A Journey of Discovery: Balancing Two Worlds

Recreating my mother’s steamed eggs turned out to be more challenging than anticipated. The recipe itself was simple: an equal ratio of eggs and chicken broth stirred together. Lacking a steamer, I devised a makeshift solution, placing a bowl on top of a smaller one in a pot, covered with a lid. I was eager to experience a taste of home.

However, upon lifting the lid, the creamy custard I recalled was absent; instead, I found a disheveled mess that bore no resemblance to the dish my mom made. Regardless, I consumed the imperfect dish in my dorm kitchen, hoping it would evoke some comfort. After graduating high school in 2024, I had been eager to leave O‘ahu, feeling as if I’d exhausted all that the island had to offer. Moving to Southern California for college was my chance to seek new connections and opportunities.

Initially, college life unfolded as I’d envisioned: spontaneous road trips, attending concerts of beloved artists, and dining at popular restaurants. Engaged in classes and campus events, I almost forgot about home, going nearly a month without calling my parents due to my packed schedule. But as the novelty wore off three months in, I found myself yearning for home. The California beaches were bleak, too cold to enjoy swimming, and the dining hall offerings paled next to my mother’s culinary talents. Memories of life back home, especially of my best friend over 2,000 miles away, cloaked me in nostalgia. I began to question if I belonged here at all.

Seeking solace, I reached out to the one person I knew would understand: my mom. When I admitted my doubts about my decision, she gently reminded me of the importance of maintaining ties to home while also cultivating a community in my new surroundings.

I decided to join the Hawai‘i club at my university, where I found camaraderie with others who shared my sentiments. Together, we reminisced about Hawai‘i, craving Spam musubis, warm beaches, and the effortless flow of conversation among strangers.

As I approach my third year of college, I’ve come to realize that both Hawai‘i and California can coexist in my life. Home is not simply a place left behind; it travels with you, no matter the distance. While I may always prefer sunsets at China Walls over those at Newport Beach, I understand that missing home doesn’t need to preclude new experiences. It’s about finding ways to carry home with you, whether through community, regular calls to family, or the occasional attempt to recreate my mother’s steamed eggs.