Empower Hāna Scholarship

Being Native Hawaiian has deeply shaped my values, especially the importance of selflessness and thinking collectively. I’ve been taught to always consider the well-being of the Lāhui as a whole, recognizing that what’s good for me might not be good for everyone else. This perspective keeps me grounded in community-centered thinking. There are 2 values that I like to follow. Haʻahaʻa, or humility, teaches me to approach every interaction and journey with an open heart and mind. It reminds me that no matter how much I may know or accomplish, there is always room for growth and learning. Humility encourages me to listen, respect the experiences of others, and recognize that everyone I meet has something valuable to offer. It keeps me grounded, reminding me that no achievement or success is solely mine—it’s often the result of many influences, including the support of others and the teachings of my kūpuna. On the other hand, mālama, or care, goes beyond just caring for others—it starts with caring for myself. True care is rooted in self-awareness and self-compassion. I’ve learned that in order to be a source of strength and support for my community, I must first ensure that I am mentally, emotionally, and physically well. Only by nurturing myself can I be fully present and effective in helping others. This also extends to the environment, relationships, and everything I interact with—mālama encourages me to be responsible and intentional in how I take care of not just myself, but the world around me. My goals are deeply influenced by my ʻohana and community. I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to give back to the people who raised me and helped me get to where I am today. I don’t plan to move back to Hāna until I’m clear on how I can contribute meaningfully to my community. With my Public Health degree, which I expect to earn by spring 2026, I aim to make a tangible difference. My goal is simple: to find a position in Hāna that allows me to work directly with community outreach or health programs, improving the quality of life for the people in my home. I want to be part of initiatives that uplift and empower my community, ensuring that the people are thriving for generations and not just surviving. I am deeply passionate about ensuring that all healthcare services—whether it’s OBGYN care, mental health support, psychological services, cancer treatment, or kidney care—are easily accessible to everyone in my community. I believe that healthcare should not be a privilege for some, but a basic right for all. My goal is to bridge gaps in healthcare access, advocating for resources and services that are often hard to reach, especially in underserved communities like mine. I want to help create a future where my community members no longer have to travel far or face barriers to receive the care they need. By focusing on accessible and comprehensive healthcare, I aim to contribute to a system that supports the overall well-being of my community, ensuring that no one has to go without the care they deserve.