Ka ʻOhana Hōʻoli Scholarship

My life changed when I attended Ka’ala Elementary. Since a young age I was adopted by my grandma due to my parents’ addiction. And learning to be away from her was hard because she was truly the only thing I had in my life. Growing up with my grandma she had dyslexia so it was difficult for me to ask for help or understand my homework. It took me longer to grasp the material in writing and reading like the other kids. Throughout my years at this school I got so many opportunities to learn so many things like growing confidence, getting out of my comfort zone, and asking for help. During 2014-2019 at Ka’ala I received so much guidance and support from so many of my teachers. My Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Snow made us use daily trackers of our behaviors and we would have to get it signed all the time from our parents. I learned to behave in her class and take responsibility for my actions. My second grade teacher, Ms. Nakamura understood my situation at home with my grandma so she always provided one-on-one practice in reading and writing in small groups with me. This is the year I received Rising Star. In second grade I was blessed to have Mrs. Reed. Her class helped me a lot with stepping out of my comfort zone. In third grade, I had Ms. Ynigues. She helped me a lot with math since I started having a hard time. Then in fourth grade, I got placed in Mrs. Abiva's, where she always had the most uplifting spirit and always reassured me that it’s okay to ask for help. Lastly, fifth grade, Mrs. Soriano helped me a lot with always checking up on me and understanding me. My fondest memory from my time at Ka’ala was having the opportunity to be placed in the A+ afterschool program; which was a program for kids whose parents’ needed to pick them up at a later time than when we ended school. However, since I needed help with homework and to be around kids more. Mr. Bob Davis, the principal at the time, found a way to get me in the program. This is where I met so many new friends and learned to ask for help when I needed it. One important lesson I learned from my years in Ka’ala is that growth takes time, but with the proper support and effort, it is never impossible. In addition, I learned that asking for help doesn’t make me weak but only stronger. This stuck with me throughout all of my years of middle school and high school. It helps reassure me every day that no matter how hard something may seem, I can handle it as long as I keep the right mindset and ask for help when I need it. My dreams for my future are made from my passion to help others. I didn’t come from a family with many role models but my grandma's determination to give me a better life and education than she received is something I hold close to my heart. Having the opportunity to attend a school like Ka’ala truly was a blessing. The guidance and support I received helped me build courage. I plan on continuing my education to college in Radiological Technology or Nursing where I want to share the support and encouragement that I got from teachers and staff at Ka’ala Elementary. As I get closer to graduating, I can’t believe how far I have come and it’s all thanks to Ka’ala.