One instance I have of Kokua is when I joined the National Honor Society. National Honor Society or NHS, is a nationwide organization for high school students who excel in their academics and have contributed to their community and who will continue to do so. This is a reputable organization that requires its applicants to undergo interviews and submit an application to become accepted and a member. Before joining this program I had little to no experience with community events and had zero community service hours. After hearing about this program during my sophomore year of high school I was more than eager to join. I gathered letters of recommendation and answered numerous questions in hopes of being accepted. After weeks of waiting I finally got my acceptance letter, and with this letter came numerous events that asked for volunteers to help run and assist in the production of said events. At first, I was very hesitant to start signing up and volunteering. A few members who had already been a part of NHS had told me that they had rarely volunteered and only used this program for the name. Hearing this I felt discouraged and demoralized. Immediately I signed up for the first event and multiple after. When it came to the day of the first event I was nervous, what if my hopes were too high and I’d soon start relating to those upperclassmen who abused the NHS name? Due to the NHS, I was able to accumulate 60+ hours of community and in-school service. Some events included packing Covid-19 test kits, working a state championship swim meet, cross country races, and many more. I decided to join this organization because of how often we would be allowed to help and what this program stands for, always assisting those in need. Although the community service hours look good on paper, this is not the reason why I devote so much of my time and energy to doing these activities. The sense of accomplishment and pride that I would feel after the projects would conclude is nothing to compare to, knowing that you gave your time to a greater cause and to helping others is something that I would want to feel every day if possible. This is when I finally realized that I wanted to incorporate this into my adult life. One possible way that I could make this a part of my everyday life is by choosing an occupation that would be centered around benefitting the well-being of others and maybe even my community. One job that interests me is being a “Kupuna Case Manager”. Kupuna means elderly in Hawai’i. A Kupuna case manager would basically be a person who is employed by the state that would then be sent out or given cases where they will need to go and visit their assigned Kupuna, or elderly member, and the case manager would then asses the elderly living status and their conditions in their home setting, after their assessment of the Kupuna they would then report back to the state on whether or not the elderly member is in need of monetary assistance. The case manager also connects the member with professional services and always maintains consistent communication with their clients to assess their well-being for the purpose of developing/monitoring an individual care plan. I hope to one day attain my degrees in psychology and sociology so that I can return home with the proper knowledge and tools to help those who have come before me and provide them with a satisfied and happy life.

National Honor Society or NHS, is a nationwide organization for high school students who excel in their academics and have contributed to their community and who will continue to do so. This is a reputable organization that requires its applicants to undergo interviews and submit an application to become accepted and a member. Prior to joining this program, I had little to no experience with community events and zero community service hours. After hearing about this program during my sophomore year of high school I was more than eager to join. I gathered letters of recommendation and answered numerous questions in hopes of being accepted. After weeks of waiting I received an acceptance letter, and with this letter came numerous events that asked for volunteers to help assist in the production of said events. At first, I was very hesitant to start signing up and volunteering, a few members who had already been a part of NHS had told me that they had rarely volunteered and only used this program for the name. Hearing this I felt discouraged and demoralized. Immediately I signed up for the first event and multiple after. When it came to the day of the first event I was nervous, what if my hopes were too high and I’d soon start relating to those upperclassmen who abused the NHS name? Either way, I showed up and began helping around. Eventually, hours passed and the event was over. I was shocked by how fast time flew by and how easy it had been. All I did was help others, the easiest task a person could do. I had been rewarded with 4 hours of community service that day. Due to the NHS, I was able to accumulate 60+ hours of community and in-school service. Some events included packing Covid-19 test kits, working a state championship swim meet, cross country races, and many more. I decided to join this organization because of how often we would be allowed to help and what this program stands for, always assisting those in need. I find this process with these scholarships and college applications as a stress reliever and an escape from the other workload that I receive from school and sports. Given the opportunity to receive this scholarship, I would greatly appreciate it and put it to great use. This money would go towards my education and would also ensure that I receive the best education and that I graduate college with the proper knowledge and skills. I hope to attain my bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology so that one day I can return home to Hawai’i and attain a position as a Kupuna case manager. What a Kupuna case manager does is basically work closely with other Case Managers and kupuna in the area. Kupuna case managers also work with clients, and clients' families/caregivers connecting clients with professional services and maintaining consistent communication with clients to assess their well-being for the purpose of developing/monitoring an individual care plan. This is an occupation that I hope to one day have because I have always held an affinity for the elderly in my life. My grandparents have played a huge part in my life and have molded me into the person I am today. Without them, I would be lost and clueless about my life. I love my grandma and grandpa dearly and with my whole heart. I want to be able to help them and return the favor to them one day by taking care of them in their later lives, it is the least that they deserve.

Aloha! My name is Kale’aokapuamakani Kuamo’o, but my friends call me Kale’a. Something about myself that I would like to share is that I enjoy the college process! Many people would say that this process is confusing and rigorous, but this is where I thrive. I enjoy being able to get ahead and complete all these scholarships and all these little side tasks that could turn beneficial. The thought of any and every possibility that this could present me with interests me very much. I find this process with these scholarships and college applications as a stress reliever and an escape from the other workload that I receive from school and sports. Given the opportunity to receive this scholarship, I would greatly appreciate it and put it to great use. This money would go towards my education and would also ensure that I receive the best education and that I graduate college with the proper knowledge and skills. I hope to attain my bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology so that one day I can return home to Hawai’i and attain a position as a Kupuna case manager. What a Kupuna case manager does is basically work closely with other Case Managers and kupuna in the area. Kupuna case managers also work with clients, and clients' families/caregivers connecting clients with professional services and maintaining consistent communication with clients to assess their well-being for the purpose of developing/monitoring an individual care plan. This is an occupation that I hope to one day have because I have always held an affinity for the elderly in my life. My grandparents have played a huge part in my life and have molded me into the person I am today. Without them, I would be lost and clueless about my life. I love my grandma and grandpa dearly and with my whole heart. I want to be able to help them and return the favor to them one day by taking care of them in their later lives, it is the least that they deserve. However, they are just my inspiration, I want to help all elders. Some of these individuals have these life stories that they can share and most just want a person who is willing to listen and give up time during their day. Our kupuna has done so much for us, some have sacrificed everything for their children but are too often overlooked or forgotten. I am going to be that helping hand for these individuals, the shoulder that they can rely on, and that number they can call if they are ever in need.

“Kokua”. Here in Hawai’i could be translated to help or provide aid. This is and forever will be one of the greatest traits one person can have. One instance I have of Kokua is when I joined the National Honor Society. National Honor Society or NHS, is a nationwide organization for high school students who excel in their academics and have contributed to their community and who will continue to do so. This is a reputable organization that requires its applicants to undergo interviews and submit an application to become accepted and a member. Before joining this program I had little to no experience with community events and had zero community service hours. After hearing about this program during my sophomore year of high school I was more than eager to join. I gathered letters of recommendation and answered numerous questions in hopes of being accepted. After weeks of waiting I finally got my acceptance letter, and with this letter came numerous events that asked for volunteers to help run and assist in the production of said events. At first, I was very hesitant to start signing up and volunteering. A few members who had already been a part of NHS had told me that they had rarely volunteered and only used this program for the name. Hearing this I felt discouraged and demoralized. Immediately I signed up for the first event and multiple after. When it came to the day of the first event I was nervous, what if my hopes were too high and I’d soon start relating to those upperclassmen who abused the NHS name. Either way, I showed up and began helping around. Eventually, hours passed and the event was over. I was shocked by how fast time flew by and how easy it had been. All I did was help others, the easiest task a person could do. I had been rewarded with 4 hours of community service that day. Due to the NHS, I was able to accumulate 20+ hours of community and in-school service. Some events included packing Covid-19 test kits, working a state championship swim meet, cross country races, and many more. I decided to join this organization because of how often we would be allowed to help and what this program stands for, always assisting those in need. Although the community service hours look good on paper, this is not the reason why I devote so much of my time and energy to doing these activities. The sense of accomplishment and pride that I would feel after the projects would conclude is nothing to compare to, knowing that you gave your time to a greater cause and to helping others is something that I would want to feel every day if possible. This is when I finally realized that I wanted to incorporate this into my adult life. One possible way that I could make this a part of my everyday life is by choosing an occupation that would be centered around benefitting the well-being of others and maybe even my community.

ha! My name is Kale’aokapuamakani Kuamo’o, but my friends call me Kale’a. Something about myself that I would like to share is that I enjoy the college process! Many people would say that this process is confusing and rigorous, but this is where I thrive. I enjoy being able to get ahead and complete all these scholarships and all these little side tasks that could turn beneficial. The thought of any and every possibility that this could present me with interests me very much. I find this process with these scholarships and college applications as a stress reliever and an escape from the other workload that I receive from school and sports. Given the opportunity to receive this scholarship, I would greatly appreciate it and put it to great use. This money would go towards my education and would also ensure that I receive the best education and that I graduate college with the proper knowledge and skills. I hope to attain my bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology so that one day I can return home to Hawai’i and attain a position as a Kupuna case manager. What a Kupuna case manager does is basically work closely with other Case Managers and kupuna in the area. Kupuna case managers also work with clients, and clients' families/caregivers connecting clients with professional services and maintaining consistent communication with clients to assess their well-being for the purpose of developing/monitoring an individual care plan. This is an occupation that I hope to one day have because I have always held an affinity for the elderly in my life. My grandparents have played a huge part in my life and have molded me into the person I am today. Without them, I would be lost and clueless about my life. I love my grandma and grandpa dearly and with my whole heart. I want to be able to help them and return the favor to them one day by taking care of them in their later lives, it is the least that they deserve. However, they are just my inspiration, I want to help all elders. Some of these individuals have these life stories that they can share and most just want a person who is willing to listen and give up time during their day. Our kupuna has done so much for us, some have sacrificed everything for their children but are too often overlooked or forgotten. I am going to be that helping hand for these individuals, the shoulder that they can rely on, and that number they can call if they are ever in need.

Pain is universal, this is something we see on a daily basis, however, there are different degrees of pain that someone could experience. I’ve always held an affinity for helping others and sharing a liking for staying active and fitness. One of my greatest inspirations would be my father, he had always been active and on the move, and this did not change when he started his own family. My dad had introduced our family to Crossfit. Crossfit is a branded fitness regime that is centered around workouts that contain various movements and exercises while also focused on nutrition and a healthy diet. Our lives are now centered around working out and keeping up with healthier life standards. In a house full of athletes we always put a big emphasis on staying active and eating healthy. Crossfit helps with that and also benefits us within our respective sports and how we perform. Eventually, we became known as the CrossFit family for our workouts and lifestyle. So much so that eventually our close friends and family members started asking us all for tips on how they could get started on their health and wellness journey. I am honored to be the person that others ask for help when regarding their own wellness. Now I help my friends organize their own workouts, tailored to what goals they would like to reach and with their dietary choices. However, my greatest contribution went to my grandma, the sweetest most caring woman I know. She is a 75-year-old woman who loved to dance the hula, a cultural activity here in Hawai’i when she was younger. As she grew older she began to have difficulty breathing, her mobility started becoming restricted and she wouldn’t be able to keep up playing with her grandchildren. This was something that I could not bear to witness and so I took it upon myself to do something about the situation. I talked to my grandma and asked why she had stopped dancing. Prior to her leaving she was in shape, always playing with her grandchildren and constantly on the move. After a long discussion with her, I soon realized that she had not noticed how her end with hula had affected her. I told my grandmother that she would not have to go through it alone and that I would be there every step of the way. One of the topics that we covered in our long talk was the point that I wanted her to be able to watch me graduate from college and start a new life for myself and that it would not be possible if she stayed on the path she was on right now, not only was I able to help my grandmother live a longer and healthier life, but I also gave her an enjoyable one. This was just one of the many cases that my family and myself had been involved in. With this passion that I have and all the support that is backing me up, why not turn it into a future occupation? One day I hope to study psychology and sociology at a higher level of education. With these backgrounds, I will be able to help others more efficiently and be able to convey my messages more effectively and in ways that they’ll be able to understand. Being able to understand the human brain and how outside factors could affect a person could give me an advantage in understanding the person more and finding out ways of motivation that would match their personality or mindset.

"You’re doing amazing, keep pushing." When my friend told me this, I was at a low point in my life, with low motivation, low drive, and no passion for anything. This friend of mine however was clueless, they had no idea that I was struggling. They couldn’t see the pain in my eyes, the lack of motivation that I had to carry with me. This small comment made my day, and made me appreciate myself. She gave me a new perspective on my life and my accomplishments. I had been used to overlooking my accomplishments and all the great things I have done and only focused on the negative and everything that I wasn’t able to do. I learned that although you may never be successful in life, you should always remember the small victories, the small accomplishments that you were able to complete. Too often I focused on all the failed moments I've had, all the times I couldn’t follow through, when I should’ve focused on all the positives in my life, and all the times I came out with success. Now I force myself to see things from a different perspective as my day goes along, I recognize that although I may not always succeed, it doesn't mean that I should dwell and slug myself. Always celebrate the little things, those victories. I project this new lifestyle and mindset into my everyday life. Whether it be sports, academics, or home life. For sports, it’s easy to get caught up in the head space that you're never going to be good enough. Comparing yourself to others. Telling yourself all these negative things, when really you should praise yourself for all the hard work and motivation that you devoted to your activity. It takes a certain type of motivation to do what athletes do, if it were easy everyone would do it. For academics we’re already taught to compare ourselves to others, this shows by implementing class ranks, recognition with those receiving a certain grade, or praising those who receive higher marks, as opposed to those who struggle and cannot comprehend what they are truly doing. As we pursue a higher form of education, we need to set personal goals for ourselves. These goals should be tailored to your capacity and what you could achieve, not based on another person's capabilities but yours alone.

I believe that it is important that we work better to understand our universe and how it operates because once you can truly understand something and how it is able to operate, then you may begin forming assumptions about what could be done to benefit that object or subject. Only by truly understanding something could you then work to fix or benefit it. Many people get carried away with the idea that everything is given. This is not at all true. It has taken a lot of time for humanity to come this far, and we still have a long ways to go. The main reason why we were able to advance as a society is curiosity. Yes, people were comfortable with their situation and with their way of life, but it was those individuals who were not comfortable that made the change. Those individuals challenged the norms and wanted to introduce new ideas. This is what we need more of, eccentric people. Some ideas I hope to employ that could benefit our universe or world by educating those about our universe and how important our world is. I’ve seen and read over the years how easily people take for granted or take advantage of our resources and how they believe that this is just an infinite resource, which is not true. Many people believe that space is infinite, that food or water is never-ending, and that even oxygen is unlimited, but this is all wrong. If we are not careful these resources could go to waste or could plummet. All it takes is a couple of years of carelessness and lack of attention and we could be faced with scarce resources. By educating ourselves we would then be equipping ourselves better and enabling us to be able to act and make a change. If I were to act on this, I would create seminars and or events where people who share this interest and concern could come together as a confluence and share their ideas. Eventually, everyone would be talking and spreading the word about these events. Soon their friends would be talking, inviting other people, and the talk would be current and popularity would unfold.

Lilo was my best friend. She was the most loyal, loving, and goofy puppy. If I ever had a bad day at school, she would always be there to come running with a smile on her face. She had this atmosphere that surrounded her, this aura. She could turn someone's worst day into their best. As you could tell, I am speaking in the past tense. Unfortunately, while I was away on a volleyball trip in San Diego, she had gotten out of her kennel and ran onto the road, as she ran to the road she had been hit by a speeding vehicle. Her kennel mate, Kobe, followed Lilo but stayed on the sidewalk. When Kobe heard Lilo on the road she ran to her rescue and circled around Lilo, challenging anyone who tried to come near her. This event occurred on day 2 of my 7-day trip. I had continued my volleyball trip without the knowledge of my best friend passing away. My neighbor, who is also my uncle, had buried Lilo in our backyard while we were gone. On the day that we returned home, my parents broke the news to us, 6 days later. My heart broke that day. I remember staying with Lilo at her gravesite for hours. I talked with her and apologized for not being with her during her hardest hours. I told her about my trip, and how I will make her proud. I was not the only person mourning though, My family suffered from this loss. We had lost a family member, the baby of our family. I made it a duty of mine to upkeep her grave, and do it justice for Lilo. I added a small white picket fence around her grave, flowers every other week so that she may always have color, and solar-powered lights that go on when it goes dark, so that she may never feel alone. This passing was very hard for my family and we kept this very personal for weeks. Eventually, word had gotten out and it was like she died all over again. We had received flowers for her grave, treats for our other doggies, and other lovely gifts. But the only gift that I wanted was to say goodbye to my best friend. I miss her every day, but I know that she is watching over me, guiding and supporting me.

I am told to love myself but once I do I am self-absorbed. Just existing is somehow an invitation for you to tell me I’m pretty But I can’t agree with you because if I do I’m a whore. The moment I crumble I need therapy. Emotionally unavailable with simply “too much baggage”. I can’t be in two places at once. You want me to love me but not too much because cockiness is never cute. But you must be confused, I sensed your discomfort before you opened your mouth. It’s not that cockiness is never cute, it’s you thinking I only matter if you say I do

The definition of feminism according to Oxford is the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. But if you asked a real feminist what this word meant to us we would say that ALL genders should receive equal rights and equal opportunities, this is more than just recognition, this is about respect and women's empowerment. For too long women were seen as inferior or subservient to the male gender, but this could not be more inaccurate. "Behind every man is a strong woman", this quote tries to capture the importance that women hold, but a true feminist knows that we do not need to stand behind a man in order to give them power, we stand side by side, we are equals and do not hide behind each other, we must be seen in this sense. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the second woman in U.S history to be a supreme court justice and hold it to this day. Simone De Beauvoir, in 1970 Beauvoir assisted in the launch of the French Women's Liberation Movement and signed the manifesto of the 343 for abortion rights and also instituted a feminist section in Les Temps Modernes in 1972. Gloria Steinem is one of the most famous feminists of our time, also referred to as the mother of feminism, she led the feminism movement in the '60s and '70s and continues to do so. Steinem has faced the worst sexism and still rose above all. She has gone undercover as a playboy bunny and wrote an expose about the not-so-glamorous life, despite this assignment she still did not receive the credit she has always deserved. After years of hard work she soon helped in the creation of New York Magazine and once spoke out about legalizing abortion and shared her own tale of how she had gotten an abortion when she was 22 years old. Steinem proves to me that despite what I may hear from the male gender or what hardships I may go through, I am a woman, so I can do whatever I believe or put my mind to, nothing is impossible. I contribute to the feminist movement within my school by using all the comments and ridicule that I hear as a female athlete as fuel for my athletic endeavors. I hear too often that girls are not athletes and that boys are the only real athletes at my school. I proved those boys wrong. I play volleyball and our season record stands at 48 wins and 3 losses, in total. The boy's football record stands at 5 wins and 3 losses. The girl's volleyball team played in the state championship game for Division 1 girls' volleyball and earned second place, while the boy's football did not even reach Division 2 states. The girl's volleyball team let our talent talk and used the fuel that the boys gave us as motivation to win. We made history as the first girl's volleyball team in our school's history to play in the championship match and even the first team to advance past the first round. This is feminism, this is strength, and this is how things should be.

Crossfit is a branded fitness regime that is centered around workouts that contain various movements and exercises while also focusing on nutrition. My whole family had been involved with CrossFit for the past 10 years and we have no regrets. In a house full of athletes we always put a big emphasis on staying active and eating healthy. Crossfit helps with that and also benefits us within our respective sports. Eventually, we became known as the CrossFit family for our workouts and lifestyle. So much so that eventually our close friends and family members started asking for tips on how they could have a healthy life. I am honored to be the person that others ask for help when regarding their own wellness. Now I help my friends organize their own workouts, tailored to what goals they would like to reach and with their dietary choices. However, my greatest contribution went to my grandma, the sweetest most caring woman I know. She is a 75-year-old woman who loved to dance the hula, a cultural activity here in Hawai’i. As she grew older she began to have difficulty breathing, her mobility became restricted. I talked to my grandma and asked her why she had stopped dancing the hula. After a long discussion with her, I soon realized that she had not noticed how her end with hula had affected her. We both agreed to try hula, together. One of the topics that we covered in our long talk was the point that I wanted her to be able to watch me graduate from college and start a new life for myself and that it would not be possible if she stayed on the path she was on. I was able to help my grandmother live a longer and healthier life, but I also gave her an enjoyable one. Due to my father introducing working out and CrossFit to me and my siblings, we were able to get ahead of all the other kids our age and eventually our opponents as we got older. The increase in competition and the atmosphere changed me and my sisters as athletes, both mentally and physically. I remember our first game playing in an older division and we were scared, we were not prepared for the competition and the intensity that the game would bring. We had lost but with this loss came to a need to get better. My dad talked to us all after and said that we should remember the feelings and thoughts that were going through our heads and use them as motivation to never want to feel this way again, fuel our fire. The next day we went straight back into the gym, working on what we needed to get better at, whether it be cardio or strength. This gave us a sense of purpose, grit, and determination to be the best in what we do. This mentality has been carried from a young age and will continue to help in our future athletics or training. I want to be able to incorporate training and a strong mentality throughout college. However, the mentality is not limited to athletics, this could also be seen in my schoolwork. I would need to maintain a strong mentality to complete all my school or class work and be able to follow through with all my assignments and do what needs to be done in order to succeed. Consistency would then become a factor. Consistency and a strong mindset and a work ethic are very important for success, on and off the court.

"You’re doing amazing, keep pushing." When my friend told me this, I was at a low point in my life, with low motivation, low drive, and no passion for anything. This friend of mine however was clueless, they had no idea that I was struggling. They couldn’t see the pain in my eyes, the lack of motivation that I had to carry with me. This small comment made my day and made me appreciate myself. She gave me a new perspective on my life and my accomplishments. I had been used to overlooking my accomplishments and all the great things I have done and only focused on the negative and everything that I wasn’t able to do. I learned that although you may never be successful in life, you should always remember the small victories, the small accomplishments that you were able to complete. Too often I focused on all the failed moments I've had, all the times I couldn’t follow through when I should’ve focused on all the positives in my life, and all the times I came out with success. Now I force myself to see things from a different perspective as my day goes along, I recognize that although I may not always succeed, it doesn't mean that I should dwell and slug myself. Always celebrate the little things, those victories. I project this new lifestyle and mindset into my everyday life. Whether it be sports, academics, or home life. For sports, it’s easy to get caught up in the head space that you're never going to be good enough. Comparing yourself to others. Telling yourself all these negative things, when really you should praise yourself for all the hard work and motivation that you devoted to your activity. It takes a certain type of motivation to do what athletes do, if it were easy everyone would do it. For academics we’re already taught to compare ourselves to others, this shows by implementing class ranks, recognition with those receiving a certain grade, or praising those who receive higher marks, as opposed to those who struggle and cannot comprehend what they are truly doing. As we pursue a higher form of education, we need to set personal goals for ourselves. These goals should be tailored to your capacity and what you could achieve, not based on another person's capabilities but yours alone.

"You’re doing amazing, keep pushing." When my friend told me this, I was at a low point in my life, with low motivation, low drive, and no passion for anything. This friend of mine however was clueless, they had no idea that I was struggling. They couldn’t see the pain in my eyes, the lack of motivation that I had to carry with me. This small comment made my day and made me appreciate myself. She gave me a new perspective on my life and my accomplishments. I had been used to overlooking my accomplishments and all the great things I have done and only focused on the negative and everything that I wasn’t able to do. I learned that although you may never be successful in life, you should always remember the small victories, the small accomplishments that you were able to complete. Too often I focused on all the failed moments I've had, all the times I couldn’t follow through when I should’ve focused on all the positives in my life, and all the times I came out with success. Now I force myself to see things from a different perspective as my day goes along, I recognize that although I may not always succeed, it doesn't mean that I should dwell and slug myself. Always celebrate the little things, those victories. I project this new lifestyle and mindset into my everyday life. Whether it be sports, academics, or home life. For sports, it’s easy to get caught up in the head space that you're never going to be good enough. Comparing yourself to others. Telling yourself all these negative things, when really you should praise yourself for all the hard work and motivation that you devoted to your activity. It takes a certain type of motivation to do what athletes do, if it were easy everyone would do it. For academics we’re already taught to compare ourselves to others, this shows by implementing class ranks, recognition with those receiving a certain grade, or praising those who receive higher marks, as opposed to those who struggle and cannot comprehend what they are truly doing. As we pursue a higher form of education, we need to set personal goals for ourselves. These goals should be tailored to your capacity and what you could achieve, not based on another person's capabilities but yours alone.

One song that has the most important message to me is "Don't Stop Believin'" by Escape in 1981. I love this song because of the emotions it invokes and how it can affect my day or my levels of happiness. Typically if I am having a low day or things aren't going my way I resort to listening to music as a type of escape outlet from the real world. One lyric that resonates with me from this song is " Don't stop believin', Hold on to that feelin' ". I love these lyrics because it holds as a reminder that although I may be having an off day, I should not let it affect how my day could end, I should be looking to turn it into a good day instead of wallowing and accepting the defeat. One bad moment does not and should not create a bad day. I feel that songs hold much more importance than we credit them too. Songs can subconsciously affect our moods and could possibly make our day better.

Crossfit is a branded fitness regime that is centered around workouts that contain various movements and exercises while also focusing on nutrition. My whole family had been involved with CrossFit for the past 10 years and we have no regrets. In a house full of athletes we always put a big emphasis on staying active and eating healthy. Crossfit helps with that and also benefits us within our respective sports. Eventually, we became known as the CrossFit family for our workouts and lifestyle. So much so that eventually our close friends and family members started asking for tips on how they could have a healthy life. I am honored to be the person that others ask for help when regarding their own wellness. Now I help my friends organize their own workouts, tailored to what goals they would like to reach and with their dietary choices. However, my greatest contribution went to my grandma, the sweetest most caring woman I know. She is a 75-year-old woman who loved to dance the hula, a cultural activity here in Hawai’i. As she grew older she began to have difficulty breathing, her mobility became restricted. I talked to my grandma and asked her why she had stopped dancing the hula. After a long discussion with her, I soon realized that she had not noticed how her end with hula had affected her. We both agreed to try hula, together. One of the topics that we covered in our long talk was the point that I wanted her to be able to watch me graduate from college and start a new life for myself and that it would not be possible if she stayed on the path she was on. I was able to help my grandmother live a longer and healthier life, but I also gave her an enjoyable one. Due to my father introducing working out and CrossFit to me and my siblings, we were able to get ahead of all the other kids our age and eventually our opponents as we got older. The increase in competition and the atmosphere changed me and my sisters as athletes, both mentally and physically. I remember our first game playing in an older division and we were scared, we were not prepared for the competition and the intensity that the game would bring. We had lost but with this loss came to a need to get better. My dad talked to us all after and said that we should remember the feelings and thoughts that were going through our heads and use them as motivation to never want to feel this way again, fuel our fire. The next day we went straight back into the gym, working on what we needed to get better at, whether it be cardio or strength. This gave us a sense of purpose, grit, and determination to be the best in what we do. This mentality has been carried from a young age and will continue to help in our future athletics or training. I want to be able to incorporate training and a strong mentality throughout college. However, the mentality is not limited to athletics, this could also be seen in my schoolwork. I would need to maintain a strong mentality to complete all my school or class work and be able to follow through with all my assignments and do what needs to be done in order to succeed. Consistency would then become a factor. Consistency and a strong mindset and a work ethic are very important for success, on and off the court.

“Kokua”. Here in Hawai’i could be translated to help or provide aid. This is and forever will be one of the greatest traits one person can have. One instance I have of Kokua is when I joined the National Honor Society. National Honor Society or NHS, is a nationwide organization for high school students who excel in their academics and have contributed to their community and who will continue to do so. This is a reputable organization that requires its applicants to undergo interviews and submit an application to become accepted and a member. Before joining this program I had little to no experience with community events and had zero community service hours. After hearing about this program during my sophomore year of high school I was more than eager to join. I gathered letters of recommendation and answered numerous questions in hopes of being accepted. After weeks of waiting I finally got my acceptance letter, and with this letter came numerous events that asked for volunteers to help run and assist in the production of said events. At first, I was very hesitant to start signing up and volunteering. A few members who had already been a part of NHS had told me that they had rarely volunteered and only used this program for the name. Hearing this I felt discouraged and demoralized. Immediately I signed up for the first event and multiple after. When it came to the day of the first event I was nervous, what if my hopes were too high and I’d soon start relating to those upperclassmen who abused the NHS name. Either way, I showed up and began helping around. Eventually, hours passed and the event was over. I was shocked by how fast time flew by and how easy it had been. All I did was help others, the easiest task a person could do. I had been rewarded with 4 hours of community service that day. Due to the NHS, I was able to accumulate 20+ hours of community and in-school service. Some events included packing Covid-19 test kits, working a state championship swim meet, cross country races, and many more. I decided to join this organization because of how often we would be allowed to help and what this program stands for, always assisting those in need. Although the community service hours look good on paper, this is not the reason why I devote so much of my time and energy to doing these activities. The sense of accomplishment and pride that I would feel after the projects would conclude is nothing to compare to, knowing that you gave your time to a greater cause and to helping others is something that I would want to feel every day if possible. This is when I finally realized that I wanted to incorporate this into my adult life. One possible way that I could make this a part of my everyday life is by choosing an occupation that would be centered around benefitting the well-being of others and maybe even my community. One job that interests me is being a “Kupuna Case Manager”. Kupuna means elderly in Hawai’i. A Kupuna case manager would basically be a person who is employed by the state that would then be sent out or given cases where they will need to go and visit their assigned Kupuna, or elderly member and the case manager would then asses the elderly living status and their conditions in their home setting, after their assessment of the Kupuna they would then report back to the state on whether or not the elderly member is in need of monetary assistance. The case manager also connects the member with professional services and always maintains consistent communication with their clients to assess their well-being for the purpose of developing/monitoring an individual care plan. Family has and always played an important role in my life, our kupuna have cared for us from when we were at young age, so we must return the favor and care for them when they are unable to care for themselves. I hope to one day attain my degrees in psychology and sociology so that I can return home with the proper knowledge and tools to help those who have come before me and provide them with a satisfied and happy life. I think and believe that all of this is what a GREAT citizen within their own community is. This is someone who is willing to recognize these little things, put themselves into action and act upon what they see, and also return to ensure that their community is still afloat and thriving. A community needs a person like this, and I am more than happy to be that person for my community. I believe that I deserve this award because Hawai'i needs it more than myself, I need this scholarship because it puts me one step closer to a better and more qualified education. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to learn from professionals so that I can return to Hawai'i more equipped to help our people, I am doing this for myself, yes, but I am more so doing this for my home.

“Kokua”. Here in Hawai’i could be translated to help or provide aid. This is and forever will be one of the greatest traits one person can have. One instance I have of Kokua is when I joined the National Honor Society. National Honor Society or NHS, is a nationwide organization for high school students who excel in their academics and have contributed to their community and who will continue to do so. This is a reputable organization that requires its applicants to undergo interviews and submit an application to become accepted and a member. Before joining this program I had little to no experience with community events and had zero community service hours. After hearing about this program during my sophomore year of high school I was more than eager to join. At first, I was very hesitant to start signing up and volunteering. Either way, I showed up and began helping around. Due to NHS, I accumulated 20+ hours of community and in-school service. I decided to join this organization because of how often we would be allowed to help and what this program stands for, always assisting those in need. Although the community service hours look good on paper, this is not the reason why I devote so much of my time and energy to doing these activities. The sense of accomplishment and pride that I would feel after the projects would conclude is nothing to compare to, knowing that you gave your time to a greater cause and to helping others is something that I would want to feel every day if possible. This is when I finally realized that I wanted to incorporate this into my adult life. One possible way that I could make this a part of my everyday life is by choosing an occupation that would be centered around benefitting the well-being of others and maybe even my community. One job that interests me is being a “Kupuna Case Manager”. Kupuna means elderly in Hawai’i. A Kupuna case manager would basically be a person who is employed by the state that would then be sent out or given cases where they will need to go and visit their assigned Kupuna, or elderly member and the case manager would then asses the elderly living status and their conditions in their home setting, after their assessment of the Kupuna they would then report back to the state on whether or not the elderly member is in need of monetary assistance. The case manager also connects the member with professional services and always maintains consistent communication with their clients to assess their well-being for the purpose of developing/monitoring an individual care plan. The family has and always played an important role in my life, our kupuna have cared for us from a young age, so we must return the favor and care for them when they are unable to care for themselves. I hope to one day attain my degrees in psychology and sociology so that I can return home with the proper knowledge and tools to help those who have come before me and provide them with a satisfied and happy life. I think and believe that all of this is what a GREAT citizen within their own community is. This is someone who is willing to recognize these little things, put themselves into action and act upon what they see, and also return to ensure that their community is still afloat and thriving. A community needs a person like this, and I am more than happy to be that person for my community.

Crossfit is a branded fitness regime that is centered around workouts that contain various movements and exercises while also focusing on nutrition. My whole family had been involved with CrossFit for the past 10 years and we have no regrets. In a house full of athletes we always put a big emphasis on staying active and eating healthy. Crossfit helps with that and also benefits us within our respective sports. Eventually, we became known as the CrossFit family for our workouts and lifestyle. So much so that eventually our close friends and family members started asking for tips on how they could have a healthy life. I am honored to be the person that others ask for help when regarding their own wellness. Now I help my friends organize their own workouts, tailored to what goals they would like to reach and with their dietary choices. However, my greatest contribution went to my grandma, the sweetest most caring woman I know. She is a 75-year-old woman who loved to dance the hula, a cultural activity here in Hawai’i. As she grew older she began to have difficulty breathing, her mobility became restricted. I talked to my grandma and asked her why she had stopped dancing the hula. After a long discussion with her, I soon realized that she had not noticed how her end with hula had affected her. We both agreed to try hula, together. One of the topics that we covered in our long talk was the point that I wanted her to be able to watch me graduate from college and start a new life for myself and that it would not be possible if she stayed on the path she was on. I was able to help my grandmother live a longer and healthier life, but I also gave her an enjoyable one. Due to my father introducing working out and CrossFit to me and my siblings, we were able to get ahead of all the other kids our age and eventually our opponents as we got older. The increase in competition and the atmosphere changed me and my sisters as athletes, both mentally and physically. I remember our first game playing in an older division and we were scared, we were not prepared for the competition and the intensity that the game would bring. We had lost but with this loss came to a need to get better. My dad talked to us all after and said that we should remember the feelings and thoughts that were going through our heads and use them as motivation to never want to feel this way again, fuel our fire. The next day we went straight back into the gym, working on what we needed to get better at, whether it be cardio or strength. This gave us a sense of purpose, grit, and determination to be the best in what we do. This mentality has been carried from a young age and will continue to help in our future athletics or training. I want to be able to incorporate training and a strong mentality throughout college. However, the mentality is not limited to athletics, this could also be seen in my schoolwork. I would need to maintain a strong mentality to complete all my school or class work and be able to follow through with all my assignments and do what needs to be done in order to succeed. Consistency would then become a factor. Consistency and a strong mindset and a work ethic are very important for success, on and off the court.

Crossfit is a branded fitness regime that is centered around workouts that contain various movements and exercises while also focusing on nutrition. My whole family had been involved with CrossFit for the past 10 years and we have no regrets. In a house full of athletes we always put a big emphasis on staying active and eating healthy. Crossfit helps with that and also benefits us within our respective sports. Eventually, we became known as the CrossFit family for our workouts and lifestyle. So much so that eventually our close friends and family members started asking for tips on how they could have a healthy life. I am honored to be the person that others ask for help when regarding their own wellness. Now I help my friends organize their own workouts, tailored to what goals they would like to reach and with their dietary choices. However, my greatest contribution went to my grandma, the sweetest most caring woman I know. She is a 75-year-old woman who loved to dance the hula, a cultural activity here in Hawai’i. As she grew older she began to have difficulty breathing, her mobility became restricted. I talked to my grandma and asked her why she had stopped dancing the hula. After a long discussion with her, I soon realized that she had not noticed how her end with hula had affected her. We both agreed to try hula, together. One of the topics that we covered in our long talk was the point that I wanted her to be able to watch me graduate from college and start a new life for myself and that it would not be possible if she stayed on the path she was on. I was able to help my grandmother live a longer and healthier life, but I also gave her an enjoyable one. Due to my father introducing working out and CrossFit to me and my siblings, we were able to get ahead of all the other kids our age and eventually our opponents as we got older. The increase in competition and the atmosphere changed me and my sisters as athletes, both mentally and physically. I remember our first game playing in an older division and we were scared, we were not prepared for the competition and the intensity that the game would bring. We had lost but with this loss came to a need to get better. My dad talked to us all after and said that we should remember the feelings and thoughts that were going through our heads and use them as motivation to never want to feel this way again, fuel our fire. The next day we went straight back into the gym, working on what we needed to get better at, whether it be cardio or strength. This gave us a sense of purpose, grit, and determination to be the best in what we do. This mentality has been carried from a young age and will continue to help in our future athletics or training. I want to be able to incorporate training and a strong mentality throughout college. However, the mentality is not limited to athletics, this could also be seen in my schoolwork. I would need to maintain a strong mentality to complete all my school or class work and be able to follow through with all my assignments and do what needs to be done in order to succeed. Consistency would then become a factor. Consistency and a strong mindset and a work ethic are very important for success, on and off the court.

Crossfit is a branded fitness regime that is centered around workouts that contain various movements and exercises while also focusing on nutrition. My whole family had been involved with CrossFit for the past 10 years and we have no regrets. In a house full of athletes we always put a big emphasis on staying active and eating healthy. Crossfit helps with that and also benefits us within our respective sports. Eventually, we became known as the CrossFit family for our workouts and lifestyle. So much so that eventually our close friends and family members started asking for tips on how they could have a healthy life. I am honored to be the person that others ask for help when regarding their own wellness. Now I help my friends organize their own workouts, tailored to what goals they would like to reach and with their dietary choices. However, my greatest contribution went to my grandma, the sweetest most caring woman I know. She is a 75-year-old woman who loved to dance the hula, a cultural activity here in Hawai’i. As she grew older she began to have difficulty breathing, her mobility became restricted. I talked to my grandma and asked her why she had stopped dancing the hula. After a long discussion with her, I soon realized that she had not noticed how her end with hula had affected her. We both agreed to try hula, together. One of the topics that we covered in our long talk was the point that I wanted her to be able to watch me graduate from college and start a new life for myself and that it would not be possible if she stayed on the path she was on. I was able to help my grandmother live a longer and healthier life, but I also gave her an enjoyable one. Due to my father introducing working out and CrossFit to me and my siblings, we were able to get ahead of all the other kids our age and eventually our opponents as we got older. The increase in competition and the atmosphere changed me and my sisters as athletes, both mentally and physically. I remember our first game playing in an older division and we were scared, we were not prepared for the competition and the intensity that the game would bring. We had lost but with this loss came to a need to get better. My dad talked to us all after and said that we should remember the feelings and thoughts that were going through our heads and use them as motivation to never want to feel this way again, fuel our fire. The next day we went straight back into the gym, working on what we needed to get better at, whether it be cardio or strength. This gave us a sense of purpose, grit, and determination to be the best in what we do. This mentality has been carried from a young age and will continue to help in our future athletics or training. I want to be able to incorporate training and a strong mentality throughout college. However, the mentality is not limited to athletics, this could also be seen in my schoolwork. I would need to maintain a strong mentality to complete all my school or class work and be able to follow through with all my assignments and do what needs to be done in order to succeed. Consistency would then become a factor. Consistency and a strong mindset and a work ethic are very important for success, on and off the court.

Food is energy, I believe in this completely. You give your body its nutrients through what food you consume. However, if you feed your body junky foods like fast food chains or other unhealthy options, do you believe that this would affect you more so? Another saying that I believe in is that you are what you eat. If you eat healthier like salads and protein and vegetables then you are benefitting your body while also providing it with what it needs. However, If you feed your body food that it does not prefer then you may feel sluggish and unmotivated. I felt this feeling firsthand in my earlier high school years. In my freshman year of high school, I consumed foods from places like Mcdonald's and Taco Bell almost daily and as a result, I felt very sluggish and unmotivated, and extremely tired. I would eat all these unhealthy foods and then immediately sleep the food off. This was very unhealthy of me and now looking back I regret that very decision. When I entered sophomore year I started this research project on how what you eat can have different effects on your body, I was utterly stunned by the results that I had found and disappointed in my freshman self. From that point on I dedicated myself to a healthier diet, creating new eating habits and finding different foods that would satisfy my cravings while also providing my body with positive nutrients. This was a such a fun experience for me, the different foods and tastes that I experimented with, the flavors that I found, and all the combinations that I could create, eating turned fun! I discovered all these new foods and vegetables that I never knew existed! Now my daily diet would consist of breakfast, which typically would consist of eggs, some yogurt and granola, and a breakfast sandwich. My lunch always comes with salad garnished with dressing and vegetables, and dinner holds my protein and yet another salad. I can now go through the day without needing to take a nap or no bloating. I noticed more activity and happiness in myself from this diet shift. I now carry this diet and look forward to every meal!

Crossfit is a branded fitness regime that is centered around workouts that contain various movements and exercises while also focusing on nutrition. My whole family had been involved with CrossFit for the past 10 years and we have no regrets. In a house full of athletes we always put a big emphasis on staying active and eating healthy. Crossfit helps with that and also benefits us within our respective sports. Eventually, we became known as the CrossFit family for our workouts and lifestyle. So much so that eventually our close friends and family members started asking for tips on how they could have a healthy life. I am honored to be the person that others ask for help when regarding their own wellness. Now I help my friends organize their own workouts, tailored to what goals they would like to reach and with their dietary choices. However, my greatest contribution went to my grandma, the sweetest most caring woman I know. She is a 75-year-old woman who loved to dance the hula, a cultural activity here in Hawai’i. As she grew older she began to have difficulty breathing, her mobility became restricted. I talked to my grandma and asked her why she had stopped dancing the hula. After a long discussion with her, I soon realized that she had not noticed how her end with hula had affected her. We both agreed to try hula, together. One of the topics that we covered in our long talk was the point that I wanted her to be able to watch me graduate from college and start a new life for myself and that it would not be possible if she stayed on the path she was on. I was able to help my grandmother live a longer and healthier life, but I also gave her an enjoyable one. Due to my father introducing working out and CrossFit to me and my siblings, we were able to get ahead of all the other kids our age and eventually our opponents as we got older. The increase in competition and the atmosphere changed me and my sisters as athletes, both mentally and physically. I remember our first game playing in an older division and we were scared, we were not prepared for the competition and the intensity that the game would bring. We had lost but with this loss came to a need to get better. My dad talked to us all after and said that we should remember the feelings and thoughts that were going through our heads and use them as motivation to never want to feel this way again, fuel our fire. The next day we went straight back into the gym, working on what we needed to get better at, whether it be cardio or strength. This gave us a sense of purpose, grit, and determination to be the best in what we do. This mentality has been carried from a young age and will continue to help in our future athletics or training. I want to be able to incorporate training and a strong mentality throughout college. However, the mentality is not limited to athletics, this could also be seen in my schoolwork. I would need to maintain a strong mentality to complete all my school or class work and be able to follow through with all my assignments and do what needs to be done in order to succeed. Consistency would then become a factor. Consistency and a strong mindset and a work ethic are very important for success, on and off the court.

My dad is my hero, for more than one reason. He has been my greatest supporter for as long as I could remember, he constantly tries his best to give me and my family everything that he never had growing up. This man is one of the most respected people I've known for the entirety of my life, so when I found out that he had enlisted into the marines when he was younger it was no shock. My father had a tough upbringing, his home life was not the best, much like every other Hawaii kid. However, he did not let his rough upbringing affect how his future would unfold. My father enrolled in boot camp at the age of 18 but later joined the marines in July of 1995. He had served four honorable years in the marines as a motor transport operator. He had driven the big trucks, hummers, dirt bikes, and buses. He did this up until he resigned in July of 1999 due to my mother's third pregnancy. When my dad first entered the marines he had one daughter, my older sister Loke. Eventually, I came along while he was enlisted, lastly, my younger sister, Maile came into the family. This was a clear sign that it was time for my dad to come home and help support my mom. He sacrificed his military enlistment for his family, something that not many men can do. However, he was not done serving his country or his home. Soon he became a police officer for the county of Hawai’i. For the last 11 years and 8 months, he has been serving the island of Hawaii and its people. He is not just officer Kuamo’o or “PINEAPPLE” as his drill sergeants know him, but he is one of the most selfless people I know. Due to his military and police background, we as a family have a certain standard for ourselves. My dad has standards for his daughters. We must be respectful and honest, this is essential if you are living in our household. He has raised us to always stand up for what we believe to be right, even if we are standing alone, and to always respect those who have come before us. One of my dad's favorite things to do is tell us stories of his time as a marine, lessons or events that happened to him that he can now use as lessons for his daughters, although I and my sisters just take it as a way for him to brag that he was a “well-respected soldier” as he would put it. He takes pride in telling us these stories and life tips, although he's even more proud when it actually comes to play in our own lives. My dad has groomed his daughters to be respectful, smart, and strong individuals who have no fear in what they believe in, he encourages us the speak our minds and to always do what is right, even if others believe it is wrong. Roland Ali’iloa Kuamo’o has affected my family in the best way possible, and we are proud to be a military family.