By Micah Kalauli, Waiākea High School

He ‘Āina, He Ho‘omaka.

There is no place like home. 

Growing up in Hilo is special in a way I cannot fully express through words. Sometimes, I’ll wake up to a downpour of rain that covers the bright blue sky in a thick blanket of gray clouds. Other times, I can visibly see Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa contrasted against the sky, standing tall and mighty over my small town. 

The landscape around me is not the only thing that is amazing. Most of the time, the community is the most unique part of living in Hawai’i. Throughout my life—especially in high school—I’ve been able to meet so many amazing and diverse people from all over our beautiful state. Everyone comes from a different walk of life, has their own set of experiences, and sees the world through so many distinctive lenses. However, there is one thing that ties all of us together—Hawai‘i. We may have so many differences from one another, but we also share similar values, traditions, and celebrations. From the Saturday nights spent celebrating Japanese culture at bon dance over the summer, to the majesty and spectacle of the Merrie Monarch Festival celebrating Kanaka Maoli in the spring. 

My parents would always emphasize the importance of community—especially how important it was to know the people you surround yourself with, and to always help others when you are able to. This value has been a large part of why I’ve been in leadership during my time in high school.

 Not only have I been able to learn more about different people, but I have been able to help and represent people within my community. From organizing canned food drives to empowering my peers’ voices, service has been the biggest highlight of my high school career. 

However, I am not alone. Throughout my time in leadership, I’ve been able to see student leaders from across the sState of Hawai‘i represent not only our state, but their personal communities in ways that are unique to the area they live in. Whether it is through advocacy, nonprofit initiatives, running for student body government, or being involved in local/state governments, youth across our state have shown what they’re passionate about—passions that are often deeply connected to the communities they call home. Not only do they care for our communities, but they also show a commitment to them. To me, that’s what being locally committed is all about: Loving where you grew up and wanting to help your community to the best of your ability.

The diversity within Hawai‘i extends to its schools. From Ka‘ū to Kapa‘a, no story is the same. The individual aspects that define us allow us the opportunity to excel in our own ways, and aim to achieve whatever we put our minds to. Whether it be academically, athletically, or through extracurriculars, students across the state are able to compete with each other, students from other states, and students from across the world. 

Some may assume that competition is a “bad” thing, and that it only leads to harm. However, I believe that competition allows us to push ourselves harder, and aim to reach the things we want the most, whether it be winning DECA glass at the annual International Career Development Conference, or finally getting that passing grade in that one class that you’ve studied hours for, competition allows us to be better. It allows us to grow, and most importantly—it allows us to learn from the experience. Granted, not everything turns out the way you want it. However, this should never be a deterrent, in fact, it should be a prime motivator to push yourself and continue to be competitive. 

Hawai‘i being in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean doesn’t have to limit the global ambitions of its students. Hawai‘i is a unique place, with one-of-a-kind people. We can be just as athletically strong and academically capable as students anywhere in the world. 

The phrase “globally competitive” is more than just two words to me. It is a message to all Hawai‘i public school students that we all have abilities that make us special. It is a reminder that when a loss feels difficult, or that a test seems impossible, we have the willpower and strength to continue, we are equally strong in our own ways, and that is what makes Hawai‘i public schools strong. 

“Globally competitive, locally committed” emphasizes that, as the next generation of Hawai‘i, we should never feel restrained from pursuing big dreams or reaching beyond our islands. Instead, we should embrace the idea that Hawaiʻi can be both a home and a head start. Through triumphs and tribulations, we can achieve anything. Just remember—there is no place like home.