Spring 2022 commencement student speakers, from left, Aiga Ale, Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku and Michelle Zheng.<\/p>\n
Share your stories with others. Make a difference in this world. Continue to persevere throughout life.<\/p>\n
These are some of the uplifting messages three studentsAiga Ale, Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku and Michelle Zhenghope to convey to their fellow graduates and all those in attendance at University of HawaiiWest Oahus Spring 2022 Commencement.<\/p>\n
The three are among more than 400 students who are candidates for graduation, the highest number to date for UH West Oahu, which will be holding two in-person ceremonies on May 7. Ale will speak during the morning ceremony, and Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku and Zheng will speak during the afternoon ceremony.<\/p>\n
Everything I do is for my family, so its not just a big day for me, Ale said. This accomplishment is dedicated to my family, especially my mom, whos sacrificed so much to build a solid foundation for me to succeed.<\/p>\n
Age: 23From: Ewa BeachDegree: Bachelor of Applied ScienceHealth Professions<\/p>\n
Among Ales most notable accomplishments was becoming the first organic chemistry tutor at the Noeau Center.Before going into organic chemistry, I was absolutely terrified because I heard it was one of the hardest science classes in undergrad, Ale said. But it ended up being my favorite class, and I went on to tutor it because I absolutely love this subject.<\/p>\n
Ale continued, Being the first for something like that, I feel like as a Smoan woman, it was a big accomplishment because Im hoping itll inspire more Pacific Islanders to go into STEM. I want people to say, If she can do it, so can I. <\/p>\n
As a commencement student speaker, Ale hopes to emphasize to those in attendance the importance of people sharing their stories with one another.<\/p>\n
One of my biggest role models at UH West Oahu, Joseph Mareko, reminded me that we Smoans come from a long line of storytellers and sharing our stories can help heal, inspire or build deeper connections with others, she said. By sharing my story, Im hoping to do the same.<\/p>\n
Her family is a big part of Ales story. Her father passed away in 2011.<\/p>\n
I know how much he wanted us to succeed in academia, and I can still picture that big smile he had when I graduated from 6th grade, Ale recalled. So graduating from college is kind of that I did it, dad. Were here. I made it moment.<\/p>\n
Age: 24From: Lualualei, WaianaeDegrees: Bachelor of Applied ScienceSustainable Community Food Systems, Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences-Political Science<\/p>\n
Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku is the first in his family to choose the path of a college education.<\/p>\n
Graduating with my undergraduate degree is a huge stepping stone to a healthy and happy life, he said.Part of pursuing a fulfilling life means helping others.<\/p>\n
Intentions shouldnt be just about aspiring to make a livingaspire to make a difference, he said.<\/p>\n
He got involved with NiU NOW!, a movement whose mission is to strengthen Oceanias knowledge, connection and aloha for cultural food sovereignty.<\/p>\n
My most notable achievement at UH West Oahu is participating in carrying out the collective vision (of) NiU NOW! through the creation and implementation of Aloha ina Student Service Club, Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku said.<\/p>\n
Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku is the current president of the club, which offers an opportunity for people to learn how to work the land with their hands and to get a better understanding of plants.<\/p>\n
Its a personal passion for Mikasobe-Kealiinohomuku, a Native Hawaiian plant conservationist and farmer who in his free time enjoys the practice of growing a diversity of plant varieties.<\/p>\n
Through these practices I want to emphasize that its very fun to share plant material as we try to advance a more equitable food system, he said. I also see the sharing of plants as empowerment of others in the growing of their own food and participating in systemic change.<\/p>\n
He is exploring the possibility of graduate school, and aspires to continue this work long past his studies.<\/p>\n
So far, I have my mind set on utilizing my degree in food systems on either the state or national level to assist my community in advancing a more sustainable and equitable food system, he said.<\/p>\n
Age: 21From: KapoleiDegree: Bachelor of Arts in Creative MediaGeneral Creative Media<\/p>\n
For Zheng, confidence is key.<\/p>\n
Beyond the formal education of how to write papers, do research, and manage time, I think the biggest thing UH West Oahu has taught me is just to be confident and trust in my skills, Zheng said.<\/p>\n
She became editor of The Hoot, UH West Oahus student-run newspaper. Then the pandemic hit.<\/p>\n
Despite not having a formal advisor, I pulled together my team and we were still able to get two issues a semester out, Zheng said. Would I have volunteered for that role at first? No way. But duty called, and I was able to step up to the plate.<\/p>\n
Other opportunities at UH West Oahu resulted in a great sense of pride for Zheng, including creating wall decals and sticker designs for the Noeau Center, and working on her senior project, an animation of Aunty Puanani Burgess Building a Beloved Community story, Boy with a Gift. The project inspired Zheng to explore how to contribute to her own community.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, I would like to continue to share stories through different mediums, whether that be on film, videos or animations, Zheng said. I hope to elevate smaller voices and share important stories with people, but most importantly, just make people laugh and feel supported.<\/p>\n
She wants to tell her fellow graduates to be proud of what theyve accomplished and to continue persevering.<\/p>\n
No matter how long their journey may have taken or if they are on a completely different road than when they first started, they made it to that metaphorical end of the road, Zheng said. And as they look forward into the future, I hope they never forget the feelings of warmth and support that got them there, and I hope they reciprocate it to make the world a better place.<\/p>\n
Read more in Ka Puna O Kaloi.<\/p>\n
By Zenaida Serrano Arvman<\/p>\n
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Go here to see the original: <\/p>\n
UH West Oahu commencement student speakers share their manao | University of Hawaii System News - University of Hawaii<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Spring 2022 commencement student speakers, from left, Aiga Ale, Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku and Michelle Zheng. Share your stories with others. Continue reading