Scholarships in Hawaii
Hawaii reminds us of gorgeous
landscapes and relaxing beaches. However,
there is another side of Hawaii that is not as well known,
and that is poverty. Hundreds of people volunteer with Tzu
Chi's Hawaii Chapter to help the elderly and the homeless.
The chapter has also focused on the next generation by providing
college scholarships for students who wish to someday give
back to their community.
Poverty in paradise
There are beautiful views everywhere on
the Hawaiian Islands. The sunshine, beaches, and lush mountains
have made this place a famous tourist destination. The tourists
who visit see the best parts of Hawaii, but outside the beautiful
resorts lies poverty and people who could use a helping hand.
Elorde Tuliao is graduating from high school
this year. He wants to become a teacher but his chances for
going to college are slim. His family cannot afford the tuition.
That is why Tzu Chi's Hawaii chapter is awarding Elorde a
scholarship to help fulfill his dream. Over twenty students
such as Elorde Tuliao have received scholarships from Tzu
Chi's Hawaii chapter in the past five years.
A growing chapter
Tzu Chi's Hawaii Chapter was established
in 1996. In the same year, Tzu Chi created a humanitarian
school to teach children Chinese language and culture, as
well as values for being a better person. A year later, volunteers
strengthened their medical mission by building a free clinic.
In May 2000, they expanded their service by establishing a
larger medical center.
The services and events that Tzu Chi's
Hawaii Chapter has accomplished were made possible thanks
to hundreds of generous volunteers. Each year, Tzu Chi volunteers
visit nursing homes, deliver hot food to the homeless, donate
to food banks, hold free clinics, and help individuals in
emergency situations. The various nationalities and races
of the volunteers here are a reflection of Hawaii's ethnic
diversity and of the uniting effect of Tzu Chi's ideals.
The contributions of Tzu Chi volunteers
even gained recognition from the governor of Hawaii, who honored
them in 2001 by officially declaring May 6th as Tzu Chi Day
in Hawaii. Now Tzu Chi volunteers are giving their attention
to the young students who wish to make a difference with their
education.
Outstanding recipients
Each
of these outstanding students received a scholarship of $1,000
US dollars. Since its conception, the number of scholarships
granted has increased from three to seven, due to the overwhelming
number of applicants. In February, an invitation was sent
to college professors and high school teachers from the island
of Oahu to help choose the scholarship recipients. There were
over 60 applications to review. The judges narrowed it down
to 12 students, who went through rounds of interviews until
7 students were chosen. They were awarded the scholarship
in a ceremony in May, just as they graduated to take the next
step in the education.
This year's awardees were, 1) Elorde Tuliao,
2) Krystle Corpuz, 3) Alysa Iha, 4) Tra My Phung, 5) Angela
Li, 6) Yi Lee, and 7) Krystin Galapia.
In the reception after the ceremony, students
dined with volunteers and the teachers and counselors who
helped them in their scholastic achievements. For these outstanding
high school graduates, Tzu Chi's scholarship provides a boost
in their plans for the future. While some of these students
are familiar with Tzu Chi and some are not, they all share
a common desire to help others in need. Tzu Chi volunteers
hope to provide more scholarships in the future so more students
could have an opportunity for higher education.
Edited from Da Ai (Great Love) News, a
broadcast program of Tzu Chi's television station. For more
information on Tzu Chi's Da Ai TV, please visit http://www.newdaai.tv.
