Being the recipient of the 2014 Fernandez Earle Scholarship to Hawaii Pacific University is an incredible honour. When I was first told that I would be heading to Hawaii to attend post-secondary for the next four years, I could hardly believe it. I am still having a hard time putting into words how grateful I am for this opportunity. Receiving this scholarship not only means that I will be able to experience university without having to worry about financial burdens, but also that I will have the amazing chance to learn about Hawaiian culture by completely immersing myself in it. As I am planning on returning to Haida Gwaii once I have obtained a teaching degree in elementary education, I feel that a sense of diverse cultural knowledge will be beneficial to the whole island community.

 I realize it may sound a little cliché, but the Fernandez Earle Scholarship Foundation truly has provided me with a life-changing opportunity. Before I received the news that I would be heading to Hawaii Pacific University next year, I was unsure if it would even be financially possible for me to attend university. I am so excited to see what the future holds for me at Hawaii Pacific University, and all of the things that my education will allow me to do once I graduate. I would like to offer a huge thank you to the Fernandez Earle Scholarship Foundation and all of those who donate to it.