Aloha, there are many people who have shaped my mana`o or understanding of what life means to me and how my future is supposed to plan out. I’ve had my entire childhood organized and structured to plan ahead, don’t be late, share aloha and be pono to others. My commitment to pursue a college education stems from my supportive upbringing. My parents and both siblings are college graduates. It is said to trust the process and my current foundation makes me believe that I’m already in good hands. As a young child, I wanted to be a pilot to travel the world and see new places. I’d fly my RF helicopters or toy drones in my yard and wonder where these heights would take me. Then I grew to like sports and games. Those times evolved to building mechanical games with cardboard boxes. Now that I’m in high school, I’m fortunate to acquire many resources to explore my next chapter in computer sciences and its’ engineering. During my middle school and high school years, I’ve participated in the concert band, symphonic and marching band group. I didn’t like not perfecting my instrumental craft, so I practiced a lot and became really good at it. Every year, I’ve participated with my school’s musical. The performances were always about the Hawaiian culture and how it has affected our lifestyle now. I believe these years were the best infusion in my lifetime that I can treasure forever. Home is where the heart is. My mom always greets us when leaving and arriving home. My family foundation and my educational experiences has supported my Aloha Spirit. As mom always says, “Aloha ia `oe!” I’m exploring a few computer sciences college courses via my Kamehameha Schools dual-credit classes. It inspired me to create a computer application for my Senior Capstone project. The intention was to develop a resource for the homeless population in one simple App. It also evolved into building an entire calendar of events. My research proved to be a huge task, as the timeliness of change in protocols or funding would make my App quickly obsolete. This exercise in time management and commitment through the end product has driven me to want to know more, in order to develop a sustainable and efficient product for my town to use. The community has supported me and my family for a long time. My family has shared our home to those needing a clean safe space to sleep. And we have been receivers of that kindness, too. What I’ve learned is that Aloha may be evaluated differently by different people, but being pono and considerate is what I can do to make a positive difference. So, attaining a college degree is important to me because I will continue to be a good industrious citizen in my town. In summary, I am in a good space. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Aloha from Hawaii. Born and raised into my military family has been a standard my entire life. And it’s cool how the community respects my dad’s integrity. We aren’t famous, we merely regard all families with decency whom both experience happiness and troubles in their world. I’ve only known to grow with my military lifestyle. It was a daily routine to see my father going to work in his OCP uniform was normal. He coming home was without interruptions. My parents were sure to provide the safest home for all of us. As a young child when my father deployed overseas, I initially felt he would be home soon without a hiccup. Mom kept the home in order and busy, then days turned into weeks and into months. My mind wondered on when dad would be back to play on the weekends. Those days were lonely. I kept myself occupied with fishing days with my brother or shopping trips with my mother. It was all to do without dad home. I didn’t comprehend the gravity of dad not being home until, he came home! He hugged on us and made sure we were happy and secure again. He didn’t talk about his work much. I think he didn’t want to trouble us, or merely he couldn’t. An extension of his work upon us was visiting many memorials. In 2024, my town was fortunate for The Wall That Heals. We were sure to share our respects. My family traveled to visit the Mighty Mo, Arizona Memorial, saw bullet holes in Hickam AFB buildings, and many times to Ford Island for Aero exhibits. Mom made sure we understood all people’s sacrifices at their young ages. So now I ask myself, ‘how has the military impacted me and my family?’ High school is all about growing into my own person, get a good education, and to be an industrious citizen. Sports games, music concerts, and extracurricular events are important to me right now. These activities have opening ceremonies with the National Anthem and Hawai’i Pono’i. I began to notice a lot of fans stood in silence for the National Anthem yet harmonized loudly for the State song. Some people didn’t even remove their caps in respect. Do people not know our men and women's national sacrifices? Well, I’m fortunate to have a family home with dads Veterans Administration funds. I’m fortunate to have my military dad, who allows me to grow into my young adulthood with hope and dreams. I’m fortunate to experience military bases across the country that welcomed us no matter where we were from. And surely very fortunate to have my military family keep me in check and in respect for families who are without. I wouldn’t change who I am. I am a military kid from a proud military family. Thank you.