HFC Journalism Scholar Jasmine Sadang Graduates A Semester Early From HPU
by Edna R. Bautista, Ed.D., Journalism Scholarship Chair
Congratulations to Jasmine Sadang, the 2021 winner of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle journalism scholarship, for graduating a semester early from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). She majored in Mass Communication/Media Studies with a minor in English and earned honors distinction as magna cum laude at the graduation ceremony held at the Hawaii Convention Center on Dec. 15, 2022.
Sadang said she was able to finish her undergraduate education in 3½ years by taking courses at Leeward Community College while attending Hawaii Pacific University full time. She balanced academics with a part-time job at Edible Arrangements and participation in extra-curricular activities as a writing lab mentor and staff writer for Her Campus, HPU’s online magazine. Additionally, she contributed feature articles to the Chronicle during her scholarship year.
Now just a few weeks out of her university life, she already misses her professors. She said, “[T]hey have inspired me so much to continue doing what I love to do. Without their support and feedback, I would not have been able to develop the skills and knowledge that I have right now. With that being said, I would like to give a big thanks to the professors in the communications and English departments for their support and guidance throughout my college journey.”
Sadang also expressed her gratitude to the many people and organizations throughout her undergraduate education.
“I also want to thank my family and friends for showing their support in different ways; my college colleagues who inspired me to keep pushing through the hard times; the staff at Hawaii Pacific University’s Center of Academic Success and Dr. Angela Gili for taking a chance on me and allowing me to help other students with their writing process; 6 Pillars Marketing for an amazing starting internship opportunity; and of course, the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle for choosing me as the scholarship recipient in 2021 and giving me a lifetime opportunity to write for the Filipino community,” Sadang said.
She offered a few words of encouragement for her successor, Lizette Nolasco, the 2022 Chronicle journalism scholar: “My advice for the new scholarship winner, Lizette, would be to make the most of out of your scholarship experience. You’ll have the opportunity to write about topics relevant to you and meet others in the community who have so much to say. I’m excited for you and I can’t wait to see your written work!”
The new year ahead is open for new adventures and possibilities for the recent graduate. Sadang shared, “My plans after graduation are just to continue finding opportunities to expand and apply my skills to get more experience in the marketing and communications field.”
