My name is Maile, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science and Business Administration at Upper Iowa University. While I am temporarily studying on the mainland, my heart—and my future—remain in Hawai‘i. I grew up surrounded by the beauty of the islands, the strength of community, and the importance of family. Those values are what continue to guide my educational journey, and they are the reason I’m determined to return home after graduation to give back to the people and place that raised me. Growing up in Hawai‘i, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that many families face when it comes to health, fitness, and access to quality wellness resources. Whether it was seeing loved ones struggle with preventable health issues or watching small businesses fight to survive, I’ve always felt a strong pull to be part of the solution. That’s why I chose to study Exercise Science—because I want to help people live healthier lives, and I believe education and community-based wellness can make a real difference. Pairing that with a background in business allows me to dream bigger: of one day opening a wellness center, creating programs for local youth, or supporting small businesses that promote health and movement. But like many students from Hawai‘i, I face financial barriers. Attending college out of state is expensive, and although I work during breaks and live frugally, the cost of tuition, books, and daily living adds up quickly. This scholarship would help relieve some of that financial pressure and allow me to focus more fully on my studies, athletic training, and long-term goals. It would also bring me one step closer to graduating debt-free—something that would make it much more feasible to return home immediately after college rather than postponing that dream due to financial strain. When I return to Hawai‘i, I want to pour everything I’ve learned back into my community. I want to work with youth, help people find joy in movement, and be a source of knowledge and encouragement for those striving to improve their physical and mental health. I believe Hawai‘i needs more local professionals who understand both the culture and the needs of our communities—people who are rooted in the ‘āina and committed to uplifting others. I want to be that person. Beyond my academic and professional goals, I’m also someone who values hard work, resilience, and gratitude. I come from a family that has taught me to earn what I have, give more than I take, and never forget where I come from. Every opportunity I’ve been given, I treat with deep respect—and this scholarship would be no different. I would carry it with pride, knowing that someone believes in my future and the good I hope to do with it. Thank you for considering me. This scholarship would not only help fund my education—it would help fuel a mission to come home and make a difference.

Sales and marketing have always fascinated me because they sit at the intersection of human connection, creativity, and strategy. While my academic background is rooted in Exercise Science and Business, I’ve come to realize that marketing isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about understanding people, solving problems, and creating value. This realization has fueled my passion for pursuing a career in sales and marketing, where I can combine my strengths in communication, empathy, and analytical thinking to make a meaningful impact. Growing up in Hawai‘i, I watched my community thrive on relationships—small businesses supporting one another, local events bringing people together, and word-of-mouth playing a powerful role in how people made decisions. I learned early on that trust, storytelling, and genuine care go a long way. These principles have shaped the way I view sales and marketing—not as manipulation, but as a way of connecting the right solutions to the right people. My interest became personal when I started working part-time during school breaks. Whether I was interacting with customers or observing how businesses positioned themselves to stand out, I found myself drawn to the psychology behind buying decisions. I became intrigued by what motivates people, how branding influences perception, and how data can guide more effective outreach. That blend of creativity and science felt exciting to me, and it became clear that this was a career path where I could thrive. What motivates me most is the opportunity for growth—not just for myself, but for others. Sales and marketing offer the ability to help businesses grow, help customers find what they need, and help teams reach goals that once seemed out of reach. I love the idea of using storytelling, strategy, and digital tools to elevate a message or brand. I also love the competitive aspect of sales—the challenge of setting goals and pushing myself to meet or exceed them through preparation, persistence, and adaptability. Looking forward, I envision myself in a marketing role that allows me to be both creative and strategic. I want to learn how to build campaigns, engage audiences, and use data to make smart decisions. Whether it’s promoting wellness products that align with my health background or working with companies that are passionate about social responsibility, I’m excited about the many ways this career can align with my values and interests. This scholarship would be a tremendous help in allowing me to continue my education without being weighed down by financial stress. As a student who works part-time while taking a full course load, I understand the value of every dollar and every opportunity. I’m committed to using my education not just to build a career, but to contribute something meaningful to my future workplace, community, and industry. Ultimately, I’m pursuing a career in sales and marketing because I believe in the power of connection. I believe in listening, learning, and creating something that resonates with others. Whether I’m building trust with a customer or helping shape a brand's identity, I want to be part of the story that brings value to people’s lives.

Growing up in Hawai‘i, I was always surrounded by an active lifestyle—whether it was playing soccer on the weekends, hiking with my family, or swimming at the beach. From a young age, I developed a love for movement and a fascination with the human body. But it wasn’t until I experienced injury and witnessed the power of recovery that I discovered my true calling: physical therapy. My inspiration began with a personal setback. During high school, I sustained a knee injury that temporarily sidelined me from soccer, a sport I had poured my heart into for years. At the time, I felt helpless—my body had always been my strength, and suddenly I couldn’t rely on it. That’s when I was introduced to physical therapy. I worked with a PT who not only helped me heal physically but also helped me regain my confidence and mental resilience. Through that experience, I realized that physical therapy is about much more than just rehabilitation—it’s about empowering people to regain control of their lives, their independence, and their goals. Since then, my drive to become a physical therapist has only grown. I am currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science at Upper Iowa University, with a focus on building a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and movement science. I take my education seriously because I know that every class I take brings me one step closer to being able to help others the way my physical therapist once helped me. Outside the classroom, I continue to play soccer competitively and train regularly, which has deepened my appreciation for injury prevention and recovery. I also work part-time during school breaks and summers, helping support myself and my family while staying focused on my long-term goals. These experiences have taught me the value of hard work, time management, and persistence. What truly drives me is the idea of making a difference—not just in someone’s recovery, but in their outlook on life. I’ve seen family members, friends, and community members struggle with injuries, chronic pain, and limited access to quality care. I want to be part of the solution, especially in underserved communities like the one I grew up in. My dream is to return to Hawai‘i after graduate school and open a practice that not only treats patients but educates them on how to live stronger, healthier lives. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial support—it would be an investment in someone who is determined to give back. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies, reduce the burden of student debt, and continue pushing toward a career that is centered around compassion, science, and service. Physical therapy changed my life, and now I want to spend my life changing others’. That’s the kind of impact I want to make—and that’s what inspires me every single day.