Inspired to give back to others

Megan Tengan is a second-year law student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law. Megan grew up in the Kaimukī neighborhood of Honolulu and earned her bachelor’s degree at UH Mānoa, double majoring in political science and philosophy. Megan is the recipient of the Simeon R. Jr. and Carolyn C. Acoba Endowed Scholarship. This is an excerpt of her letter to donors.

I currently serve as an extern at the chambers of the Honorable Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. I am also fulfilling my pro bono requirement as a legal intern at Speak Out and Up Law, a Maui-based firm dedicated to helping underserved people and communities across Hawaiʻi.

After I graduate from law school, I plan on becoming a public defender. As a lawyer, I want to serve the local communities that raised me and to be a voice for those who are not rightfully represented here in Hawaiʻi. Then, with hopefully many years of experience under my belt, I would apply for judge positions. I will likely start at the lower courts, but my ultimate dream is to become an associate justice on the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court, like the Honorable Simeon Acoba. I would also love to give back to the community by becoming a law professor, likely at Richardson, and teaching the next generation of lawyers.

Outside law school, I enjoy going to the gym and playing video games with my partner. Every summer, I travel to Quebec, Canada, to compete in equestrian sports competitions with my horse.

To my donors

I want to express my profound gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding the scholarship I am honored to receive.

Your support has alleviated some of the financial burden of my legal education, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and personal growth. My parents pay my tuition and have worked incredibly hard to be able to financially encourage my dream of becoming an attorney. Your contribution supports my academic goals and inspires me to give back to others in the future, just as you have done for me.

Thank you for believing in my potential and for investing in my future. I am truly grateful for your kindness and support and am committed to making the most of this opportunity.