Grateful for the investment in my education

Aaron Fernandez is a freshman at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo, majoring in astronomy. Aaron grew up in Kea'au and says he chose UH Hilo because it was close to home on Hawaiʻi Island, and because it was affordable. He is the recipient of the Kruschel Endowed Scholarship and the Paul H. I. Coleman Endowed Scholarship for Astronomy. This is an excerpt of his letter to donors.

I rely on financial aid for college so receiving these scholarships has helped me purchase useful things, like the laptop I am using to type this. I play video games and cook in my free time because it helps me relax.

"How you do anything is how you do everything". This was the advice given to me by my mother and has helped me stay focused in everything I do. I intend to keep this advice with me until I finally graduate. After I graduate, I plan to chase my goal of becoming an astronomer and I will likely pursue a master's degree or PhD. The teachers here at UH have made learning fun. They speak with a level of passion that rubs off on the students, making us want to learn more. At UH, I feel at home and in a safe space where my learning can improve.

To my donors

I would like to start by thanking you for your investment in my learning. I am very grateful to be on the receiving end of your generosity. It makes me proud to know that my work here at UH is recognized and that I am worthy of receiving awards for my academic work. Thank you – I will not disappoint.