Vulcans Involved By Engagement
Follow UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy student Kamaha‘o Kini-Lopes from Nānākuli and Kapolei on the island of O‘ahu, as he shares his journey with us. A Kamehameha Schools graduate, his passion for culture and community led him to UH Hilo, where he weaves elements of both into his pharmacy career. Discover what “Connecting Learning, Life and Aloha” means to him, in this special edition of the “My Journey” Vulcan V.I.B.E. series.
Video by: David Zachary Ramos
Name: Samuel Garcia
Majors: Psychology and Communication
Where I am from: Hilo, Hawai‘i
Role at UH Hilo: Senior, Class of 2025
Why did you choose to attend UH Hilo?:
I chose UH Hilo because I was interested in getting more into the community and experiencing the opportunities that UH Hilo offers to all of it’s students.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about coming to UH Hilo?
If someone was considering going to UH Hilo, would tell them its a great place for anyone! The professors and classes offered make it easy to be flexible and gain a sense of belonging in the environment.
How has UH Hilo and/or your major’s program benefitted you?
My program has provided a very diverse study program to chose from, and I feel that when I graduate I will feel well-versed in a multitude of theories and practical experience. Additionally, I have felt a lot of freedom being able to chose my classes, and genuinely by my advisors especially.
What have your experiences been like with students, faculty and staff?
There is a lot of friendly people here, and not just people who work here. Experienced students are always friendly to new students who may be lost or looking for advice. There is plenty of people who will get you out of your shell, and others that will help to push you out of your comfort zone. Mentors, friends, or good times come easy at UH Hilo.
What surprised you about UH Hilo?
I think the thing that surprised me the most about UH Hilo were the connections that you can make here. A lot of the staff comes from diverse backgrounds, not just here in Hawaii, but all over the world. If there’s a place you would want to work or study a connection at UH Hilo is ready to build that bridge for you!
If you could give advice to a future student, what would it be?
If I would give advice to future students, I would say to talk to the professors, lectures, or staff. Many of them are ready to give you advice, or offer their support. Additionally, make sure to go to events hosted by the school and the student associations. They may seem intimidating at first, but can help you learn things about yourself you may not know you have a passion for yet.
How does UH Hilo connect learning, life and aloha?
UH Hilo connects the fundamental of learning, life, and aloha by providing free student services for essentials, training certifications offered to its student workers, and many community services for future jobs. The thing making UH Hilo special that it cares about you now and cares about your future!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I think to give special thanks to the faculty and staff that make my education their priority!
Looking for a change from the fast-paced life on O‘ahu, Sean Ellis Nicely, a business major from ‘Aiea High School, chose UH Hilo. From Hilo’s natural environment to the diversity of cultures on campus, discover what “Connecting Learning, Life and Aloha” means to him, in this special edition of the Vulcan V.I.B.E.
Video by: David Zachary Ramos
A first-generation college student with a passion for the environment, Shayla Kiyota from Pearl City High School on O‘ahu, wanted to stay in Hawai‘i and chose UH Hilo. Her Marine Science major with a minor in Hawaiian Studies, allows her to combine traditional Hawaiian culture with her love of the ocean. Discover what “Connecting Learning, Life and Aloha” means to her, in this special edition of the “My Journey” Vulcan V.I.B.E. series.
Video by: David Zachary Ramos
‘Iliahi Tancayo from Ho‘olehua, Moloka‘i shares her aloha with others through the knowledge she’s gained as a UH Hilo Hawaiian Studies major and by giving back to the community – mālama kekahi i kekahi – “to take care of one another.” 🌺
Discover what “Connecting Learning, Life and Aloha” means to her, in this special edition of the “My Journey” Vulcan V.I.B.E. series.
Video by: David Zachary Ramos
Join aquaculture major Samuel Chiu from Lakeridge High School in Portland, Oregon, as he shares his passion for sustainability in both land and sea – his dream of learning “cool science in cool places” brought him to UH Hilo. Discover what “Connecting Learning, Life and Aloha” means to him, in this special edition of the “My Journey” Vulcan V.I.B.E. series.
Video by: David Zachary Ramos
Name: Hannah Wallace
Degree: Teaching/Education Certificate
Year Graduated: 2016
High School: Frederic Remington High School
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Current Employment: Access Services Associate, Texas Tech University
Previous Employer(s): Research Analyst/Braille Collection Lead, Hutchinson Public Library; Disability Services Coordinator, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo
What is your passion?
My passion is cultivating equal opportunities and experiences for students who may face unique challenges while managing disabilities as they learn to navigate through their academic journeys, and develop a sense of independence as they discover what the world has to offer! Above all, my most intense interest is making sure each individual has an equal chance at whatever he/she/them chooses to do, because it is my biggest belief that there is truly no limit to what one can accomplish!
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my parents and siblings. As someone with disabilities myself, my parents always set expectations for me. They had clear, consistent and concise rules, and this left no room for guessing on what was expected. Because of this, I never made excuses for myself when I met my match at something. I knew my abilities, I knew I was different, but I knew and still know I am more than capable of doing anything in this life that I set my mind to.
And to my siblings…if you ever want to know how to treat the disabled, look no further than the siblings of a child with disabilities. They’ve sacrificed so much, they’ve given time, blood, sweat and tears. Compassion isn’t a word that comes close to describing them. I can only hope they understand how much I look up to and admire them.
What is your personal motto?
I set high standards for myself because I know I am capable of absolutely anything, and that is what the people I help deserve, nothing less.
What are your hobbies?
Doing research and traveling.
How would you describe your personal journey in life?
I’d describe it as a dream. Sometimes when you wish long and hard enough, not for yourself but for others, dreams really do come true.
Why did you choose to attend UH Hilo?
I wasn’t going to continue college, but I applied to the one college furthest away from home, really not expecting I’d get in. But I did, and the adventure began!
What is your favorite memory of UH Hilo?
I was paired with Baloo, my service dog and I met my best friend Natty.
How has UH Hilo benefited you?
Working under Susan Shirachi in Student Disability Services prepared me for my area of focus in my graduate studies program. Susan really opened the door for me to realize my passion for helping students with disabilities, especially at the college level. She harnessed my interest and helped me get a student academic advising position in the teaching certificate program my senior year. Even after I graduated, Susan has kept in contact with me, helped me develop research ideas and has aided in launching grad research in my area of interest as well. She even went as far as helping me gain placement at Texas Tech University. She’s one of my dearest colleagues to this day and I am forever grateful for her guidance within the field of academia and scholarship. UH Hilo prepared me for my MED-PhD, but UH Hilo most importantly gave me leadership such as Susan that will carry over, and I am so grateful for that!
How did your program prepare you for the workplace?
It prepared me to help a wide spectrum of students in a large capacity in many different ways. To be able not only to bring out their academic strengths, but their individual passions as well.
What are you currently pursuing, both in your career and community?
I am currently working at Texas Tech University on my Graduate Degree in Deaf/Blind Studies in Special Education. I also work at the Academic Library on campus helping students navigate through their academic experience at Texas Tech. In the community, I love to dedicate my time to ensuring that students coming into college are as prepared as possible in receiving the services that they may need after being on IEPs due to visual impairments. Making sure that resources are available to not only the students, but the families as well, in order to help them make that transition to college is something that I love to assist with. Making sure that we can and do offer materials equipped for the visually impaired is something I take pride in making a priority.
What are the most important lessons that you’ve learned in life?
I think the most important lesson that I’ve learned is that the foundation of good knowledge is the acknowledgement that one must never stop learning. It is through open reception that we receive the most.
For future UH Hilo students, is there any wisdom that you would like to pass on?
Submerge yourself deeply into the culture around you, whether it is already your own or something completely new. Hawai‘i has so much to offer and the lessons that the Island will teach you will be ones that you will carry with you the rest of your life.
How does UH Hilo connect learning, life, and Aloha?
I feel that Aloha is the root of learning and life itself at UH Hilo. When this is the case, I feel that students become more receptive to what is being offered, and in turn become more passionate about their interests.
What does your future hold? What are your goals and dreams?
My goals and aspirations for the future are to make higher education as accessible as possible for students with disabilities and their families. It is my strongest belief that higher education is something that should be experienced by all without boundaries or limitations. Just because a student may be lacking in sight or hearing does not mean they can lack opportunity within the classroom or college experience. My dedication and devotion is to ensure that higher institutions of learning are as prepared as possible to help not only students, but educators as well find purpose and passion in all they do.