Grove Farm Scholar

What has being awarded the Grove Farm Scholarship meant to you?

Being awarded the Grove Farm Scholarship has been incredibly meaningful to me personally and academically. The award has provided me with reassurance, as it was an acknowledgment and affirmation of my accomplishments and future goals. It meant that my consistent dedication to my education and the Kauaʻi community was deserved and supported. It meant I could pursue my teaching dream without financial concerns or restrictions.

What have you learned about yourself while you’ve been away? / What did you miss the most?

While I've been away, I've learned a lot about myself, but most prominently, I've come to understand that I can thrive in situations that may make me uncomfortable. I was apprehensive about being away from home but asserted myself in situations, made the most of every day, and thrived! While I missed a lot, I really missed eating dinner with my family every night. I missed the fantastic food and my family's company that I could never get anywhere else!

What drives you?

I am driven by my excitement to begin my career and my circle of support. A lot of what I do is driven by my extreme excitement and anticipation to become a teacher and inspire my future students. I think to myself that every experience, new information, or skill will benefit me and prepare me to be the best teacher I can be. I'm also driven by my family and friends, who comprise my support circle. They inspire me and encourage me to continue striving!

What gives you hope for the future?

Knowing everyone has a dream or something they want to accomplish gives me hope for the future. This makes me extremely optimistic because of the immense benefits and differences everyone will enact in the community and world. Everyone has goals, and the idea that they will work to achieve them gives me hope; they will work to improve and grow the world we live in.