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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Hailey Akau

Hailey Akau, Assistant Multimedia Editor and Magazine Section Editor

Hailey Akau (she/her) is a writing, literature, and publishing major from Honolulu, Hawaii. She focuses mainly on illustrations and graphics for The Beacon but also contributes the occasional opinion as she sees fit. She also enjoys writing personal essays or prose and considers herself an em dash enthusiast.

Latest from Hailey Akau
Illustration by Rachel Choi

It’s time to retire the term AAPI

By Hailey Akau, Assistant Multimedia Editor and Magazine Section Editor / September 13, 2023

Growing up Asian, Hispanic, and Kānaka Maoli on the island of Oʻahu, I have always been keenly aware of my racial identity and the way it is viewed by...

Hailey Akau and her family.

Hugs and Honis for my ʻOhana

By Hailey Akau, Assistant Multimedia Editor and Magazine Section Editor / April 3, 2023

My first year of college, I realized just how little my Hawaiian identity existed in Boston. I remember a distinct feeling of isolation as I came to terms...

Illustration by Hailey Akau

Honorary degrees are honorary bullshit

By Hailey Akau, Assistant Multimedia Editor and Magazine Section Editor / March 8, 2023

Anyone who has worked toward a degree from a higher-education institution can attest to the blood, sweat, and tears—on top of the hundreds of thousands...

IIlustration by Hailey Akau

Food fights will not save the planet

By Hailey Akau, Assistant Multimedia Editor and Magazine Section Editor / November 2, 2022

Real-life food fights are rare––for good reason. In addition to wasting a perfectly good meal, throwing food in any context creates unnecessary...