KAPAIA — Safina Sandblom, who recently graduated from Waimea High School, was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Kapaia Foundation Scholarship of $1,000.
KAPAIA — Safina Sandblom, who recently graduated from Waimea High School, was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Kapaia Foundation Scholarship of $1,000.
“The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize the dreams of our forefathers for the success of their descendants,” states the Kapaia Foundation website. The sugar plantation laborers’ work ethic set the foundation for success enjoyed by their children, grandchildren and generations thereafter.
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the sugar plantation era in Hawai‘i,” said Sandblom in her application essay. “My great-great-grandparents came over from Japan to work for the sugar plantations. My great-grandparent had seven children, and one of their sons — my grandfather, Bobby Matsuda — and a few of my great-uncles worked for a number of sugar plantations as well.”
With a field of focus on kinesiology, Sandblom wants “to continue the legacy that started” when her great-great-grandparents immigrated to Hawai‘i, “and give back to my amazing community.”
“My grandfather has shown me the importance of hard work. I was diagnosed with a learning disability that proved to be challenging. But I remember how hard my grandpa worked, and that put things into perspective for me. My grandfather inspired me to pursue a career in physical therapy,” Sandblom said.
“My grandpa is an Army veteran, and I am so proud of him. He was diagnosed with a progressive, degenerative disease a few years ago, and it was difficult for him to do simple, everyday things. It was heartbreaking to see how frustrated he would get, and I have seen a positive difference since he started his therapy sessions. Physical therapy can be incredibly impactful, and I plan to provide options for those in need, and I will help to make a positive difference to those around me.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
