“I plan on joining my fellow teachers full time here in Kona where I know the children need dynamic, effective teachers who care. This is where I want to be, teaching and inspiring forever.”

Hometown

Kailua Kona, HI

Department

School of Teacher Education - Elementary

Related Degrees

• BEd, Elementary Education

How did you become interested in the field of education? The Elementary Education Program?
I had the benefit of learning from some amazing elementary school teachers who helped me to break out of my shell (I had pretty bad social anxiety) and really flourish. They took the time, had infinite patience, and showed me how to help myself. They helped to make me a lifelong learner. I want to do the same for others – to help them dream as big as my teachers helped me to and to show them how to reach those dreams.

How do you think the COE program will impact or benefit your career path?
I will be able to attain my next goal – my teaching degree. I want to get in there and begin making a difference in these student’s lives. I have had a great time working in the entertainment field, but that was never where I truly wanted to be. I am ready to be an impactful teacher who inspires my students.

Is there anyone in particular who inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My elementary school teachers were truly amazing and special and took the time to help me and nurture my talents. They helped me believe that the only thing stopping me were the limitations I put on myself, and I will forever be grateful to them and the magic that they performed.

What are your future plans with your degree?
I plan on joining my fellow teachers full time here in Kona where I know the children need dynamic, effective teachers who care. This is where I want to be, teaching and inspiring forever.

Anything else you would like to include?
I just want to thank the College of Education for all that they do, that they are planning, and that they bring to education in Hawaiʻi. We need effective, qualified teachers so very badly, and the efforts of the COE at Mānoa has shown me time and again that they are exactly what teacher candidates need to succeed. You are all incredible and inspiring and I am so very grateful you exist!

“Your generous donation will be used to fund my licensure program toward getting my elementary teaching degree. My family still lives within limited means and my part-time music teacher pay is not able to assist in the funding of my studies. Because of amazing donors like you, I am able to work toward becoming the teacher I long to be. I am ready to inspire our keiki to true greatness by helping them to believe in themselves, to reach for the stars. Thank you, again, a million times. I know that there is no way to adequately express how grateful and how humbled I am that you have chosen me for this honor. Mahalo from the very bottom of my heart and know that I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your generous gift is not wasted in any way.”  (Allen Hong in a thank you letter to the COE)