Being a Pacific Islander, specifically a Samoan, attending college has profound significance for me. As a first-generation Samoan student, I bear the responsibility of demonstrating to my family and church that individuals like myself have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Having been born and raised in Hawai'i, I have never experienced anything other than life on an island and didn’t think about an out-of-state college. However, as a sophomore at Northern Arizona University, I have successfully navigated an entire school year away from home and in the absence of my church, to persevere through the challenges of college life. I see myself as a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my financial need, my dedication to academic success, and for representation. I consider myself a strong candidate for this scholarship due to my financial need, unwavering dedication to academic success, and the importance of representation. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of college but also provide the means to fully immerse myself in my education. Right now, I'm working at a restaurant and doing student teaching to get through college, so getting this scholarship would mean I could cut back on work and focus more on my studies. It's not just about covering costs; it's about being able to really concentrate on my studies without the constant stress of money, so I can get the most out of my time in college. Furthermore, throughout my academic journey, I've consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to my studies while actively participating in various clubs and engaging in student teaching. Currently majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in psychology, I've successfully managed both my academic pursuits and community involvement. Being part of the HAPA club, a community for Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and contributing to the Wrestling team has enhanced my overall well-being, allowing me to connect with like-minded individuals and maintain physical fitness. If awarded this scholarship, I aspire to serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come, demonstrating that with the right support, Pacific Islanders can excel academically and make meaningful contributions to society. My passion for helping others and promoting representation is evident in my chosen path as a future healthcare worker. As part of the 0.8% of Pacific Islanders in the global physician community, I am driven to improve the health of our community and represent our people in the healthcare field. In conclusion, this scholarship is not just a financial boost; it is an investment in the potential for positive impact and representation within the broader academic and healthcare communities.

1. My favorite color is red It's the color of my Minecraft bed. It's the color of heat and fury It's the color of my favorite curry It's the color of Rudolph's snout It's the color of my bank account 2. I wish to become a dog walker. Not any ole dog walker THE dog walker. I want to attend the prestigious school of Greendale Community College with the hope of majoring in dog walking. Smaller low-key schools like Harvard or Yale didn't quite meet my standards. I am excited for my future to learn and better my dog walking skills to master the craft and help better the world. 3. Sometimes I feel unmotivated and need some motivation. I often turn to my favorite mentor Mrs.Netflix and her suggestions. Listening to her advice often takes hours and she customizes her suggestions based on my favorite discussion topics. I am so thankful for her as she has taught me many valuable lessons and I will cherish them forever.