From the Islands to the Prairie: Hawaii Students Make Grinnell Home

When I asked Preston Yoshino ’27 what he looked forward to most during his first year in Grinnell, he smiled and quickly replied, “Pizza Ranch! It’s my favorite restaurant in the world.” The midwestern, rural town of Grinnell, Iowa may be different from Hawaii’s tropical islands, but it’s no surprise that two Hawaiian student-athletes fell in love so easily with its Midwestern charm (and in this case, its Midwestern food chains). Within the U.S., these two students have traveled the farthest distance to enroll in Grinnell for the 2027 school year: 3,985 miles.

For Yoshino and Kylie Ann Smith ’27, there was no doubt about leaving their beautiful island state of Hawaii, known for its “warm weather” and “tight-knit community.” Once they became acquainted with Grinnell’s friendly, free-spirited campus, they couldn’t help but envision themselves thriving here. Now, Yoshino and Smith are surrounded by the diverse class of 2027, which represents students from 40 states and 34 countries, as well as 30% students of color and 20% international students.

“It’s so true what everyone says,” Smith laughs. “I never would have expected to be out here. EVER. I know coaches, friends, and upperclassmen who have said that, too, but I’ve been here for a week, and it’s already awesome.”

Experiencing Grinnell, Iowa

“Hawaii was home for most of my life,” notes Smith, and according to Yoshino, “seeing a diverse mix of cultures changes how you see the world.” Having grown up in the diverse island state, both students carry an innate sense of family and global community. Eventually, their worldviews would lead them to Grinnell’s campus; here, people from diverse backgrounds don’t just disappear.

“Meeting people from different places – from countries I’ve never been to – has been super cool,” Yoshino continues. “I’m meeting people from India, China, and the Ukraine. Grinnell also has a surprising number of Hawaiian students, which is good because it connects me to them.” At the same time, Yoshino highlights his local Midwesterner peers, who will inevitably show him the ropes. “My roommate is from Madison, Wisconsin, and so it’s great to have someone nearby to help me through the Iowan winter,” Yoshino chuckles.

For Smith, Grinnell’s intentional community drew her to the world of rural Iowa. In fact, her initial desire to end up on the East Coast was no match for Grinnell’s vibrant student population and their excitement for the school. “Right off the bat, the sense of community is so rich,” says Smith. “Two days after visiting, I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s where I want to go.’”

Sarah White, director of admission and athletics liaison, is excited to have these two phenomenal students make a new home in Grinnell. “I am happy that Kylie and Preston joined the Grinnell community, and l look forward to their contributions both in and out of the classroom,” she says. “These students represent what Grinnell values: a commitment to academics and their community.”

A Grinnellian Passion for Learning and Sports

Grinnell’s emphasis on passionate learning was also irresistible for Smith. “I love learning so much, and I wanted to learn with other people who love to learn, too,” Smith admits. “I wanted a place that valued critical thinking within all the different classes you can take.” Ultimately, Grinnell’s open curriculum and devotion to the liberal arts was a perfect fit for Smith’s curiosity and love for learning. “I was seeking a small school, class size, and space that felt like another home. The liberal arts world was where I could find people wanting the same things as me.” Now settled on campus, Smith is excited to wade through Grinnell’s rich, thought-provoking English Department.

In the meantime, Yoshino is ecstatic about his own upcoming classes. “Grinnell’s liberal arts curriculum was appealing because I didn’t want to get stuck taking core classes. The tutorial class [the only course required at Grinnell] seemed more of a fun class than anything,” says Yoshino, who is beginning his “Manhood and Masculinity in American Culture” tutorial with Assistant Professor Darrius Hills this fall. Following his heart’s academic desire, Yoshino opted to take an Introduction to Acting class, too. “I’ve never been a big theatre/drama person growing up, but for some reason, it called me this year,” he says.

With the first week of classes underway, Yoshino and Smith are delving into Grinnell’s sports world, as well. “I am so excited for volleyball!” says Smith. Yoshino is also ready to play baseball on Grinnell’s vaunted turf fields. 

“The baseball team is like a family and took on all the new guys,” says Yoshino, recalling that the baseball community was another reason for him coming out to the cornfields. He began seriously considering Grinnell once baseball coach Tim Hollibaugh connected with Yoshino. “When my family heard about Grinnell and its academic profile, they were stoked!” he recounts. After he and his family finished a magical tour of Grinnell’s campus last fall and sat down with the coach to chat, the rest was history.