From Poland to the Pacific: FLEX Student Pawel Finds Purpose and 'Ohana' in Hawaii

Apr 9

American Councils is pleased to announce our March 2025 Student of the Month: Pawel from Poland!

When Pawel, a FLEX exchange student from Poland, arrived in the quiet town of Honoka’a, Hawaii, he never imagined how deeply the island’s warmth, culture, and spirit of ‘Ohana’—the Hawaiian word for family—would shape his exchange year. Hosted by the Bryant-Greenwood family and attending Honoka’a High School, Pawel has embraced every opportunity to learn, engage, and give back with enthusiasm and heart. Since the beginning of his program year, Pawel has dedicated himself to becoming a cultural ambassador and student leader. He’s made it his mission not just to experience American life, but to share his Polish heritage, build cross-cultural bridges, and leave a lasting impact in his host community.

One of his proudest moments? Setting up a “Polish Booth” at the Honoka’a High School Cultural Fair, where he shared Polish traditions, food, geography, and weather with over 300 local middle school students. “They were especially excited to hear about snow,” Pawel laughed, “since Hawaii doesn’t get any!” What surprised him most was how many students showed up—and how curious they were. “It made me feel empowered,” he shared. “They had so many questions!”

“At first, I thought it would be really hard to present business ideas in English,” Pawel admitted. “But it turned out to be so much fun.”

Beyond cultural presentations, Pawel has jumped headfirst into school life, joining a wide range of clubs and activities. He’s a member of the Digital Production Club, the Yearbook Committee, and even joined the Honoka’a High Swim Team. But his favorite activity? DECA—the school’s business and entrepreneurship club. “At first, I thought it would be really hard to present business ideas in English,” Pawel admitted. “But it turned out to be so much fun.” DECA has helped him build confidence, make friends, and explore creative projects like role-playing business scenarios and volunteering at school events. One of his biggest achievements was being selected to attend the DECA State Competition in Honolulu, where he represented his school with pride.

““The kindness of the people here has been amazing. Everyone lives by the motto of ‘Ohana’—it really feels like family.” ”

Pawel is also well on his way to completing 100 hours of community service—a major milestone for FLEX students. But his dedication to leadership and civic learning goes even further. Earlier this year, Pawel participated in a full-day legislative internship with Hawaii State Representative Matthias Kusch, and later met with Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, representing the FLEX and YES programs with grace and gratitude. He even presented her with a traditional Hawaiian lei as a symbol of appreciation. His passion for civic engagement led to his selection as a finalist for the FLEX Civic Education Workshop in Washington, DC—another remarkable achievement in his exchange year.

Pawel’s host mom shared, “He is such a pleasure and joy to have in the home, and the connection he’s built with our daughter has been wonderful.” For Pawel, the feeling is mutual. “The kindness of the people here has been amazing. Everyone lives by the motto of ‘Ohana’—it really feels like family.” Back in Poland, Pawel says, communities tend to keep to themselves. But in Hawaii, even a quick trip to town feels like an embrace. “When you are positive, the world is a better place—and I think that’s great,” Pawel reflects. As his exchange year continues, Pawel is already thinking about how he can bring what he’s learned home with him. From big cultural discoveries to small acts of kindness, his time in Hawaii has given him a new lens through which to see the world—and his place in it.

Interested in sharing your corner of America with another exceptional exchange student? Find out more about how you can host an exchange student with American Councils here!