by Edna Bautista, Ed.D., Journalism Scholarship Chair
Lizette Jelena Nolasco of Aiea, winner of the 2022 Hawaii Filipino Chronicle (HFC) journalism scholarship, was honored as Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Outstanding Graduate in Communication.
The award is presented to the graduating senior who has best exemplified academic excellence in the Communication program, is exceptional in his/her academic work and has demonstrated capabilities of critical thinking through his/her coursework.
Last month, Nolasco graduated cum laude from Chaminade, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a Mass Communication concentration.
“I graduated on May 4th, which is Star Wars Day. I love Star Wars, so this made my graduation day even better. I even decorated my cap with Star Wars decorations and got some Star Wars-themed lei after the ceremony,” she said.
Chaminade’s commencement ceremony took place at the Waikiki Shell, with around 600 graduates in the Class of 2024.
“The ceremony itself was incredible,” Nolasco recalled.
“I absolutely adored the speeches made at graduation. The speakers talked about using what we’ve learned to better our communities and those in need. They also talked about recognizing our prejudices, understanding others different from us and reforming our thoughts and actions to create a more inclusive and uplifting society.”
Graduation gratitude
Nolasco herself was uplifted when she saw all the people whom she cared about come to commencement.
“My heart was full of love and support from people who had been with me through every stage of my life,” she said. “My family attended, and I had friends from elementary, intermediate, high school and college who came to my graduation.”
She wanted to express her gratitude to those who have helped her get to graduation day.
“There are so many people who have helped me along the way. I want to thank my mom and grandparents for being supportive and encouraging me to pursue anything I set my mind to. They serve as role models and have the most upstanding character and values. Time and time again, they show integrity, strength and kindness, and I am grateful to have them in my life,” she said.
“I’d like to thank my friends for creating a positive and healthy environment as we navigate our early adulthood. I’d also like to thank my professor, Kim Baxter, for her knowledge, refinement of my skills and encouragement to become a better writer throughout the past few years.”
Nolasco reflected on her time at Chaminade, saying she was both excited and sad to graduate.
“I loved my time at Chaminade and felt that it was the perfect college for me. It’s a service-oriented university with strong community values. The campus environment was so inclusive and friendly that I will miss it,” she said.
“However, whenever I feel sad about leaving, I think about how lucky I am to have loved my college experience so much that parting would be this difficult. Although I’ll miss university life, I’m excited for a new chapter to start.”
Like many graduates going out into a competitive world of work, she is in the process of looking for a full-time job in a communications-related field.
She admitted, “I have many interests, and there are a lot of interesting jobs out there, so I’m excited about what the future holds!”
Communications experience and cultural connections
Nolasco, the only junior out of the other senior scholarship winners, is also grateful to the Chronicle for awarding her a $2,500 journalism scholarship a couple of years ago
Not only did the program help her financially with her private school tuition and give her practical experience in communications, but it also provided her with an opportunity to discover her Filipino culture.
“Thank you so much for all [that] the HFC [has] done to help and assist me on my academic journey. I loved this experience and am so grateful for the growth and knowledge I’ve received through this scholarship,” she said.
“Before the scholarship, I felt disconnected from my Filipino heritage, and writing for the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle has brought me pride and an understanding of where my family comes from…. It’s allowed me to make meaningful connections and learn about aspects of my culture that I didn’t grow up with but am proud to know now,” Nolasco added.
“[It] provided me with opportunities to connect with my culture through interviews and sharing stories related to Filipinos in Hawaii. It connected me with community members with prominent achievements who uplift and inspire others.”
Nolasco has learned a lot from her college and Chronicle adventures. The Star Wars fan’s future may still be unknown, but she is ever optimistic.
As Jedi Master Yoda would say, “Mind what you have learned. Save you it can.”
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