For many people, seeing family members succeed in higher education provides a source of motivation and inspiration. It creates a tangible example that success beyond the basics is possible. For me, that example was not as clear. My mother and father both entered the military shortly after having me as teenagers. They dedicated years of their lives to serving their country, focusing on providing for our family rather than pursuing higher education. While their path did not inspire me academically, their work ethic certainly did. I watched them make sacrifices every day to support our family. However, those sacrifices came with challenges that many people do not talk about: the weeks or even months spent without seeing a parent, the missed sports games, and the late nights feeling alone while they worked to make a living. The goal became even more meaningful in 2023 when my son, Iverson Jay, was born. His birth gave me a renewed sense of purpose and motivated me to change careers and pursue becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). My goal is to provide my son with every opportunity to succeed while still being present for every important moment in his life. I want to be there for his school events, sports games, and milestones while also ensuring that he has the support and resources he needs to thrive. To say this journey has been difficult would be an understatement. I work long days and nights to earn enough money to support my family while continuing my education. This means spending late nights at the hospital after a full day of classes and conducting university research on my days off while my son is at school. Despite these demands, I make it a priority to spend quality time with my son, whether that means taking him to the zoo, the beach, or simply enjoying a day filled with family, laughter, and fun. The financial challenges have also been significant. To pursue these goals, I have had to rely on student loans, and the process has not been as straightforward as I once imagined. With only one year remaining in my undergraduate degree, I have worked hard to build the academic, clinical, and research experiences necessary to become a strong candidate for PA school. However, those accomplishments have come with substantial financial sacrifices, and this scholarship would help ease that burden.Ultimately, what drives me is the desire to give my son opportunities that I never had while honoring the sacrifices my parents made for me. I often think about the child I once was and the father I want to become. My goal is not only to provide a roof over my son's head and food on the table, but also to be present for every game, school event, and important moment in his life. Through a career as a Physician Assistant, I hope to build a future where I can successfully balance both providing for my family and being there for them every step.

As a Native Hawaiian, I have witnessed firsthand the healthcare shortage that continues to impact our islands. Whether it’s the long wait to see a dentist or overcrowded hospitals, the need for more medical professionals in Hawai‘i is undeniable. A recent study found that our state is short more than 800 physicians—a number that reflects a deeper crisis in access to care. Additionally, 53% of Native Hawaiians have moved to the mainland due to the rising cost of living, a reality that is both alarming and deeply disheartening. It represents not just economic hardship, but the displacement of people from the land and culture that define them. My career goal is to become a physician who serves underserved communities in Hawai‘i, helping to reduce this shortage and provide culturally competent care. I am currently a fourth-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences, and I plan to attend medical school after graduation. Even if I can contribute in a small way, I believe that one more doctor can make a meaningful difference—ensuring that someone in my community does not have to wait weeks or months to receive care. Beyond practicing medicine, I hope to be an advocate for Native Hawaiian health and a role model for others who may not see themselves represented in this field.My academic journey has reinforced this goal through both coursework and research. I have worked with Professor Dabalos on a project investigating the effects of glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup, on native limu. Our findings showed that runoff exposure was linked to decreased phenylalanine levels, an essential amino acid necessary for limu growth. I am also involved in a biomass project converting agricultural biowaste into reusable energy through fermentation. These experiences have strengthened my scientific thinking while deepening my connection to Hawai‘i’s land and sustainability.Playing chess has taught me lessons that directly apply to achieving my career goals. Chess requires patience, discipline, and the ability to think several steps ahead—skills that are essential in medicine. Just as in chess, where every move must be calculated with long-term consequences in mind, pursuing a medical career requires careful planning, resilience, and adaptability. I have learned to stay focused under pressure, to analyze complex situations, and to learn from mistakes rather than be discouraged by them. Chess has also taught me that success does not come from a single move, but from consistent, thoughtful decisions over time.Balancing life as a father, full-time student, and provider has not been easy, but these challenges have strengthened my work ethic and determination. Whether studying late at night or caring for my son early in the morning, I remain committed to my path. Just like in chess, I understand that every sacrifice and every step forward contributes to a larger goal. I am driven not only by personal ambition, but by a deep responsibility to give back to my community and ensure a better future for the next generation in Hawai‘i.

As a Native Hawaiian, I have witnessed firsthand the healthcare shortage that continues to impact our islands. Whether it's the long wait to see a dentist or the overcrowded hospitals, the need for more medical professionals in Hawai‘i is undeniable. A recent study found that our state is short more than 800 physicians—a number that reflects a deeper crisis in access to care. Additionally, 53% of Native Hawaiians have moved to the mainland due to the increasing cost of living. This statistic is not only alarming but deeply disheartening, as it reflects the reality that many of our people are being displaced from their homeland. I want to provide my family—especially my son—with the life they deserve here in Hawai‘i, on the land that shaped us. That is why I am currently a fourth-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences. My ultimate goal is to help reduce the physician shortage in Hawai‘i, even if only in a small way. Because even one more doctor means that someone in our community won’t have to go weeks—or even months—without the care they need. I’ve committed myself fully to this path, both through my academic studies and independent research. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Professor Dabalos and a fellow student on a project investigating the effects of glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup, on native limu. Our research revealed that runoff from areas treated with glyphosate was linked to decreased phenylalanine levels—an essential amino acid required for limu to grow and thrive. I am also currently working with the same professor on a biomass project, where we are converting agricultural biowaste into reusable energy through fermentation. These experiences have not only strengthened my scientific foundation but have also deepened my connection to our land and environment. Balancing life as a father, a full-time student, and a provider is not easy—but I’ve never shied away from hard work. Whether it’s staying up late to study or waking up early to care for my son, I continue to persevere—not just for my own future, but for the betterment of our community. There is nothing more meaningful to me than giving back to the people and the land that made me who I am. In addition to becoming a physician, I hope to inspire others in my community. If I can do all this while raising a child and working to support my family, then others can too. I want to be a source of hope and motivation—a reminder that with purpose, discipline, and heart, we can all rise and serve Hawai‘i with pride.

When regarding underrepresented minorities in the United States, Native Hawaiians are often overlooked despite the significant challenges our communities face. Native Hawaiians have experienced widespread displacement across the Hawaiian Islands, largely due to rising living costs and increasing land prices that push many families out of the places they have called home for generations. This economic pressure contributes to broader disparities, particularly in access to quality healthcare. Many Native Hawaiian families fall into lower income brackets, which can limit their ability to receive consistent and comprehensive medical care. These disparities extend beyond access and into the quality of treatment itself. In many cases, patients are treated by physicians who are not from Hawaiʻi and may not fully understand the cultural values, traditions, and social dynamics that shape Native Hawaiian life. This cultural disconnect can create barriers to effective communication and trust, ultimately impacting patient outcomes. Healthcare is not just about diagnosis and treatment; it is also about understanding the patient’s background, beliefs, and community. Without that connection, care can feel impersonal and less effective, widening an already significant gap. Recognizing this need is ultimately why I chose to pursue a field in medicine. While I did not begin my college journey with this goal in mind, my growing awareness of these disparities—and my connection to my community—led me to change my major during my junior year. My short-term goal is to complete my undergraduate degree with a strong academic foundation and gain hands-on clinical experience that will prepare me for medical school. My long-term goal is to become a physician who serves underserved communities in Hawaiʻi, providing culturally competent care that helps bridge the gap between modern medicine and Native Hawaiian values. Being part of an underrepresented minority in this field has deeply shaped my career goals. I understand firsthand the barriers that many Native Hawaiians face, and this perspective motivates me to become not just a healthcare provider, but an advocate. I want to be someone patients can relate to and trust—someone who understands their background and can provide care that respects their identity. Representation in medicine matters, and I hope to contribute to a future where more Native Hawaiians are seen, heard, and cared for by professionals who share and respect their experiences. My journey has required significant sacrifice. I have worked multiple jobs throughout college to support myself financially while maintaining my academic responsibilities. In my third year, I also became a parent, which added both challenges and motivation. Balancing school, work, and raising my son has meant long nights and early mornings, but it has also strengthened my determination to succeed. This scholarship would provide critical financial relief by reducing the need for excessive work hours, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and my preparation for medical school. Ultimately, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my goals and giving back to my community in a meaningful and lasting way.

As a Native Hawaiian, I have witnessed firsthand the healthcare shortage that continues to impact our islands. Whether it's the long wait to see a dentist or the overcrowded hospitals, the need for more medical professionals in Hawai‘i is undeniable. A recent study found that our state is short more than 800 physicians—a number that reflects a deeper crisis in access to care. Additionally, 53% of Native Hawaiians have moved to the mainland due to the increasing cost of living. This statistic is not only alarming but deeply disheartening, as it reflects the reality that many of our people are being displaced from their homeland. I want to provide my family—especially my son—with the life they deserve here in Hawai‘i, on the land that shaped us. That is why I am currently a fourth-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences. My ultimate goal is to help reduce the physician shortage in Hawai‘i, even if only in a small way. Because even one more doctor means that someone in our community won’t have to go weeks—or even months—without the care they need. I’ve committed myself fully to this path, both through my academic studies and independent research. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Professor Dabalos and a fellow student on a project investigating the effects of glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup, on native limu. Our research revealed that runoff from areas treated with glyphosate was linked to decreased phenylalanine levels—an essential amino acid required for limu to grow and thrive. I am also currently working with the same professor on a biomass project, where we are converting agricultural biowaste into reusable energy through fermentation. These experiences have not only strengthened my scientific foundation but have also deepened my connection to our land and environment. Balancing life as a father, a full-time student, and a provider is not easy—but I’ve never shied away from hard work. Whether it’s staying up late to study or waking up early to care for my son, I continue to persevere—not just for my own future, but for the betterment of our community. There is nothing more meaningful to me than giving back to the people and the land that made me who I am. In addition to becoming a physician, I hope to inspire others in my community. If I can do all this while raising a child and working to support my family, then others can too. I want to be a source of hope and motivation—a reminder that with purpose, discipline, and heart, we can all rise and serve Hawai‘i with pride.

As a Native Hawaiian, I have witnessed firsthand the healthcare shortage that continues to impact our islands. Whether it's the long wait to see a dentist or the overcrowded hospitals, the need for more medical professionals in Hawai‘i is undeniable. A recent study found that our state is short more than 800 physicians—a number that reflects a deeper crisis in access to care. Additionally, 53% of Native Hawaiians have moved to the mainland due to the increasing cost of living. This statistic is not only alarming but deeply disheartening, as it reflects the reality that many of our people are being displaced from their homeland. I want to provide my family—especially my son—with the life they deserve here in Hawai‘i, on the land that shaped us. That is why I am currently a fourth-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences. My ultimate goal is to help reduce the physician shortage in Hawai‘i, even if only in a small way. Because even one more doctor means that someone in our community won’t have to go weeks—or even months—without the care they need. I’ve committed myself fully to this path, both through my academic studies and independent research. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Professor Dabalos and a fellow student on a project investigating the effects of glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup, on native limu. Our research revealed that runoff from areas treated with glyphosate was linked to decreased phenylalanine levels—an essential amino acid required for limu to grow and thrive. I am also currently working with the same professor on a biomass project, where we are converting agricultural biowaste into reusable energy through fermentation. These experiences have not only strengthened my scientific foundation but have also deepened my connection to our land and environment. Balancing life as a father, a full-time student, and a provider is not easy—but I’ve never shied away from hard work. Whether it’s staying up late to study or waking up early to care for my son, I continue to persevere—not just for my own future, but for the betterment of our community. There is nothing more meaningful to me than giving back to the people and the land that made me who I am. In addition to becoming a physician, I hope to inspire others in my community. If I can do all this while raising a child and working to support my family, then others can too. I want to be a source of hope and motivation—a reminder that with purpose, discipline, and heart, we can all rise and serve Hawai‘i with pride.

As a Native Hawaiian, I have witnessed firsthand the healthcare shortage that continues to impact our islands. Whether it's the long wait to see a dentist or the overcrowded hospitals, the need for more medical professionals in Hawai‘i is undeniable. A recent study found that our state is short more than 800 physicians—a number that reflects a deeper crisis in access to care. Additionally, 53% of Native Hawaiians have moved to the mainland due to the increasing cost of living. This statistic is not only alarming but deeply disheartening, as it reflects the reality that many of our people are being displaced from their homeland. I want to provide my family—especially my son—with the life they deserve here in Hawai‘i, on the land that shaped us. That is why I am currently a fourth-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences. My ultimate goal is to help reduce the physician shortage in Hawai‘i, even if only in a small way. Because even one more doctor means that someone in our community won’t have to go weeks—or even months—without the care they need. I’ve committed myself fully to this path, both through my academic studies and independent research. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Professor Dabalos and a fellow student on a project investigating the effects of glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup, on native limu. Our research revealed that runoff from areas treated with glyphosate was linked to decreased phenylalanine levels—an essential amino acid required for limu to grow and thrive. I am also currently working with the same professor on a biomass project, where we are converting agricultural biowaste into reusable energy through fermentation. These experiences have not only strengthened my scientific foundation but have also deepened my connection to our land and environment. Balancing life as a father, a full-time student, and a provider is not easy—but I’ve never shied away from hard work. Whether it’s staying up late to study or waking up early to care for my son, I continue to persevere—not just for my own future, but for the betterment of our community. There is nothing more meaningful to me than giving back to the people and the land that made me who I am. In addition to becoming a physician, I hope to inspire others in my community. If I can do all this while raising a child and working to support my family, then others can too. I want to be a source of hope and motivation—a reminder that with purpose, discipline, and heart, we can all rise and serve Hawai‘i with pride.

As a Native Hawaiian, I have witnessed firsthand the healthcare shortage that continues to impact our islands. Whether it's the long wait to see a dentist or the overcrowded hospitals, the need for more medical professionals in Hawai‘i is undeniable. A recent study found that our state is short more than 800 physicians—a number that reflects a deeper crisis in access to care. Additionally, 53% of Native Hawaiians have moved to the mainland due to the increasing cost of living. This statistic is not only alarming but deeply disheartening, as it reflects the reality that many of our people are being displaced from their homeland. I want to provide my family—especially my son—with the life they deserve here in Hawai‘i, on the land that shaped us. That is why I am currently a fourth-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences. My ultimate goal is to help reduce the physician shortage in Hawai‘i, even if only in a small way. Because even one more doctor means that someone in our community won’t have to go weeks—or even months—without the care they need. I’ve committed myself fully to this path, both through my academic studies and independent research. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Professor Dabalos and a fellow student on a project investigating the effects of glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup, on native limu. Our research revealed that runoff from areas treated with glyphosate was linked to decreased phenylalanine levels—an essential amino acid required for limu to grow and thrive. I am also currently working with the same professor on a biomass project, where we are converting agricultural biowaste into reusable energy through fermentation. These experiences have not only strengthened my scientific foundation but have also deepened my connection to our land and environment. Balancing life as a father, a full-time student, and a provider is not easy—but I’ve never shied away from hard work. Whether it’s staying up late to study or waking up early to care for my son, I continue to persevere—not just for my own future, but for the betterment of our community. There is nothing more meaningful to me than giving back to the people and the land that made me who I am. In addition to becoming a physician, I hope to inspire others in my community. If I can do all this while raising a child and working to support my family, then others can too. I want to be a source of hope and motivation—a reminder that with purpose, discipline, and heart, we can all rise and serve Hawai‘i with pride.

As a Native Hawaiian, I have witnessed firsthand the healthcare shortage that continues to impact our islands. Whether it's the long wait to see a dentist or the overcrowded hospitals, the need for more medical professionals in Hawai‘i is undeniable. A recent study found that our state is short more than 800 physicians—a number that reflects a deeper crisis in access to care. Additionally, 53% of Native Hawaiians have moved to the mainland due to the increasing cost of living. This statistic is not only alarming but deeply disheartening, as it reflects the reality that many of our people are being displaced from their homeland. I’ve committed myself fully to this path, both through my academic studies and independent research. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Professor Dabalos and a fellow student on a project investigating the effects of glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup, on native limu. Our research revealed that runoff from areas treated with glyphosate was linked to decreased phenylalanine levels—an essential amino acid required for limu to grow and thrive. I am also currently working with the same professor on a biomass project, where we are converting agricultural biowaste into reusable energy through fermentation. These experiences have not only strengthened my scientific foundation but have also deepened my connection to our land and environment. Balancing life as a father, a full-time student, and a provider is not easy—but I’ve never shied away from hard work. Whether it’s staying up late to study or waking up early to care for my son, I continue to persevere—not just for my own future, but for the betterment of our community. There is nothing more meaningful to me than giving back to the people and the land that made me who I am.

As a Native Hawaiian, I have witnessed firsthand the healthcare shortage that continues to impact our islands. Whether it's the long wait to see a dentist or the overcrowded hospitals, the need for more medical professionals in Hawai‘i is undeniable. A recent study found that our state is short more than 800 physicians—a number that reflects a deeper crisis in access to care. Additionally, 53% of Native Hawaiians have moved to the mainland due to the increasing cost of living. This statistic is not only alarming but deeply disheartening, as it reflects the reality that many of our people are being displaced from their homeland. I want to provide my family—especially my son—with the life they deserve here in Hawai‘i, on the land that shaped us. That is why I am currently a fourth-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences. My ultimate goal is to help reduce the physician shortage in Hawai‘i, even if only in a small way. Because even one more doctor means that someone in our community won’t have to go weeks—or even months—without the care they need. I’ve committed myself fully to this path, both through my academic studies and independent research. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Professor Dabalos and a fellow student on a project investigating the effects of glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup, on native limu. Our research revealed that runoff from areas treated with glyphosate was linked to decreased phenylalanine levels—an essential amino acid required for limu to grow and thrive. I am also currently working with the same professor on a biomass project, where we are converting agricultural biowaste into reusable energy through fermentation. These experiences have not only strengthened my scientific foundation but have also deepened my connection to our land and environment. Balancing life as a father, a full-time student, and a provider is not easy—but I’ve never shied away from hard work. Whether it’s staying up late to study or waking up early to care for my son, I continue to persevere—not just for my own future, but for the betterment of our community. There is nothing more meaningful to me than giving back to the people and the land that made me who I am. In addition to becoming a physician, I hope to inspire others in my community. If I can do all this while raising a child and working to support my family, then others can too. I want to be a source of hope and motivation—a reminder that with purpose, discipline, and heart, we can all rise and serve Hawai‘i with pride.

From a young age, I was surrounded by perseverance and ambition. My adoptive mother’s journey into healthcare was not just a career move—it was a testament to resilience. She pursued her dream of opening an optometry clinic while also raising me, demonstrating the power of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. Watching her balance the demands of building a business while being a devoted mother has always been a source of inspiration for me. Her perseverance showed me that dedication and passion can overcome even the most difficult challenges. Seeing the impact she had on her patients, helping them improve their vision and quality of life, planted a seed in me early on—a deep respect for healthcare and the ability it has to change lives. I believe I’ve developed a similar passion for medicine. While I originally started as a kinesiology major, I ultimately switched to a pre-med track because I wanted to be on the frontlines of saving lives. The decision wasn’t easy—especially as a new parent myself—but I haven’t regretted it for a second. Balancing school, work, and fatherhood has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it has also reinforced my determination. Every time I step into a lab or dive into my coursework, I am reminded why I chose this path. I thrive in hands-on learning environments, and I find deep satisfaction in problem-solving, critical thinking, and applying scientific knowledge to real-world scenarios. Although I was advised to keep an open mind about my future specialization until medical school, I have always been drawn to radiology, oncology, and anesthesiology. These fields intrigue me because they each play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients, often at critical moments in their lives. I want to be part of a profession that not only treats disease but also provides hope, relief, and healing. My journey hasn’t been conventional, and the road ahead won’t be easy, but I am committed to this dream. I want to use my degree to make a lasting impact, whether by working in underserved communities, contributing to groundbreaking medical advancements, or mentoring future medical students who, like me, may face obstacles along the way. My mother’s resilience taught me that success is not about having a perfect path but about having the perseverance to keep moving forward. No matter what challenges come my way, I am determined to become a physician who makes a difference in people’s lives—just as my mother did in her own way.

As a Native Hawaiian, I have witnessed firsthand the healthcare shortage that continues to impact our islands. Whether it's the long wait to see a dentist or the overcrowded hospitals, the need for more medical professionals in Hawai‘i is undeniable. A recent study found that our state is short more than 800 physicians—a number that reflects a deeper crisis in access to care. Additionally, 53% of Native Hawaiians have moved to the mainland due to the increasing cost of living. This statistic is not only alarming but deeply disheartening, as it reflects the reality that many of our people are being displaced from their homeland. I want to provide my family—especially my son—with the life they deserve here in Hawai‘i, on the land that shaped us. That is why I am currently a fourth-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences. My ultimate goal is to help reduce the physician shortage in Hawai‘i, even if only in a small way. Because even one more doctor means that someone in our community won’t have to go weeks—or even months—without the care they need. I’ve committed myself fully to this path, both through my academic studies and independent research. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Professor Dabalos and a fellow student on a project investigating the effects of glyphosate, a chemical found in Roundup, on native limu. Our research revealed that runoff from areas treated with glyphosate was linked to decreased phenylalanine levels—an essential amino acid required for limu to grow and thrive. I am also currently working with the same professor on a biomass project, where we are converting agricultural biowaste into reusable energy through fermentation. These experiences have not only strengthened my scientific foundation but have also deepened my connection to our land and environment. Balancing life as a father, a full-time student, and a provider is not easy—but I’ve never shied away from hard work. Whether it’s staying up late to study or waking up early to care for my son, I continue to persevere—not just for my own future, but for the betterment of our community. There is nothing more meaningful to me than giving back to the people and the land that made me who I am. In addition to becoming a physician, I hope to inspire others in my community. If I can do all this while raising a child and working to support my family, then others can too. I want to be a source of hope and motivation—a reminder that with purpose, discipline, and heart, we can all rise and serve Hawai‘i with pride