Super Students
Saturday, January 9, 1999
Name: Gavin Arita
Age: 17
School: Punahou School
Favorite subject: Glass-blowing
Pastimes: Clubs, tennis, church
Future: Doctor
Seven months ago, Gavin Arita embarked on his first international journey -- to Japan. Now 11/2 months after returning, he swears he's a different man. Living the Young Life
At 17, the Punahou senior said he's more worldly, self-confident and curious about exploring life outside his island home.
"Japan made me realize how big the world is," he said. "I want to go back."
As a scholarship recipient of the Japan-America Friendship Scholars Program, administered by the Youth For Understanding (YFU) International Exchange, Arita was one of 120 students nationwide who spent last summer exploring cultural differences in Japan.
He also formed a strong bond with his host family in Tokyo. The two families keep in contact via e-mail and "snail mail," and will meet in Hawaii when the family visits this year.
"They grew super-close to me," he said. "We shared a lot."
To keep from getting too excited over their upcoming visit, Arita immerses himself in tennis -- he's on the Varsity team -- and participates in Amnesty International, Gratitude Day Club, the Chinese Club and a youth group, Young Life.
The latter occupies most of Arita's free time. The teen said he enjoys exposing others to religion through weekly open houses at his church.
"It's like a gateway between real church and people who don't go to church," he noted.
By Kimberly K. Fu, Star-Bulletin
