“Ma ka hana ka ʻike, ma ka ʻike ka mana. Through work comes knowledge, through knowledge comes power.” Aloha mai kākou, ʻo Zaidalyn Kuʻuipo koʻu inoa. No Oʻahu mai au, but I currently reside in Kaleponi as I strive to continue my education at Chapman University. I am a Kanaka ʻŌiwi filmmaker pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Writing for Film and Television with a minor in Broadcast Journalism. Hawaiʻi has and will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where my roots lie, and my love for filmmaking and writing sprouted. Being Kanaka ‘Ōiwi continuously influences the way I move through the world. From when I wake up in the morning to when I fall asleep, being Kanaka provides a unique perspective that I constantly notice, both in and outside the classroom, thousands of miles from home. The stories I craft about my community are a form of advocacy against the westernization of our ‘āina and a love letter to Hawaiian culture that continues to strive against all odds. My cultural identity is deeply intertwined with my artistic goals and constantly affects the way I approach each creative project. As Kanaka ʻŌiwi, aloha and mālama are not only values we are taught, but values that are embedded in our ways of life. With each creative assignment, from a script to a news package, I put every ounce of aloha and care into my work. I never submit anything I deem sub-par, and I constantly find ways to improve myself. This is also reflected in my grades, as I have been on Chapman’s Provost list for three semesters in a row. Being Kanaka also influences my perspective in the classroom. It was an interesting experience going into classes knowing that most of my classmates didn’t know the melancholic history of our people and often viewed the islands as a tropical paradise. However, it is my kuleana to educate my peers about the true history of our islands and the losses we have endured. I have done this numerous times, raising my hand to provide the Kanaka ʻŌiwi perspective, and I always find it rewarding. Some of my peers even told me they had never heard of the overthrow until I talked about it in class. To be Kanaka ʻŌiwi with the opportunity to attend secondary education and study a subject I am truly passionate about is something that I do not take lightly. Fewer than 50% of Native Hawaiians, let alone other Islanders, graduate from college with a Bachelor's degree or higher. To me, being a Pacific Islander attending college is about clearing the path for others to follow. I want to one day be fortunate enough to give back to the community and help other Islander kids achieve their dreams. Attending college is just the first piece of the puzzle. With this scholarship, it will eliminate the financial burden that higher education is putting on my ʻohana. It will allow me to focus on my education and grow in my profession. Overall, my culture is constantly influencing my learning, especially now that I am thousands of miles away from home. As a young Kanaka ʻŌiwi reaching for the stars, I carry the perspectives of the lāhui as I continue to work on my craft. I am focused on writing a new history for my kūpuna and making my ʻohana proud. One day, more Pacific Islanders can follow their dreams of filmmaking. I am deeply grateful for your time and consideration. Your interest in my journey and aspirations means a lot to me. Mahalo.