I am passionate about changing the culture of poverty here in Wai‘anae. Having been born and raised in this community, I’ve observed that students don’t really consider postsecondary education simply because it isn’t an option for them. Not only because they will be first generation college students, but the people in this community only have enough to live day to day, making future planning futile. This is also why parents aren’t really involved in their child’s learning. They not only constantly try to make ends meet, but they give the responsibility of educating their child to the school because they don’t feel qualified to nurture that at home. Although this is the case, students are still not being set up well enough to succeed in the future because of our school’s low academic standards and lack of resources for higher level classes. This past summer, I was sworn into Peer Forward, an organization that connects low income communities to college resources. I am a firm believer that everyone has the right to higher education and Wai‘anae students are no exception. Through this organization, I not only helped many seniors set up their FSA ID in preparation for the FAFSA, but I have educated the senior class about the multitude of options for financial aid they have once they do their FAFSA. I hope to create a lasting impression on the later generations of students through Peer Forward and inspire them to join and do the same. I want them to see that they have what it takes to go to college and give themselves a bright future and that they aren't alone. I don't plan to stop once I graduate either. If there is anything that I have learned to value, it's the big family of a community we have here. No matter who you are or what you are going through, there will always be people to support you. Once I complete my future goals, I am more than willing to come back to Wai‘anae so that I can inspire more students to reach for academic excellence. I don't just want to be an alumni that gives a speech to the annual class assemblies at the beginning of every school year. I want to be an individual that also increases opportunities for students, someone who can fund their learning through scholarships. I never had someone like that in all my years of high school so I want to be that person for my community.