Hula in Hawaiʻi is more than a dance; it’s an athletic pursuit that calls for physical strength, precision, and endurance. Growing up in a family passionate about basketball, I was surrounded by a sports culture focused on teamwork, resilience, and shared goals. Basketball is in my blood, and through it, I experienced the thrill of competing alongside teammates. But it wasn’t until I joined hula in my sophomore year that I realized how much this cultural tradition resembled a sport. Hula demands the same commitment, discipline, and team spirit as any competitive athletic endeavor. Defined as a human activity involving physical exertion and skill, with structured rules, hula fulfills all these criteria of sport. Every hula practice involves a series of disciplined, repetitive movements to build strength, control, and endurance. The physical exertion required to maintain balance, move fluidly, and execute each motion precisely is intense. Under the guidance of a kumu hula (hula teacher), we adhere to strict training regimens, similar to those I follow on the basketball court. Hula is also governed by formal rules and traditions passed down through generations. These include understanding the story, honoring the mele (chant or song), and embodying the spirit of the dance, making each performance a competitive and personal journey. Joining hula reintroduced me to the spirit of teamwork I already knew from basketball. The camaraderie, trust, and unity I felt with my hula classmates mirrored what I experienced with my teammates on the court. Our team’s first-place win at a high school hula competition was a proud moment, as was our two BIIF basketball championships. Winning in hula felt like winning in basketball, yet with a deeper cultural pride attached to it. Hula reminded me that competition isn’t only about trophies; it’s also about honoring our heritage and striving for excellence together. Both basketball and hula have taught me invaluable lessons about balance, resilience, and humility. Basketball strengthened my work ethic and showed me the importance of pushing through challenges, while hula taught me patience and respect for our culture. As I continue to grow, I hope to give back by sharing these values with younger students. I want to help them see that in both cultural and athletic pursuits, true success lies in dedication, teamwork, and the willingness to represent something larger than themselves. Hula and basketball have become intertwined parts of my identity, each shaping who I am and who I aspire to be.

The potential of shared community spaces in Hawaiʻi is deeply significant when considering environmental sustainability and the future of our islands. I believe that these spaces, whether they’re parks, gardens, or other community hubs, represent an opportunity to connect people to each other and to the land itself. In Hawaiian culture, there is a deep respect for the ʻāina, or land, as a source of life and identity. Shared spaces can help foster this connection, encouraging people to value and protect our natural resources. Additionally, these spaces offer unique opportunities for collaborative projects that raise awareness and inspire action, especially among youth, who are our future environmental stewards. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I have experienced the importance of community and cultural identity firsthand through hula and leadership roles. My hālau, Hālau Hula Kauluola, taught me discipline, respect, and a deep connection to my heritage. Participating in hula allowed me to not only practice the cultural art form but also gain insight into the importance of the environment, as many hula oli celebrate and honor the land. I have learned that we are all responsible for protecting our surroundings, and I am committed to contributing to that preservation, especially in community spaces that can unite us in this shared purpose. Beyond my engagement with cultural practices, I have also sought to develop my leadership skills in roles that allow me to support others and advocate for positive change. Serving as the Vice-President for the Class of 2025 at Kamehameha Schools has helped me see the importance of collaboration and community-focused initiatives, and my involvement in National Honor Society has strengthened my commitment to serving others. These experiences have prepared me for the challenges of college, where I aim to expand my academic interests and explore new areas of environmental stewardship. Looking ahead, I plan to study in a program that will further develop my leadership skills and knowledge in environmental studies, allowing me to deepen my commitment to serving Hawaiʻi’s communities. Through dual credit courses, like Intro to Psychology and College Mathematics, I’ve been able to broaden my academic foundation and build skills that I believe will be crucial for tackling complex environmental issues in the future. My goal is to apply what I learn in college directly back to my community, working within shared spaces to promote sustainable practices, educate others, and inspire collective action for the environment. Regarding my financial circumstances, I would like to share that while my family has always supported my educational pursuits, the costs of college present a significant challenge for us. I am dedicated to finding resources to help me pursue higher education without placing an undue burden on my family. Financial assistance would help me focus on my studies and volunteer work, allowing me to continue engaging with my community while preparing for a career that will benefit Hawaiʻi and contribute to environmental preservation. In the future, I envision a Hawaiʻi where community spaces flourish as sites of environmental stewardship, cultural pride, and social unity. By pursuing my college education with a focus on sustainability, I hope to lead projects and initiatives that will inspire others to care for our shared spaces, creating a positive ripple effect across our islands.

Mental health struggles are deeply personal journeys that often go unseen. As I stood in the buzzing gymnasium, overwhelmed by the contrast between our small student section and the enthusiastic crowd of parents, I realized I was facing more than just school disengagement; I was battling my own anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. For years, social anxiety made large gatherings a source of discomfort for me. The empty student section wasn’t just a symptom of apathy; it mirrored my own struggles to connect. However, this moment of discomfort sparked my determination to overcome my mental health challenges. Creating a weekly broadcast became my lifeline. Each step – from pitching the idea to my teachers to standing in front of the camera – was a personal battle against my fears. The six months of trial and error were not just about perfecting a show; they were about building resilience and self-confidence. Every piece of feedback became an opportunity to challenge my negative self-talk and reframe my perspective. As the broadcast evolved, so did I. I learned to view setbacks not as failures but as stepping stones toward improvement. This shift in mindset was crucial in managing my anxiety. I began to apply this approach to other areas of my life, gradually expanding my comfort zone. The impact of the broadcast on the school community mirrored my internal growth. As more students engaged and shared their voices, I felt a sense of connection that had previously eluded me. When the student body president approached me about using the broadcast for council announcements, it was a pivotal moment. It validated my efforts and proved that I could create meaningful connections despite my anxiety. This experience has shaped my decision to pursue a career in mental health. My journey with anxiety is no longer a weakness; it has become a source of strength and empathy that I can use to support others facing similar challenges. I understand firsthand the importance of finding one’s voice and creating spaces where people feel heard. Moving forward, I am committed to supporting others and raising awareness about mental health challenges in several ways: Peer Support: I plan to get involved in peer counseling programs, using my experiences to provide empathetic support to fellow students struggling with mental health issues. Advocacy: I will leverage my communication skills to create content that raises awareness about mental health, challenging stigma and promoting understanding. Innovation: Drawing on my experience with the broadcast, I aim to develop programs that engage young people in conversations about mental health, making support more accessible. Community Building: I will work to create supportive communities where individuals can share their experiences and find connection, much like what our school broadcast fostered. Continued Personal Growth: Recognizing that overcoming mental health challenges is an ongoing process, I will continue working on my own mental health so that I can better support others. My journey has taught me that leadership in mental health isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to ask questions and listen. As I pursue an education in a mental health-related field, I carry with me lessons of perseverance, empathy, and community-building learned through both my challenges and creating the broadcast. In facing my anxiety, I've discovered a calling to help others navigate their own mental health journeys. I am committed to being a voice for those who struggle and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. Through this work, I hope to contribute to a world where mental health is prioritized and understood at every level of society.

Growing up in a two-parent household surrounded by a big, extended family has profoundly shaped who I am and what I aspire to achieve in the future. With my two brothers, my aunt and her two kids, and my grandparents all living under one roof, I’ve learned the value of togetherness, support, and responsibility. Living in such a large household meant that everyone had a role to play, and it also meant that we were never alone. There was always someone to lean on, and that sense of community is something I cherish deeply. It’s influenced the way I view relationships and responsibility and has inspired my desire to do good for others. The dynamic of our household was always busy, but filled with love and understanding. I saw firsthand how my parents worked hard to provide for us, how my aunt managed to juggle raising her kids, and how my grandparents offered wisdom and guidance to all of us. Watching the different generations of my family interact and care for one another taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of being there for those you care about. These lessons are not only valuable for family life but also for how I envision my role in the world. One of the biggest lessons I learned growing up in this environment is that success is not only about individual achievement but about how you can uplift others. I’ve seen how each member of my family supports one another’s goals and dreams, and that’s what I want to carry forward in my own life. I’ve been inspired to pursue a career in business management and administration because I believe these fields will allow me to build opportunities for others and create environments where people can thrive together, much like how my family has created a supportive space for all of us to grow. Even though I may not know exactly where my career will lead me, I do know that I want to use my talents to make a positive difference. Whether it's through managing teams, leading projects, or even creating community-based initiatives, I want to help people reach their full potential. I want to build environments—whether in the business world, nonprofit sector, or beyond—that foster collaboration, mutual support, and growth. My upbringing in a large household has taught me that when people work together, they can achieve so much more than they could alone, and that’s the kind of world I want to help create. Living with so many different personalities under one roof has also taught me how to navigate relationships and handle conflicts in a positive way. These skills are invaluable for any career, but especially in business management, where working with diverse groups of people is essential. I’ve learned how to listen, how to communicate effectively, and how to find solutions that work for everyone involved. These are the kinds of skills I want to continue honing as I move forward in my career, and I know they will help me make a meaningful impact wherever I go. In the future, I see myself as someone who leads by example, just as my family members have done for me. I hope to use my education and experiences to create opportunities for others, whether it’s through mentoring young people, developing programs that help communities thrive, or building businesses that prioritize social good. My passion lies in making a difference, and I believe that my upbringing in a big, loving household has given me the foundation I need to pursue that passion with confidence and purpose.

As the student body president at my high school, I’ve had the privilege of leading several impactful projects, but one that truly stands out for me is my work on the Ka Mole o Lehua broadcast. This weekly news show, which airs at my school, is designed to promote student engagement, showcase achievements, and build a stronger sense of community and pride. My passion for this project stems from my desire to not only share important school events but also highlight Hawaiian culture in a modern and accessible way. Through this project, I’ve been able to embody the values of kindness, generosity, and perseverance in different ways. First and foremost, creating Ka Mole o Lehua allows me to be kind by giving students a platform to be seen and celebrated. Whether it’s highlighting a sports team’s victory or recognizing a student’s achievements in academics or the arts, I make sure everyone has the opportunity to shine. In a school setting, where many students may feel unnoticed, I believe it’s important to uplift others and show kindness by celebrating their accomplishments. Generosity is another key aspect of the work I do with Ka Mole o Lehua. Producing a weekly broadcast requires a lot of time and energy, especially alongside other responsibilities like schoolwork and extracurricular activities. However, I’m dedicated to giving back to my school community. I coordinate with students and teachers, write scripts, edit footage, and ensure each episode is ready to air on time. My goal is to generously give my time and talents to create something that brings joy and unity to others. I also make sure to include Hawaiian language and culture in each episode, generously sharing a part of my heritage with my peers, and helping keep those traditions alive in a modern way. Perseverance has been essential throughout this project. In the early stages, there were many challenges. Learning how to use editing software, organizing filming schedules, and balancing this project with my academic load wasn’t easy. There were times when I doubted whether I could keep up with it all. However, I was determined to push through these obstacles because I knew how important this project was, not just for me, but for my fellow students. Perseverance allowed me to learn new skills and grow as a leader. When I see students watching the broadcast and feeling more connected to their school, I know the hard work was worth it. My work with Ka Mole o Lehua not only reflects my passion for storytelling and community building but also embodies the values of kindness, generosity, and perseverance. I want to continue using these qualities in whatever I pursue in the future, knowing that they can make a difference in both my life and the lives of those around me. Just like Kirstie, who overcame her own challenges with perseverance and kindness, I aim to follow my dreams while uplifting others along the way. This scholarship will help me take the next steps toward achieving my goals and making a lasting impact, no matter where they lead.