A Future in Her Hands
Women are the fundamental figures of greatness. They are leaders who confront injustice, provide comfort within communities and have become the backbone of society. I look up to many women in my life, political figures such as Sen. Mazie Hirono and Patsy Mink, educators like Ms. Jacy Sera, Ms. Suzuki-Sato and Auntie Tanya Barbero, and most importantly my mother, Merlyn Guiwa and grandmother, Erna Ann Guiwa. Each of these women have shaped me to the person I am today and have inspired me through their own unique ways. March is Women’s History month. It is during this time when recognition is most important because it is these women in history who have paved the way for generations of girls to pursue opportunities that felt like a mere fantasy. Their legacies are reminders of the impact made if you just give someone an opportunity to do so.
I can see the same power and voice in young women across Maui Today. Aileen Kim from Baldwin High School shares a vision rooted in empowerment and representation: “As I mark the steps of my future endeavors, I hope girls and women see that it is possible. That within my footprints, they see a reflection of themselves and all that is possible.” Aileen emphasizes how important it is for girls to find role models in their community. She finds inspiration from her mother, who pushes through life’s challenges. Aileen is an active member in Hawai‘i Student Council where she serves as the inaugural National Student Council Representative of Hawai‘i, Maui District Student Council Organization Chairperson, and many more organizations where she continues to inspire those around her.
For Anju Bekkum of Hāna High School, she emphasizes the importance of representation in leadership, particularly in government. She comments, “I hope to see more girls in government … I hope my time in She’s in Office shows Maui girls, and especially Hāna girls, that we are capable of a lot more than we think we are!” She’s in Office is a nonprofit organization aiming to end gender violence and accelerate women’s political leadership. Anju stands as the Maui Chapter Lead Director and Hāna representative for Hawai‘i State Student Council and Maui District Student Council Organization. Her desire is to see more in women active in decision-making spaces. Anju looks to her school counselor, a woman she describes as “positive, kind, very introspective, and full of life.” This shows the way we make someone feel can impact us in the most unexpected way; Anju hopes to embody the same kindness to those around her.
Aleizay Angel from Maui High School is inspired by the sisterhood of peers she surrounds herself in. She comments, “We all have different strengths and different passions but we share the same commitment to making a difference … Watching them pursue what they care about with that kind of commitment pushes me to do the same and reminds me that we’re all in this together, lifting each other up as we go.” Most students have a competitive mindset driving them to work harder. Aleizay’s words bring a breath of fresh air and remind us collaboration is another mindset that students can take on. Her legacy she hopes to lead on is “that success isn’t about collecting impressive activities … but about doing things that actually make a real impact.” She highlights the importance of leading a life of service and authenticity rather than recognition. As a captain of the Maui High Blue Thunder 2443 Robotics Team, officer of Girls Can Stem, officer of Interact Club and a former intern of U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, Aleizay hopes to provide pathways and resources so the next generation is able to pursue what matters to them easily.
Raven Bugtong, another student from Maui High School, hopes to show younger generations of students that despite obstacles or limitations in their lives, determination will help them achieve anything. Raven spent most of her life in the Philippines before transitioning to the United States. Her resilient story shows how she navigated through unfamiliar systems and persevered. Raven comments, “I was able to find my footing, make my mark in my community and grow into leadership roles that once felt out of reach. Along the way, I built meaningful connections and a support system that became like a second family whom I can rely on and grow with.” She hopes to uplift those who experience the feeling of being left behind and reassures them that they will “find their voice within their communities.” Likewise, Raven finds inspiration from Michelle Obama, who builds her character through action-based leadership rather than relying solely on her political title. Raven is a Hawai‘i State Vice President for HOSA, District Lieutenant Governor for Key Club, and a founder of SPFwithAloha, a health initiative working to underline the importance of sun protection, especially in Hawai‘i.
These four amazing young women hold a future within their hands. It is so motivating to be surrounded by a generation of young female leaders who are actively seeking changes and creating opportunities for others. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we can see the work is ongoing and the next generation of girls are ready to continue that legacy.
Google® Is Not Everything…… is a monthly column authored by high school students. The column’s title emphasizes that education is more than just googling a topic. Google® is a registered trademark. This month’s guest columnist is Ehra Louise Guiwa, a Sophomore at Maui High School. She is the President of Sabers of Law (Maui High’s Mock Trial Club), one of the Executive Vice Presidents for Student Government, Historian in the Key Club, and a student of eskrima under Doce Pares Multi-Style Hawai‘i. Ehra Louise is in the Law and Public Safety pathway at Maui High and aspires to be a U.S senator. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, baking, volunteering at church, spending time with family and friends, and exploring. She is the only daughter of Merlyn Guiwa and Reymund Guiwa.