Instantly drawn by Hilo’s friendliness

Gracie Reign Mendiola is a freshman at UH Hilo majoring in biology and biomedical sciences. She is a recipient of the David H. Lowe Endowed Scholarship for Department of Defense Education Activity & Military Dependents. This is her thank-you letter to scholarship donors.

Choosing the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo was a natural decision for me, as its community resembles my hometown of Saipan. The warmth and friendliness of the people, along with the sense of belonging and camaraderie, instantly drew me in. Being surrounded by a supportive and loving community like this will provide me with the ideal environment to thrive and mature as an adult while also pursuing my college education.

One of my greatest passions in life is outrigger paddling. This sport ignites my competitive spirit and allows me to connect deeply with my cultural roots and the ocean surrounding us. UH Hilo’s proximity to the water and its strong ties to Hawaiian culture make it the perfect place for me to continue pursuing this passion while furthering my education.

A valuable piece of advice I've received came from my mother. She emphasized the importance of making mistakes as a fundamental part of learning and growing. This advice has shaped my approach to life, teaching me to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for personal and professional development. I am grateful for her wisdom and carry it with me as I navigate my college journey.

Connections with people, learning, and community

Other than graduating, I want to take away from my college experience lasting friendships and relationships that will help me grow. I am keen on improving my social skills and expanding my network of peers with similar values and interests. I believe that forming meaningful connections with others is essential for personal growth and success in academic and professional endeavors.

In my high school Advanced Placement calculus course, we created a Pokémon using the area of a curve and definite integrals. It was an engaging and creative task that combined my love for mathematics with my interest in popular culture. Working on the formulas and seeing the end product come to life was immensely satisfying, and it highlighted the practical applications of calculus in real-world contexts.

UH Hilo represents more than just a place of education for me – it embodies a community that feels like home and offers opportunities for personal and academic growth. With my passion for outrigger paddling, my career aspirations in pharmacy, the invaluable advice from my mother, and memorable academic experiences like the Pokémon assignment in AP calculus, I am confident that I will flourish at UH Hilo and make meaningful contributions to the university and my future community.

Inspired to work harder and dream bigger

I send my heartfelt gratitude for being selected as a recipient of the David H. Lowe Endowed Scholarship for Department of Defense Education Activity & Military Dependents. Your generous support has profoundly impacted my life and my family’s future. With my parents, both educators, burdened by student loans, and with my two siblings still in high school, this scholarship significantly alleviates our financial strain.

It brings me closer to my dream of becoming a pharmacist. I aspire to return to my home island of Saipan and serve our local hospital, where I can directly impact the health and wellbeing of people in need, giving back to the community that shaped me.

Your kindness and belief in my potential inspire me to strive for excellence and work toward my goals with renewed determination. Thank you for investing in my future and empowering me to make a meaningful difference in my community.

I will not take this opportunity for granted, and I am determined to make the most of it. Your generosity has inspired me to work harder, dream bigger, and strive for excellence in all that I do. I look forward to the day I can pay it forward and support other aspiring students in achieving their dreams, just as you have done for me.