Qwik Card Scholarship

The Value of Every Yen: Living in Kyoto, Japan, I had to learn from the very beginning how to manage money differently than in the United States. Japan is a largely cash-based society, which was a striking adjustment compared to America’s card-centered system. Every time I bought food, medicine, or train tickets, I had to physically hand over yen, rather than swiping a card and forgetting about the transaction. At first, this felt inconvenient, but over time it taught me an important lesson: when you see your money leave your hand, you become much more mindful about how you spend it. This experience shaped how I now think about financial responsibility and my long-term goals. Building credit early is important to me because I know it lays the foundation for my financial independence. Good credit is not just about borrowing money; it determines access to housing, opportunities for business, and the ability to invest in the future. I want to make sure that when I am ready to pursue graduate school, work abroad, or even start a business, I have the stability and trust that strong credit provides. For me, building credit is also about freedom. The freedom to make choices without being limited by poor planning or financial missteps. One smart money move I have made is learning to budget carefully while living overseas. As a student in Kyoto, I didn’t have the luxury of calling home for extra money whenever things got tight. Instead, I learned to plan ahead, set aside enough cash for essentials like transportation and groceries, and only then decide what was left for exploring the city or traveling. This habit of prioritizing needs before wants has stayed with me, and it is something I know will serve me throughout my life. Another financial lesson I’ve learned the hard way is how quickly “small” purchases add up. In Japan, convenience stores are everywhere, and it’s tempting to stop in for a snack or a drink without thinking. At one point, I realized that those casual, frequent stops were quietly draining my budget. That realization was humbling, but it made me more intentional about tracking my spending and asking myself whether a purchase aligned with my bigger goals. Now, I’m much more thoughtful about what I choose to spend money on and why. Looking toward the future, I plan to take control of my finances by continuing to build strong habits. I intend to open a credit card soon and use it responsibly to establish credit while paying it off consistently. I also plan to continue budgeting, saving, and educating myself about investments so that I can grow my money rather than simply spend it. Most importantly, I want to use money not just for myself, but in ways that allow me to help others, whether through supporting my family, contributing to causes I care about, or building a career where I can make a difference. A little about me: I am an Asian Studies major at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, passionate about culture, human rights, and peacebuilding. I grew up in a single-parent household, and my mother’s strength and sacrifices have inspired me to work hard and dream big. What motivates me most is the desire to live a life of purpose, one where I use my talents, education, and opportunities to create a kinder and more understanding world. Building a solid financial foundation is part of that vision, because I believe that true independence means being able to pursue your dreams without being held back by financial barriers.