Volleyball has been a deep passion of mine, not just as a sport but as a foundation for lessons in kindness, generosity, and perseverance that extend far beyond the court. Volleyball isn’t just about skill; it’s about building connections, fostering teamwork, and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Playing volleyball has taught me how to show up fully for others and, in turn, how to build a community that lifts each other up, even in the most challenging moments. One of the core values volleyball has instilled in me is kindness, especially toward my teammates. In volleyball, every mistake is visible – a missed dig, a blocked spike – and it’s easy to feel down when errors happen. In these moments, showing kindness by offering encouraging words and celebrating small wins can make all the difference. When a teammate struggles, a simple gesture of support, like a high-five or a few words of encouragement, can help them recover quickly and keep morale high. This kindness isn’t limited to my teammates. On the court, I’ve learned to respect my opponents, recognizing that they’re working hard too. I bring this same spirit into daily life, always trying to offer encouragement to those who need it. Volleyball has also taught me about generosity, particularly the importance of sharing time and effort to lift others up. In a game, we all need to contribute and sometimes even sacrifice individual opportunities for the team’s success. Whether it's setting up a teammate for a great play or being ready to dive for a ball to prevent a point loss, volleyball has shown me how generous acts – giving energy, time, and focus – can create something greater than the sum of its parts. Off the court, this generosity translates into how I approach relationships and community. I volunteer to coach younger players, sharing my knowledge to help them grow and enjoy the game as I do. Perhaps the most valuable lesson volleyball has taught me is perseverance. The game is fast-paced, and there are often times when you fall behind in points or have a challenging opponent. It’s easy to feel defeated, but the best teams are the ones that persevere, regrouping after every setback and playing with renewed determination. I’ve learned to push through exhaustion, keep going after failures, and stay focused even when the outcome is uncertain. This resilience has become a part of how I approach challenges in other areas of my life, especially when things don’t go as planned. Volleyball has given me an understanding that kindness, generosity, and perseverance are skills we build through practice, both on and off the court. It’s a sport that brings people together, fosters personal growth, and teaches us to support each other through wins and losses alike. By sharing this passion with others, I aim to build an environment where everyone can feel included, supported, and motivated to give their best – not just for themselves but for those around them.

Growing up in Hawaii, where resources are often limited and must be imported, I learned early on about the significance of resourcefulness and sustainability. As a first-generation immigrant, I faced the added challenge of balancing my cultural identity with the expectations of a society that often felt distant from the values I was raised with. But my experience of limited access to resources, especially in education, made me keenly aware of the gaps in opportunity and the need for change. One particular moment that shaped my outlook came in my junior year of high school when I was determined to improve access to educational resources for students in my community. In other regions, advanced courses and materials were readily available, but in Hawaii, many schools struggled to offer even basic resources in certain subjects. Driven by the desire to make a difference, I launched an initiative to create a shared resource library that included study guides, textbooks, and online access tools, specifically targeting underserved students in my area. This was an unconventional path, especially because I had to navigate cultural expectations and explain to my family and community why this was necessary. As an immigrant, my family prioritized traditional values, often emphasizing stability and cautious advancement over advocacy. But I believed that access to education was a way to level the playing field, regardless of where you lived or your background. I worked tirelessly, rallying support from local businesses, applying for small grants, and working with teachers to ensure that the resources would be well-used. Despite initial skepticism from some community members, we were able to create a small but impactful program. Students who had never seen certain resources, such as AP prep books or science kits, now had access. The sense of empowerment among my peers was palpable, and many of them expressed new levels of confidence in their studies and aspirations. Through this journey, I learned resilience and the importance of advocacy. I realized that being a trailblazer didn’t mean rejecting my cultural roots; it meant leveraging them to bring positive change. This experience taught me how to navigate the dualities of my identity—respecting my heritage while pushing for progress that would benefit everyone. I also developed a deep appreciation for the power of community, realizing that with collaboration, even a resource-limited environment can be a place of opportunity. As I look to the future, my goal is to work in public policy or education reform, specifically to advocate for equitable resources in underserved areas. Living in Hawaii has given me a unique perspective on the importance of resourcefulness, and my immigrant experience has taught me resilience. Together, these experiences have shaped my commitment to ensuring that every student, no matter where they live, has the resources they need to succeed.

The Polynesian community holds a special place in my heart. Their way of life is distinct and deeply rooted in values that feel different from much of the world. When people hear "Hawaii," the first thing that often comes to mind is paradise, and that's largely because of the people who live here. They are the ones who make this place feel so magical. Take me, for instance—I work as a canoe dancer at the Polynesian Cultural Center. My job is to share the aloha spirit with visitors, and it’s something I do with pride. How do I share that spirit, you might ask? Sometimes, it's as simple as offering a genuine smile or saying, "Thank you for coming." Small gestures go a long way in making people feel welcome. What I love most about my community is its sense of connection. It’s like one big family where everyone knows everyone. The saying, "Aloha happens," truly captures the essence of life here. Aloha isn’t something you have to force; it flows naturally. The word "aloha" carries many meanings, but at its core, it's all about positivity. Whether it's a friendly wave or a kind hello from a stranger, that’s what we mean when we say, "Aloha happens." It’s the beauty of kindness, effortlessly shared. "Aloha happens" can also be seen as something serendipitous, like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. When you encounter aloha by chance, it's as if you've found a rare and precious gift, making you feel like the luckiest person alive. In those moments when aloha happens, it’s impossible not to smile and wonder why the rest of the world doesn’t live this way. It fills you with a warmth that lingers, leaving you with that "fuzzy" feeling for the rest of the day. And when you're wrapped in the embrace of aloha, nothing in the world can bring you down. Anger and sadness seem to melt away in its presence, replaced by an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. So, when you ask how I make aloha happen, the truth is—I don’t have to. It’s woven so deeply into my culture and way of life that it naturally flows. At work, even though I’m paid to share aloha with guests, it’s never something I have to force. The smile on my face is real, every single day. When I share my aloha, I’m not just offering a gesture; I’m giving others the chance to feel the same joy and happiness that fills my life. And that—sharing genuine joy—is what makes the experience truly special.