Glen Yri confirmed.

Natasha Arruda, an education major graduating in December, recounted being roommates with a freshman from Haiti, Gracie, in triple-person-room at Lokelani.

“We were good friends, but she didn’t understand the culture here very well, being from Haiti. She was really struggling at first, but we got along pretty well.”

Arruda said she didn’t get along as well with their third roommate, Lauren, an exchange student from Dayton.

“She would get up and run each morning at the crack of dawn,” Arruda said. “Gracie and I, though, would stay up laughing and giggling on the top bunk cruising on the laptop. One night, Lauren just cracked.”

The sleep-deprived roommate sat up and “ranted all her issues,” complaining how difficult it was to wake up in the morning without them keeping her awake all night.

“I think we went to bed that night, but eventually resumed our regular volume of bonding after a few days,” said Arruda.

“I didn’t go to res life to request a new roommate or anything,” said Arruda. “Plus, the student hand book already has such helpful, obvious advice listed.”

The Residential Life office is located beneath Keifer Hall, and RA’s encourage students to stop by if they would like to discuss any conflicts with her living situation.