This may not be the feel good story of the year, but it’s surely a contender… It stars an under-achiever, or at least the appearance of one. At age 17, he was stoked to get his driver’s license… until his loving mom stunned him with the news that he was an undocumented immigrant. High school and living abroad are tough enough, but with his defiant attitude and 1.3 grade point average, he was on a fast track to nowhere- he couldn’t drive, get a job without a social security number, or open a bank account.
But that’s when this saga becomes movie territory… After failing to get into college through multiple applications over three years, he got accepted at Kapi’olani Community College. With assistance from empathetic teachers and counsellors, he got a campus job and became a participant in the wonderful Lunalilo Scholars Program, a program that provides funding, peer mentorship, and an amazing support network to help those who might not traditionally see college as an option.
Through initial funding from the Kaneta Foundation, this program is now celebrating its 10th anniversary at KCC, providing hope and help where perhaps none previously existed. Over 600 students have gone through this program. Graduates have become program mentors, advisors, peers, leaders, and allies, helping others trying to get through life’s myriad complexities.
31% of the Lunalilo Scholars since 2012 have been the first in their families to attend college. While college may not be for everyone, it can be a lifeline for those willing to strive and sacrifice; it can put people on a road that enhances career and life options.
Our aforementioned wandering, wondering youngster didn’t just get through KCC… he became class valedictorian, finished at UH Mānoa, and is now prepared for the daunting challenge of law school! Through KCC’s initiative, he stayed in Hawai`i via DACA- the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. He thrived, overcoming issues like his mom having to move back to their native home. “Sometimes”, he says, “all you need is a hug and a few kind words from your second mom to get you through it.”
He didn’t just get through it, he busted through. So big mahalo to KCC on the 10th anniversary of its Lunalilo Scholars Program, our unnamed protagonist, and visionaries Marian and Lester Kaneta and other sponsors. Sometimes special people take real action, and don’t just think about it…