Now you understand,
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about,
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

— from “Phenomenal Woman”
by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s lines from her poem exude confidence and strength.

Her words give women confirmation that yes, they can be recognized for their accomplishments as well as their femininity.

If you’re a woman interested in science, technology or engineering, you’re invited to attend a free workshop, “Light Magic — an Introduction to the Beauty of Optics” Friday, Feb. 19 at Leeward Community College.


The two-hour workshop will be offered three times during the day at 9 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. 


Students are enrolling in UH community colleges in record numbers, with WCC leading the way with an almost 25 percent increase over last spring. 


Some people may be wondering:  How can students afford schooling in this weakened economy?  Are there new initiatives helping students pay for school?  Will this surge in enrollment continue throughout the next few years?


How do you win a free trip to Japan when you’re going to school? 


Four currently enrolled WCC students — Micaela Gradie, Savannah Adler, Naia Arguire, and Elevila Thompson —found out by being awarded Freeman Foundation scholarships to Japan. 


Students have the right to exercise their freedom of speech about campus faculty members.

But how far is too far?

Whether it is a disparaging post on Facebook or an ill-intended sign put up on campus, students should know they are always accountable for what they say.

Groundbreaking for WCC’s new Library Learning Commons, originally set for Feb. 25, has been delayed by a month. The new date for the groundbreaking ceremony is now March 19.


The rescheduling is to give all contractors submitting bids for the project more time to complete their offers. This extension could save time down the road, according to WCC Chancellor Doug Dykstra. 


WANTED: the return of a miniature cymbidium orchid plant taken from the current display in the WCC library.

Its owner, circulation manager Diane Teramoto, said the plant has “great sentimental value” and has issued a plea to have the orchid returned — no questions asked.

“The orchid was very valuable to me because both my parents loved orchids,” she explained.“I brought the orchid in a ceramic planter to complement the exhibit. I never dreamed that someone would steal the plant, and I was very disappointed.”