"I would like to immediately start off by saying how utterly thankful I am to The Walt Disney Company/APIASF Scholarship.

I am classified as an independent student, meaning that preparing for college was exceptionally difficult for me financially. Being one of four children under my grandparents' legal guardianship was a struggle and forced my grandmother to put her career on hold to care for us, while my grandfather spent his days hard at work to ensure we had enough to live comfortably.  Not wanting to burden my grandparents with any additional costs, I took on three jobs while I was in high school so that I could care for any personal costs and begin to save for my future college education.  This scholarship serves as a strong sense of foundation for me and my goals because it motivates me to pursue my studying without having to worry about going into debt. 

Coming from a Native Hawaiian background, I would also like to work on giving back to my community. I would like to be able to utilize the knowledge that I learn about working with wildlife not only to educate but also to take care of my home's endemic species like the endangered monk seal, etc. Work like this is essential to ensure that these factors in our community are around for generations to come. Finally, I believe that it is extremely important for Asian and Pacific Islander American students to pursue higher education so that they may create better options for themselves and also experience critical exposure; they can share their unique cultures and diversity and celebrate its integration amongst the majority in the United States.

My family and I cannot thank you enough for granting me with this amazing scholarship. I hope to convey my appreciation through success in and out of school, so that I may represent not only Pacific Islanders but also this scholarship organization well. Mahalo."