BYU-Hawaii student Malia Parker, a sophomore from Idaho majoring both in biology and peacebuilding, is experiencing and sharing the island with others via her newly purchased van, the Steez. An extra-long van with murals painted down the sides, the Steez is hard to miss.Parker fell in love with the van last semester when it was under different ownership. “I thought it was the coolest car ever. Then they put it up on the ‘sell your stuff’ Facebook page, and I was like ‘no way’,” Parker said with a child’s gleam in her eye.Parker’s roommate, Minlief du Plessis, a freshman from Wisconsin majoring in business, has caught the Steez spirit as well. “Steez stands for style with ease,” Plessis continued, describing the unique features that give the Steez it’s style. “It came as is with all its quality features like the couch, Jesus painted on the ceiling and no reverse.”Parker and Plessis are anxious to share the Steez spirit with others. For just $5, anyone can enjoy the Steez. “This is the prime adventure vehicle; where adventure is, the Steez appears,” Plessis said admiring the van. “So if anyone is interested in a ride because they’ve noticed how cool it is on campus, they’re totally welcome. Every weekend it’s going somewhere.”Maddie Christenson, a sophomore from Utah majoring in special education, is a regular rider in the Steez. Christenson, who goes for drives daily, said there is room for anyone who wants to as well. “There is plenty of space. You could fit a lot of people in the back,” Christenson said.Parker wants other students to know the Steez is open to anyone who wants or needs a ride. While Parker does not rent the van out, she is willing to drive other people. Driving the Steez requires a special driving technique that Parker is most familiar with. “The Steez doesn’t have power steering, so it’s a workout every time we turn a corner,” Parker said. Plessis has driven it before but does not plan on doing it again in the future if at all possible. “I drove it once, and it was a bumpy ride! That’s all I will say,” Plessis said, laughing.Parker plans to add to the unique style of the van by having every passenger add a little of their own personality to the interior of the van. “We keep sharpies in there, so people can write little words of wisdom inside, and we’re going to put some paint in there,” Parker said.Despite all of its unique qualities, Parker said, “She always manages to make it back home. Knock on wood.”
Writer: Kaitlin Broyles
