A Hilo native’s commitment to community

Jaydee Ah Sing will graduate from UH Hilo this May with a bachelor’s degree in history and an educational certificate

Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Jaydee Ah Sing’s decision to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo wasn’t just a choice — it was a calling. A proud graduate of Waiākea High School, Ah Sing is deeply rooted in her community.

“I only applied to UH Hilo,” she shared with a laugh. “I love it here in Hawaiʻi, and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

This spring, Ah Sing crosses the stage as a Chancellor Scholar, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History and an Educational Certificate. Her journey demonstrates the profound impact of UH Hilo’s close-knit academic environment, where local students can flourish and give back to the very islands that raised them.

Ah Sing’s path shifted from pediatric medicine to education after discovering she was uneasy around blood. Her mentors — Prof. Kerri Inglis, PhD, and Prof. Michele Ebersole — helped guide her to her true passion. She ultimately pursued history, leaning into her deep love for the subject.

Her dedication has led to remarkable achievements. Ah Sing recently won the Best Undergraduate Paper Prize at the Phi Alpha Theta Hawaiian regional conference. Her senior thesis, “Beacon of Displacement: The Kalaupapa Lighthouse as a Symbol and Instrument of Colonial Erasure in Makanalua, Molokaʻi,” challenged established narratives about the iconic landmark. After a profound field study experience in Kalaupapa with Inglis, Ah Sing discovered moʻolelo (stories) of Bokikūmanomano, a shape-shifting dog protector of the peninsula. Her paper bravely argued that the physical grandeur of the lighthouse overshadowed the pre-existing cultural presence and the role Boki played as a kiaʻi, or guardian, of the area.

“There was this entire history that people of Molokaʻi seem to know about, but others don't get to experience because it had been displaced by this western form of historiography, which is history written by historians,” explained Ah Sing, who went to Kalaupapa over Spring Break and discovered evidence of the remnants of a heiau honoring Boki. “You can see the shape of the dog, you can see the ears, you can see the legs, and it’s right next to the lighthouse,” Ah Sing described.

Ah Sing’s passion for Hawaiian history and education translates directly into her career goals. Since high school, she has worked as a paraprofessional tutor at Keaʻau Elementary School, serving underprivileged students. “I want to be the kind of teacher who goes above and beyond for my students,” she said, emphasizing connection and relationships.

She won’t have to wait long to achieve that dream. This July, Ah Sing will begin the Master of Arts in Teaching program at UH Hilo, continuing her dedication to local education.

When not in the classroom, Ah Sing can be found dancing Tahitian or paddling with the Keaukaha Canoe Club (Photo courtesy: Jaydee Ah Sing)

Reflecting on her UH Hilo experience, Ah Sing highlights the profound sense of place. “There is so much aloha here. Nothing compares to Hawaiʻi. I would never have gotten the same experience somewhere else.”

For Ah Sing, graduating isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about holding herself to the highest standards and honoring those who helped her along the way. “My professors taught me so much and always encouraged me to be my true self. They helped me realize my potential and go after my dreams,” said Ah Sing.

Her story is a powerful reminder of why UH Hilo is a place where local students can honor their roots while reaching for their highest aspirations.