The range of academic options and extracurricular activities at UH Mānoa reminded me of home.
—Jaelynn Farias
Jaelynn Farias is set to begin an exciting new chapter as a freshman at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, joining thousands of her peers this fall. As a recent recipient of the highly competitive Gates Scholarship—funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support outstanding minority students from low-income backgrounds—Farias will have her entire cost of attendance covered as she pursues her bachelor’s degree.
Hailing from the Yakima Tribal Reservation in Washington, her choice to attend UH Mānoa was inspired by her academic aspirations and desire to be part of a close-knit community. Farias grew up in the small town of Wapato, which is known for its agricultural roots and enriched by the multicultural heritage of Native Americans, Hispanics and Filipinos. She was part of a supportive community that fostered appreciation for diverse cultures.
“The range of academic options and extracurricular activities at UH Mānoa reminded me of home,” Farias said. “The community service clubs and the vibrant campus life resonated with my values and interests.”
During high school, Farias excelled academically and was active in sports, such as wrestling, cross country and track, and was involved in her school’s associated student body. She was crowned Miss Wapato 2023–2024, a role that involved community service, fundraising for the Seattle Children’s Hospital, and representing her town.
“Being Miss Wapato was an honor,” Farias said. “Growing up as an Afro Latina in a town where it wasn’t common, it was easy to stand out. But my abuelito (grandfather), who was the mayor of our town, always taught me to give back to the community. This accomplishment was for him, my family and myself.”
For Faris, The Gates Scholarship is more than just financial support. “It’s an amazing program,” she said. “For me and many others, it’s a chance to achieve our dreams and prepare for a successful future. It’s a gift of education that helps us become inspiring and well-organized adults.”
Future nurse aims big
Farias aspires to major in nursing, a field that captured her interest during high school. “The first science class I took was in biomedical science, which introduced me to the wonders of the human body and the medical community,” she recalled. “From that moment, I was hooked. Becoming a traveling nurse, specifically in oncology, would allow me to combine my love for science, helping people, and exploring new places.”
She aims to make the best of her college experience. “I hope to study abroad, involve myself in community service clubs, take on new challenges, and find a job that aligns with my passions,” Farias said.
Having visited Hawaiʻi during her sophomore year with her godmother, Farias is thrilled about returning to the islands.
“Hawaiʻi reminds me of home yet offers a new perspective,” she said. “I’m excited about the vibrant culture and the chance to immerse myself in a new community. From the academic challenges to the cultural experiences, I’m ready to make the most of this incredible opportunity.”
—By Arlene Abiang
