"I am grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Honda for allowing students like myself to see beyond our limitations. Financial burdens tend to narrow perspectives and make the world seem so distant.
But because of generous people like Mr. and Mrs. Honda, for me, the world has become accessible. I am proud of my university and appreciate those who have helped me along the way. I hope that one day I too will be able to help give another person such a great opportunity."
– Kyndra Love, Honda International Opportunities Fund scholarship recipient
Kyndra Love is the first to admit, “I am in no way related to Korea!” Love grew up in Beaverton, Oregon, with her mother and attended the Arts and Communication Magnet Academy where she majored in jazz flute. Her interest in Korea was first piqued during high school. Through her school choir and jazz orchestra, she was able to travel twice to Beaverton’s sister city Cheonan, South Korea. Then, as a high school senior, she spent one semester as an exchange student at the Cheonan arts high school Chungnam Yeseoul where she learned traditional Korean drumming.
While Love was attending Kap‘iolani Community College in 2006, she was awarded a scholarship from the Paul S. Honda International Opportunities Fund that would turn her interest in Korean language and culture into her passion.
Q&A With Kyndra Love
What did your award from the Honda International Opportunities Fund enable you to do?
In 2004 I had lived in South Korea for a few months, but without understanding the language I had a difficult time. Wanting to go back with a better grasp of the culture and language, I applied for the Honda International Scholarship and was fortunate to receive it. The scholarship enabled me to attend 3 semesters of intensive language classes at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, allowing me to further my studies not only in Korean language but culture as well. Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to pay for the tuition and so I am very grateful to have received this award.
How has this international experience affected your life?
Living in another country is an experience that is beneficial in many ways. First and foremost it has allowed me to view the world from another perspective. Traveling to another country for a few weeks allows a person to see a different culture, but living within another culture for a long period of time allows you to learn about yourself and re-evaluate the way you interact with others. When living in Korea, a country very different from my own, differences in cultural values and etiquette became clearly defined. I wanted to understand why my values were different and how I could function in another culture which was so foreign from my own. I began to realize that although there were many differences, at the same time we all strive for the same things in life.
That’s the second benefit if an international experience – recognizing our similarities as people as a whole. Unlike the US, most countries are not populated by mixed races and therefore have very unique cultural traditions and beliefs. Traveling to new places and learning about the people and culture strengthens understanding and awareness, eventually aiding in promoting peaceful relationships – so needed in keeping our world safe from war.
Lastly, this experience has provided me with a stepping stone to further my education and knowledge. After returning from Korea, I graduated with a BA degree from UH Manoa and have since entered a Master’s degree in Korean Studies. I believe that the experience and knowledge I acquired from studying abroad enabled me to better focus my goals for the future. I’ve formed close relationships with professors and fellow students living in Korea who have given me numerous opportunities personally and professionally which I could never have gained without this experience. Because of this scholarship, I was able to develop these relationships and cannot express the impact that they have made in my life.
Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. Honda, through the Honda Foundation, established the Paul S. Honda International Opportunities Endowment Fund in 1997 which provides funding, in perpetuity, for scholarships and other activities that support international education for students of UH Community Colleges. The first award was given in 1999.
Since then, 65 students have explored cultures beyond our borders thanks to the generosity of these visionary donors.
What draws you to Korean language and culture?
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the drive of the people. No matter what they do they are determined to do their best in order to create a better future for the next generation. The kindness and willingness to share their culture with others made it easy for me to want to learn more. The language on the other hand is quite interesting. It is the only language in the world in which the creator of the alphabet for the language is known (King Sejong who created the language in 1446). It is said to be the most scientific writing system in the world, and is easy enough to learn in less than a day. However the language being quite different from English, is constantly providing me with challenges to overcome. But I enjoy being able to communicate with Korean people in their native language, and I think they appreciate my interest as well.
What are your plans after you receive your Masters? What do you hope to do with your education?
I hope to work in Korea and continue my language studies for a few years, possibly within the government or at a research center. I hope to complete a Ph.D. program in Anthropology or History and possibly become a professor of Korean studies one day. The most important thing for me is to pass on the knowledge I have gained to others who are interested in this field and even more so to those who know nothing about Korea.
Questions? / More Information
If you would like to learn how you can support UH students and programs like this, please contact us at 808 376-7800 or send us a message.
