There is always time to be thankful

Brendon Nakata is a senior in psychology at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and a recipient of the Alec and Kay Keith Scholarship. This is his thank-you letter to scholarship donors.

There is always time to be thankful

As a proud native resident, I am honored and privileged to be attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Access to a higher education is a leeway to widening a horizon of possibilities. UH Hilo creates this window to elevate my knowledge and experience. I am in my senior year and one step closer to graduate school, where I hope to attend Physician Assistant school.

Life presents challenges that encourage strength to be practiced. In the past year, I have lost my younger brother, which disrupted my plans to attend the nursing program at UH Hilo. Persevering, I felt it necessary to alter my major to psychology and take this degree to apply to a Physician Assistant school in Kailua Kona, Hawaiʻi. My ultimate career goal is to find myself working as a medical professional serving my island community.

Being a full-time college student and full-time employed individual, I find it essential to set time aside to enjoy the simplicities of life. I work full-time at a luxury resort and part-time at a public school as a substitute teacher; it presents as draining. However, my dedication to enjoying life refuels me to feel refreshed.

Great things manifest with time.

Hula has become a pivotal medium of meditation and enjoyment; hula is what I have that no one is able to take away from me. Being able to dance with those who are close and entertaining with aloha is a gem that no money can buy. Paddling is a great way to stay active and a great excuse to be in the water. The ocean surrounding you feels as if all the stress in life diminishes in the salt water. Hiking in a forest, hearing the native birds, breathing in the fresh air, and admiring the natural life is energizing and, for me, promotes a sense of gratitude.

A forest is a prime example of how great things manifest with time. After a lava flow, the ʻōhiʻa trees and the ferns pioneer the foundation for a forest, and over the years beyond the generations of ourselves, a forest becomes established. As I continue in my academic and personal growthful journey, I will finally achieve my career goals and become the person I envision to become.

Kindness and gratitude

“Practice aloha and gratitude” is an influential piece of advice I have received from my kumu hula. To have aloha is to have compassion. To be grateful is to have the perspective of enjoying life's simplicity. No matter how big a problem, be thankful for the simple things in life: our health, our jobs, or even the ability to govern our own thoughts. Being compassionate in the fast-paced world we find ourselves in may be overwhelming; it is crucial to be conscious and considerate of ourselves and those we are surrounded by. Kindness goes a long way. I strive to uplift my community in the same way it has sculpted me into who I am today by embodying the value of aloha and gratitude.

Hualālai kū i ka mālie i ke kai maʻokiʻoki o Kona kai ʻōpua: Proudly stands Hualālai in the billowing clouds of Kona. I am deeply grateful to be a recipient of the Alec and Kay Keith scholarship. It has created a sense of financial relief and fuel to support my personal and academic goals. Mahalo for also supporting other students in their academic goals; we will continue to strive in our academics and find ourselves to be a pillar of our respective communities. Your support will serve all those who desire to strive in academics and contribute to a better-educated society. Me ke aloha, mahalo!