Lauryn Hashimoto
Lauryn Hashimoto
University of California, Berkeley
Molecular Biology
What motto best describes your outlook on life?
“If it isn’t hard, you aren’t challenging yourself enough.”
What has being awarded the Grove Farm Scholarship meant to you?
Receiving the Grove Farm Scholarship demonstrated to me that hard work pays off. I am so grateful for where my journey has led me and that there are people who believe in me enough to fund my education. This scholarship serves as a reminder that I am capable and to continue pushing towards my goals.
What have you learned about yourself while you’ve been away? / What did you miss the most?
Throughout my entire high school career, all I wanted was to leave the island and explore opportunities elsewhere. But being away turned out to be much harder than I expected. I miss the comfort of home and the people I love, though I know discomfort will help me grow. I never realized just how central Kaua’i is to my identity, so I’m finding myself again in this much bigger, unfamiliar pond. I learned to appreciate my upbringing a little more, and also to be more patient with myself as I rediscover who I am.
What drives you?
There are many things that keep me going, but one of the biggest is making my parents proud. They worked so hard to give my siblings and I a good life, so it’s my responsibility to make sure it pays off. My parents have supported me through everything I’ve ever wanted to pursue. Because of them, most of my challenges are of my own choosing. They make me want to be the best I can be and I am forever grateful for them.
What gives you hope for the future?
In what feels like an era of anti-intellectualism, it’s reassuring to be surrounded by thousands of students at Berkeley who are deeply passionate about learning and getting their degrees. It’s easy to get stuck in a rabbit hole of despairing news, negativity, and disinformation on social media. By turning off the screen and connecting with my peers, I’m becoming more hopeful that our future is in good hands. These people care about education and are dedicated to solving the world’s problems. Knowledge is power!