MOP Back to School BBQ

The Spring 2019 semester started out with another memorable MOP back to school BBQ at Bellows Beach. The fun began bright and early as MOP students gathered at the MOP office, awaiting their ride in the old UH Mānoa white vans. Luckily, these vans have plenty of windows as the scenery on the drive to Bellows is not one that should be missed. The two white vans full of MOP students arrived at Bellows around 10 am, where they found Jeff Kuwabara, UHM Coordinator, already standing by the grill with a big grin on his face. It was time for the real fun to begin!

MOP student, staff and friends at Bellows Beach. Photo by: Jeff Kuwabara, UHM MOP Coordinator.

Before anyone could get settled, there were many snacks to be eaten. MOP students did very well contributing to the potluck by bringing an array of tasty treats. The homemade, vegan potato salad and chilly made kindly by Jeff Kuwabara’s thoughtful girlfriend, Brianne, would be a huge hit a bit later with all of the delicious grilled food. MOPers must have had a sweet tooth since the first thing to go were my homemade chocolate chip cookies. Luckily, Taylor Williams, brought even more chocolate chip cookies later in the day. The food was so good that everyone just continually snacked, even after the main dish. Nice work, MOP!

The day was on the cooler side with big gusts of wind guaranteed to give a few goosebumps. Thankfully, Jeff came prepared with blankets and sweatshirts for MOP students to use while the sun hid behind the clouds. Eventually, the sun peeked out for just long enough to get all of us- students, staff, alumni and friends - down to the sandy beach, and some even into the water! The bravest ran into the water to boogie board, surf and swim. Emily Gootgeld, UHM MOP

Student Coordinator, Taylor Williams, Lindsey Bull, myself and others thought it was a better idea to stay in our blanket and watch the fearless from shore. We also couldn’t leave the best part of the whole BBQ - UHM MOP alumna, Kari and Stephen Matadobra’s nine-month old baby girl. She made the day even better with her hilarious personality - definitely the center of attention!

The MOP Back to School BBQ is a time where new MOP students, long-time students, past students and friends of MOP can get together for a fun, relaxed day and get to know each other better. There are always many laughs and memories made at these BBQ’s! If you are a current student or alumni, don’t hesitate to join us - we want you there! Thank you to everyone who made it out to Bellows Beach, brought food and made our day that much better! •