Students Make A Big Splash

Scholarship recipient, free diving enthusiast and student call center team member Shannon Yoshikawa has personally helped raise $100,000 to benefit other UH students like herself.

We wanted to learn more about this sterling student fundraiser and here is what she shared.

I was born on Maui and raised in Kealakekua on the Big Island. I have two younger brothers, Chris and Tyler, and we're very close. We grew up doing a lot of things outdoors, including gardening, fishing, diving, and raising animals like chickens and pigs.

I'm currently in my fifth year at UH Mānoa, and I will be graduating in the Spring with a BA in English and Biology!

Once I complete my undergraduate studies I am hoping to pursue a career in the medical field. I have always dreamed of becoming a physician because I am interested in helping people, particularly in underserved or rural areas.

I joined the UHF call center in January of 2015. I was initially interested in the position because it seemed like a great way to help students like myself. I was excited about being part of an organization whose main goal is to provide support to the university and its students.

Working with UHF has made me very aware of and grateful for the many UH alumni and friends who are so passionate about the school. It’s been inspiring to see so many people who are excited about supporting students they have never even met.

I am so proud to have crossed the $100k mark. It was actually one of my goals when I first started at the call center - to be able to have my picture hung on the 'wall of fame' before I graduate. It seemed like such an impossible goal when I first began as a caller, but as the years went on I was able to see my hard work really paying off!

I received scholarship support while here at UH so I know firsthand the impact private gifts make in the lives of students. In addition to helping offset the costs of my tuition and expenses, it has also motivated me to work hard in all of my studies. I know I have been very fortunate in being awarded scholarships, so I want to be sure I am making the most of the opportunities I have been given.

The scholarships I have received as well as my work in the call center have really inspired me to give back to the university once I graduate as well. I look forward to being called as an alumna of the university!