At the beginning of 2025 I made a major life decision to move to Florida to live with my Dad, I was terrified to tell my Mom about this and once I did it really damaged our relationship for a couple days. Then I noticed she began opening up to me more and repairing our relationship. Her and I have always been extremely close especially because she has been a single mom for most of my life. After a couple of weeks going through emotional torture over moving I made an even bigger life decision to stay in Hawai'i to finish out my junior and senior year. When I told my Dad it absolutely broke him and me. Even though he hasn't always lived near me we are incredibly close. I couldn't stand how I felt inside after this happened and my Dad and step mom didn't really talk to me for 2 months. I didn't know what to do with myself, so I began playing tennis more and more than I had already been. Then, all of a sudden I got the flu and was out of school and sports for 2 weeks. Throughout that time I could barely eat from being so sick, even though my body didn't like the food, I and my brain knew that I needed it and I was hungry. Although when I would eat food I felt even worse, so I didn't eat much for those two weeks, I began to notice the major weight loss I had gone through without even thinking about it. Once I was healthy again without any more traces of the flu I went back to playing tennis again. But instead of eating more to compensate for the time I didn't eat, I began to intentionally starve myself, or at least as much as I could while playing varsity tennis for my high school. So I was starving myself to the point where I could play my sports and physically get through the day, but on the inside I was a complete wreck. My mind was foggy and it was so hard to think in school, I lost my muscle because I wasn't losing fat as much as muscle and I lost my strength. I would also go in my hot tub while starving myself and I would stay in for at least an hour at 100 degrees. I experienced passing out twice in one night because I stayed in for 2 hours, while I was home alone so my Mom had to come home and find my unconscious body next to my bed. I knew this wasn't healthy for me but I was addicted to seeing the numbers drop on the scale and the results from my body. Although I was still not happy with how my body looked, because I lost my muscle, but there was no way to keep my muscle and only lose fat with the way that I was going through the process. My Mom was growing more and more concerned but I wouldn't listen. I had started at 137 pounds and I was down to 123 pounds in record breaking time. What really broke me out of this was when I was playing a tennis match which was important because I am one of the top players on my varsity team, but all of a sudden I felt extremely hot, which was on top of the natural heat, I could barely see straight, and I felt as though I was going to pass out. So, I had to make the heart breaking decision to pull out of the match. I knew this wouldn't be good for my record but I hadn't lost any matches before that and I knew my health was more important. The trainer brought my levels back up with Hawaiian Sun drinks and I felt much better. The bad part was that was the same day as my prom so I had to get a lot of food in before I went out dancing and having a good time for prom, and that was hard knowing I was easily gaining my weight back in such a short amount of time. I recently fell back into my old ways with starving myself and I am really struggling because I've been injured and haven't been working out, so I felt as though I don't deserve to eat as much if I'm not burning as many calories. I'm going to start playing again since I just got cleared by my doctor but I am still struggling to get out of this eating disorder hole that follows me around everywhere. I have been finding my love for myself and my body again and escaping from this shadow that follows me everywhere.

My Mom has been single for most of my life and I give her so much credit for the life she has created for me and how much she has sacrificed to get me to where I am now. Especially living in Hawai'i which is incredibly expensive, she has given me the ability to play tennis, go on life changing trips, such as the 2 visits and countless vacations to Utah, home of my dream school, The University of Utah, and many other experiences that I can't thank her enough for. Many people know how hard it must be for a single mother, but living with one changes your whole perspective. You see her grab the envelopes of the bills she has to pay and you wish you used less electricity this month, you wish so badly you could help her pay. You wish she didn't have to deal with the responsibility on her own, that you could take that burden away from her, but I simply can't. My Mom is the most selfless woman I have ever met, scratch that, she is the most selfless person in the world. She has never missed my tennis matches, my parents nights at school, my dance recitals, and countless other events that she has dropped her duties to come to for me. This $1000 scholarship would mean the world to me because it means that I can take $1000 off of my Moms back. I am a very financially conscious person, I can't even be by the register if she is buying something for me at the mall. I have so much guilt anytime she pays for something for me that I don't physically need to survive. I have applied to so many scholarships, not for myself but for my Mom. The woman I have looked up to as my hero for my entire life. To see her smile when I tell her how much the cost to my dream school The University of Utah is, and how much money she doesn't have to pay because of the scholarships I win for her. I am so worried about the possible cost for U of U and I have even done exact calculations on which dorm I would want to live in, and what dining plan I will have. That may sound crazy but you don't understand how much I want to tell my Mom that my future isn't going to cost as much as the calculator says. My Mom has truly taught me so much, using her personal experiences and her wisdom. She never had the chance to experience as much as I already have in her childhood because she didn't have the parental support that I do. I know that just based off of what my Mom has taught me that I will be a great Mom who will listen, understand, and love my child the way my Mom has. I would not be the same person I am without my Mom. Thank you for this opportunity!

Since I can remember I have lived with ADHD. It has always followed in my shadow mocking my random outbursts when I forget to take my medicine, or my inability to finish a single page in a book without rereading it 10 times over because I lack the ability to concentrate and stay focused. It has always been a struggle that over the years I have learned to cope with, but that doesn't mean I don't notice it still, even after being officially diagnosed for 7 years. Having ADHD has forced me to become aware of my actions, and whether I need to calm myself down in social settings, and I have learned a lot from just that alone. People often think that ADHD is something I "suffer" with, when really it's the complete opposite. I don't suffer, instead I take what ADHD throws at me, learn to cope with it, and I live my life just like any one would. When I was younger I thought ADHD was rare and that I was alone when I was first learning how to live with it, especially because I was diagnosed with it and I wasn't just telling people I have it because I can't focus. Then I realized that some people were hiding it as well, afraid of what people would think. That's truly when I realized that I can be open about having ADHD and its not something to be ashamed of. Having ADHD has opened my eyes to the challenges that lie in front of my dreams and career aspirations. I have always wanted to start my own business and when I attend the University of Utah next fall my goal is to learn and practice everything I need to know before I get out into the real world to start my business. I pray that I get in and I pray even more that I am able to attend, because of how expensive it is for my family. Even with instate tuition because my father is a disabled veteran it is still an incredible amount of money. That is why I am applying for this scholarship, I don't care how much money it is. Even if it was $5 that would still be $5 that is taken off of my mothers back. Through my ADHD I will accomplish my goals and come out on the other end knowing nothing can hold me back from what I truly love.

Since I can remember I have lived with ADHD. It has always followed in my shadow mocking my random outbursts when I forget to take my medicine, or my inability to finish a single page in a book without rereading it 10 times over because I lack the ability to concentrate and stay focused. It has always been a struggle that over the years I have learned to cope with, but that doesn't mean I don't notice it still, even after being officially diagnosed for 7 years. Having ADHD has forced me to become aware of my actions, and whether I need to calm myself down in social settings, and I have learned a lot from just that alone. People often think that ADHD is something I "suffer" with, when really it's the complete opposite. I don't suffer, instead I take what ADHD throws at me, learn to cope with it, and I live my life just like any one would. When I was younger I thought ADHD was rare and that I was alone when I was first learning how to live with it, especially because I was diagnosed with it and I wasn't just telling people I have it because I can't focus. Then I realized that some people were hiding it as well, afraid of what people would think. That's truly when I realized that I can be open about having ADHD and its not something to be ashamed of. Having ADHD has opened my eyes to the challenges that lie in front of my dreams and career aspirations. I have always wanted to start my own business and when I attend the University of Utah next fall my goal is to learn and practice everything I need to know before I get out into the real world to start my business. I pray that I get in and I pray even more that I am able to attend, because of how expensive it is for my family. Even with instate tuition because my father is a disabled veteran it is still an incredible amount of money. That is why I am applying for this scholarship, I don't care how much money it is. Even if it was $5 that would still be $5 that is taken off of my mothers back. Through my ADHD I will accomplish my goals and come out on the other end knowing nothing can hold me back from what I truly love. I intend to start my own business one day and I will be studying Business Administration as my major in college.

Lokahi in Hawaiian means harmony, unity, and unison, which is exactly what I carry myself with everyday and what I am going to bring with me to college and beyond. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawai’i, and because of that I grew up learning the importance of ohana (family) and lokahi. I was constantly surrounded by aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, but the incredibly special thing I have learned throughout the years is that half of the people I call my family aren’t even my family by blood. When I was 10 years old my Dad, and step-mom moved to Florida, which was a very big change for me physically and mentally. I had to get used to living full time with my Mom, I had to adapt to a new life I was forced to live. But through those changes and the inevitable growth I experienced through it I realized that even if my Dad isn’t physically on Oahu, I still have ohana with me that I can rely on. As much as I love my home here in Hawai’i, I am beyond excited to leave the islands and explore what the “main land” has to offer for me. The one thing I will never leave behind however, is my love for my home and the values that it gave me throughout my adolescent years, those I could never forget, they are forever embedded in my mind and heart. I know that wherever I end up I’m going to provide a diverse outlook and perspective, saying that growing up in Hawai’i is incredibly different from what growing up looks like anywhere else. Even though my Hawaiian culture is important to me, that isn’t the only thing I will bring with me to college. My resilience, determination, and drive to succeed will carry me far when I am able to accomplish my dreams while using the resources that my future university will provide. I have always known what I want to accomplish and what I want to be, since I can remember I would tell anyone who asked me that, “When I grow up I want to make stuff”, -at least that is what my Mom always reminds me I would say, although I think she is undermining my early age vocabulary-. I dream of becoming a business owner, and I plan to prepare and conquer those plans through university out into the “big scary world”. I am a first generation college student and I plan to make the most of an opportunity that my parents never got to enjoy and endure. I have been told I am a people pleaser but when I go to college I plan to do everything I can to please my parents and make them proud of the woman I have become, but while doing what I want. Because recently I have come to the far too late realization that this is my life and I get to make the choices towards the future I desire. With the help of my Hawaiian culture, my determination, and my independence I plan to accomplish my dreams of becoming a business owner while representing my home, in honor of the little girl who referred to creating a business as, “making stuff”, in honor of the little girl who would switch houses every week wearing “mommy’s clothes” or “daddy’s clothes”, and in honor of current me who is writing this personal statement wanting nothing more than to make myself proud.

Since I can remember I have lived with ADHD. It has always followed in my shadow mocking my random outbursts when I forget to take my medicine, or my inability to finish a single page in a book without rereading it 10 times over because I lack the ability to concentrate and stay focused. It has always been a struggle that over the years I have learned to cope with, but that doesn't mean I don't notice it still, even after being officially diagnosed for 7 years. Having ADHD has forced me to become aware of my actions, and whether I need to calm myself down in social settings, and I have learned a lot from just that alone. People often think that ADHD is something I "suffer" with, when really it's the complete opposite. I don't suffer, instead I take what ADHD throws at me, learn to cope with it, and I live my life just like any one would. When I was younger I thought ADHD was rare and that I was alone when I was first learning how to live with it, especially because I was diagnosed with it and I wasn't just telling people I have it because I can't focus. Then I realized that some people were hiding it as well, afraid of what people would think. That's truly when I realized that I can be open about having ADHD and its not something to be ashamed of. Having ADHD has opened my eyes to the challenges that lie in front of my dreams and career aspirations. I have always wanted to start my own business and when I attend the University of Utah next fall my goal is to learn and practice everything I need to know before I get out into the real world to start my business. I pray that I get in and I pray even more that I am able to attend, because of how expensive it is for my family. Even with instate tuition because my father is a disabled veteran it is still an incredible amount of money. That is why I am applying for this scholarship, I don't care how much money it is. Even if it was $5 that would still be $5 that is taken off of my mothers back. Through my ADHD I will accomplish my goals and come out on the other end knowing nothing can hold me back from what I truly love.

My Mom has been single for most of my life and I give her so much credit for the life she has created for me and how much she has sacrificed to get me to where I am now. Especially living in Hawai'i which is incredibly expensive, she has given me the ability to play tennis, go on life changing trips, such as the 2 visits and countless vacations to Utah, home of my dream school, The University of Utah, and many other experiences that I can't thank her enough for. Many people know how hard it must be for a single mother, but living with one changes your whole perspective. You see her grab the envelopes of the bills she has to pay and you wish you used less electricity this month, you wish so badly you could help her pay. You wish she didn't have to deal with the responsibility on her own, that you could take that burden away from her, but I simply can't. I Mom is the most selfless woman I have ever met, scratch that, she is the most selfless person in the world. She has never missed my tennis matches, my parents nights at school, my dance recitals, and countless other events that she has dropped her duties to come to for me. This $1000 scholarship would mean the world to me because it means that I can take $1000 off of my Moms back. I am a very financially conscience person, I can't even be by the register if she is buying something for me at the mall. I have so much guilt anytime she pays for something for me that I don't physically need to survive. I have applied to so many scholarships, not for myself but for my Mom. The woman I have looked up to as my hero for my entire life. To see her smile when I tell her how much the cost to my dream school The University of Utah is, and how much money she doesn't have to pay because of the scholarships I win for her. I am so worried about the possible cost for U of U and I have even done exact calculations on which dorm I would want to live in, what dining plan I will have. That may sound crazy but you don't understand how much I want to tell my Mom that my future isn't going to cost as much as the calculator says. Thank you so much for this opportunity.

Since I can remember I have lived with ADHD. It has always followed in my shadow mocking my random outbursts when I forget to take my medicine, or my inability to finish a single page in a book without rereading it 10 times over because I lack the ability to concentrate and stay focused. It has always been a struggle that over the years I have learned to cope with, but that doesn't mean I don't notice it still, even after being officially diagnosed for 7 years. Having ADHD has forced me to become aware of my actions, and whether I need to calm myself down in social settings, and I have learned a lot from just that alone. People often think that ADHD is something I "suffer" with, when really it's the complete opposite. I don't suffer, instead I take what ADHD throws at me, learn to cope with it, and I live my life just like any one would. When I was younger I thought ADHD was rare and that I was alone when I was first learning how to live with it, especially because I was diagnosed with it and I wasn't just telling people I have it because I can't focus. Then I realized that some people were hiding it as well, afraid of what people would think. That's truly when I realized that I can be open about having ADHD and its not something to be ashamed of. Having ADHD has opened my eyes to the challenges that lie in front of my dreams and career aspirations. I have always wanted to start my own business and when I attend the University of Utah next fall my goal is to learn and practice everything I need to know before I get out into the real world to start my business. I pray that I get in and I pray even more that I am able to attend, because of how expensive it is for my family. Even with instate tuition because my father is a disabled veteran it is still an incredible amount of money. That is why I am applying for this scholarship, I don't care how much money it is. Even if it was $5 that would still be $5 that is taken off of my mothers back. Through my ADHD I will accomplish my goals and come out on the other end knowing nothing can hold me back from what I truly love.

Since I can remember I have lived with ADHD. It has always followed in my shadow mocking my random outbursts when I forget to take my medicine, or my inability to finish a single page in a book without rereading it 10 times over because I lack the ability to concentrate and stay focused. It has always been a struggle that over the years I have learned to cope with, but that doesn't mean I don't notice it still, even after being officially diagnosed for 7 years. Having ADHD has forced me to become aware of my actions, and whether I need to calm myself down in social settings, and I have learned a lot from just that alone. People often think that ADHD is something I "suffer" with, when really it's the complete opposite. I don't suffer, instead I take what ADHD throws at me, learn to cope with it, and I live my life just like any one would. When I was younger I thought ADHD was rare and that I was alone when I was first learning how to live with it, especially because I was diagnosed with it and I wasn't just telling people I have it because I can't focus. Then I realized that some people were hiding it as well, afraid of what people would think. That's truly when I realized that I can be open about having ADHD and its not something to be ashamed of. Having ADHD has opened my eyes to the challenges that lie in front of my dreams and career aspirations. I have always wanted to start my own business and when I attend the University of Utah next fall my goal is to learn and practice everything I need to know before I get out into the real world to start my business. I pray that I get in and I pray even more that I am able to attend, because of how expensive it is for my family. Even with instate tuition because my father is a disabled veteran it is still an incredible amount of money. That is why I am applying for this scholarship, I don't care how much money it is. Even if it was $5 that would still be $5 that is taken off of my mothers back. Through my ADHD I will accomplish my goals and come out on the other end knowing nothing can hold me back from what I truly love.

Lokahi in Hawaiian means harmony, unity, and unison, which is exactly what I carry myself with everyday and what I am going to bring with me to college and beyond. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawai’i, and because of that I grew up learning the importance of ohana (family) and lokahi. I was constantly surrounded by aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, but the incredibly special thing I have learned throughout the years is that half of the people I call my family aren’t even my family by blood. This alone represents the tight bonds that are connected to Hawaiian culture, and a culture that everyone here carries with them. When I was 10 years old my Dad, and step-mom moved to Florida, which was a very big change for me physically and mentally. I had to get used to living full time with my Mom, I had to adapt to a new life I was forced to live. But through those changes and the inevitable growth I experienced through it I realized that even if my Dad isn’t physically on Oahu, I still have ohana with me that I can rely on. I had always thought of my cousins as my siblings, but I finally understood how much they mean to me once my Dad left, and I am forever grateful for that realization. As much as I love my home here in Hawai’i, I am beyond excited to leave the islands and explore what the “main land” has to offer for me. The one thing I will never leave behind however, is my love for my home and the values that it gave me throughout my adolescent years, those I could never forget, they are forever embedded in my mind and heart. I know that wherever I end up I’m going to provide a diverse outlook and perspective, saying that growing up in Hawai’i is incredibly different from what growing up looks like anywhere else. Even though my Hawaiian culture is important to me, that isn’t the only thing I will bring with me to college. My resilience, determination, and drive to succeed will carry me far when I am able to accomplish my dreams while using the resources that my future university will provide. I have always known what I want to accomplish and what I want to be, since I can remember I would tell anyone who asked me that, “When I grow up I want to make stuff”, -at least that is what my Mom always reminds me I would say, although I think she is undermining my early age vocabulary-. I dream of becoming a business owner, and I plan to prepare and conquer those plans through university out into the “big scary world”. I am a first generation college student and I plan to make the most of an opportunity that my parents never got to enjoy and endure. I have been told I am a people pleaser but when I go to college I plan to do everything I can to please my parents and make them proud of the woman I have become, but while doing what I want. Because recently I have come to the far too late realization that this is my life and I get to make the choices towards the future I desire.

Lokahi in Hawaiian means harmony, unity, and unison, which is exactly what I carry myself with everyday and what I am going to bring with me to college and beyond. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawai’i, and because of that I grew up learning the importance of ohana (family) and lokahi. I was constantly surrounded by aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, but the incredibly special thing I have learned throughout the years is that half of the people I call my family aren’t even my family by blood. This alone represents the tight bonds that are connected to Hawaiian culture, and a culture that everyone here carries with them. When I was 10 years old my Dad, and step-mom moved to Florida, which was a very big change for me physically and mentally. I had to get used to living full time with my Mom, I had to adapt to a new life I was forced to live. But through those changes and the inevitable growth I experienced through it I realized that even if my Dad isn’t physically on Oahu, I still have ohana with me that I can rely on. I had always thought of my cousins as my siblings, but I finally understood how much they mean to me once my Dad left, and I am forever grateful for that realization. As much as I love my home here in Hawai’i, I am beyond excited to leave the islands and explore what the “main land” has to offer for me. The one thing I will never leave behind however, is my love for my home and the values that it gave me throughout my adolescent years, those I could never forget, they are forever embedded in my mind and heart. I know that wherever I end up I’m going to provide a diverse outlook and perspective, saying that growing up in Hawai’i is incredibly different from what growing up looks like anywhere else. Even though my Hawaiian culture is important to me, that isn’t the only thing I will bring with me to college. My resilience, determination, and drive to succeed will carry me far when I am able to accomplish my dreams while using the resources that my future university will provide. I have always known what I want to accomplish and what I want to be, since I can remember I would tell anyone who asked me that, “When I grow up I want to make stuff”, -at least that is what my Mom always reminds me I would say, although I think she is undermining my early age vocabulary-. I dream of becoming a business owner, and I plan to prepare and conquer those plans through university out into the “big scary world”. I am a first generation college student and I plan to make the most of an opportunity that my parents never got to enjoy and endure. I have been told I am a people pleaser but when I go to college I plan to do everything I can to please my parents and make them proud of the woman I have become, but while doing what I want. Because recently I have come to the far too late realization that this is my life and I get to make the choices towards the future I desire.

My name is Taylor Sandon and throughout my life anytime I was asked the big question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I would answer with these same six words every single time, and those words are. "I want to be an anterpuner." Now you may think I'm not the brightest just based off of that, but when I was seven years old I had no idea how to say entrepreneur. I always heard it coming from my Mom because since she was 18 years old she was the owner of Teddy's Bigger Burgers. It's an ever growing burger chain in Hawaii and Japan which includes other concepts of Mexican food and Texas barbecue. I thank her for my love of innovation and creating something new and my own. I grew up helping my Mom in any way that I legally could and I would beg her to bring me to the restaurants or to her office. Anyways, that's enough with little Taylor. Still in the big 2025 I have the same dream of being a business owner, and I know 100% that I will make that happen one day. I have played tennis for as long as I've had this dream and when I tell people I'm not going to play divison tennis in college they look at me like I'm crazy. But then I tell them that when I go to my dream school which is University of Utah I will take every chance I have on that campus to launch a start up, and I know if I played tennis a lot of my time would be taken. I have the drive and capability to accomplish my goal and this scholarship would really help me to achieve that. You may be thinking that if my Mom is a business owner then she should be able to pay for my college and I don't need this scholarship or any of them. But in reality, she is a single mom who has raised me my entire life with little to no help, she has given me so many opportunities and given up so much of her life and opportunities so I could have the childhood that she never got to experience. She told me she is going to help me with college but my heart aches thinking of her sacrificing even more for me to attend my dream school. But knowing the person my Mom is I know she would give up the clothes off her back for me. This is why I am applying for this scholarship. So I can relieve my Mom of even just $1,100 because that is incredible amount of money for me to bring to her and say "Mom, I just got awarded a scholarship for $1,100!" because that would make her shine brighter and me even brighter knowing I earned it because of my love and passion for innovation, business, and entrepreneurship. If I were to earn this scholarship I would put it to my college tuition instead of a project or business idea because the opportunities I could having access to at the U of U would be worth it when I am able to launch a start up with the resources they have for me. Thank you for this opportunity and I am honored to tell more people about my dreams.

Lokahi in Hawaiian means harmony, unity, and unison, which is exactly what I carry myself with everyday and what I am going to bring with me to college and beyond. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawai’i, and because of that I grew up learning the importance of ohana (family) and lokahi. I was constantly surrounded by aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, but the incredibly special thing I have learned throughout the years is that half of the people I call my family aren’t even my family by blood. This alone represents the tight bonds that are connected to Hawaiian culture, and a culture that everyone here carries with them. When I was 10 years old my Dad, and step-mom moved to Florida, which was a very big change for me physically and mentally. I had to get used to living full time with my Mom, I had to adapt to a new life I was forced to live. But through those changes and the inevitable growth I experienced through it I realized that even if my Dad isn’t physically on Oahu, I still have ohana with me that I can rely on. I had always thought of my cousins as my siblings, but I finally understood how much they mean to me once my Dad left, and I am forever grateful for that realization. As much as I love my home here in Hawai’i, I am beyond excited to leave the islands and explore what the “main land” has to offer for me. The one thing I will never leave behind however, is my love for my home and the values that it gave me throughout my adolescent years, those I could never forget, they are forever embedded in my mind and heart. I know that wherever I end up I’m going to provide a diverse outlook and perspective, saying that growing up in Hawai’i is incredibly different from what growing up looks like anywhere else. Even though my Hawaiian culture is important to me, that isn’t the only thing I will bring with me to college. My resilience, determination, and drive to succeed will carry me far when I am able to accomplish my dreams while using the resources that my future university will provide. I have always known what I want to accomplish and what I want to be, since I can remember I would tell anyone who asked me that, “When I grow up I want to make stuff”, -at least that is what my Mom always reminds me I would say, although I think she is undermining my early age vocabulary-. I dream of becoming a business owner, and I plan to prepare and conquer those plans through university out into the “big scary world”. I am a first generation college student and I plan to make the most of an opportunity that my parents never got to enjoy and endure. I have been told I am a people pleaser but when I go to college I plan to do everything I can to please my parents and make them proud of the woman I have become, but while doing what I want.

Lokahi in Hawaiian means harmony, unity, and unison, which is exactly what I carry myself with everyday and what I am going to bring with me to college and beyond. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawai’i, and because of that I grew up learning the importance of ohana (family) and lokahi. I was constantly surrounded by aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, but the incredibly special thing I have learned throughout the years is that half of the people I call my family aren’t even my family by blood. This alone represents the tight bonds that are connected to Hawaiian culture, and a culture that everyone here carries with them. When I was 10 years old my Dad, and step-mom moved to Florida, which was a very big change for me physically and mentally. I had to get used to living full time with my Mom, I had to adapt to a new life I was forced to live. But through those changes and the inevitable growth I experienced through it I realized that even if my Dad isn’t physically on Oahu, I still have ohana with me that I can rely on. I had always thought of my cousins as my siblings, but I finally understood how much they mean to me once my Dad left, and I am forever grateful for that realization. As much as I love my home here in Hawai’i, I am beyond excited to leave the islands and explore what the “main land” has to offer for me. The one thing I will never leave behind however, is my love for my home and the values that it gave me throughout my adolescent years, those I could never forget, they are forever embedded in my mind and heart. I know that wherever I end up I’m going to provide a diverse outlook and perspective, saying that growing up in Hawai’i is incredibly different from what growing up looks like anywhere else. Even though my Hawaiian culture is important to me, that isn’t the only thing I will bring with me to college. My resilience, determination, and drive to succeed will carry me far when I am able to accomplish my dreams while using the resources that my future university will provide. I have always known what I want to accomplish and what I want to be, since I can remember I would tell anyone who asked me that, “When I grow up I want to make stuff”, -at least that is what my Mom always reminds me I would say, although I think she is undermining my early age vocabulary-. I dream of becoming a business owner, and I plan to prepare and conquer those plans through university out into the “big scary world”. I am a first generation college student and I plan to make the most of an opportunity that my parents never got to enjoy and endure. I have been told I am a people pleaser but when I go to college I plan to do everything I can to please my parents and make them proud of the woman I have become, but while doing what I want. Because recently I have come to the far too late realization that this is my life and I get to make the choices towards the future I desire.