Attn: We Are Oceania (WAO), 720 North King St., Honolulu HI 96817ajojoscholars@gmail.com (808) 430-2017
April 8th WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, JOJO! We Miss You!
Carolinda Hudson
Homeland: Yap, FSM / Marshall Islands / Springdale, Arkansas High School: Don Tyson School of Innovation College: University of Arkansas Major: Accounting Pursuing: B.A. Expected Graduation: 2027
Biography
Growing up in Springdale, Arkansas, as a Marshallese and Yapese student, I have learned the importance of perseverance, community, and giving back to others. I am currently attending the University of Arkansas, where I am pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and plan to continue on to earn my Master of Accountancy and CPA license. Although this is only my first year at the university, I am on track to graduate next year due to the dedication and discipline I developed in high school, where I earned my Associate of Science in General Business through Northwest Arkansas Community College while simultaneously completing AP coursework.
As a first-generation college student, I have had to navigate higher education largely on my own, without significant academic or financial guidance from my family. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, I have embraced it as a source of motivation and personal growth. I believe I would be a strong candidate for this scholarship not only because of my perseverance, but because of my commitment to helping others—especially fellow Pacific Islander students who may face similar challenges.
This scholarship would help ease some of the financial pressures that come with pursuing higher education while allowing me to continue working toward my long-term goals of earning a master’s degree, becoming a licensed CPA, and giving back to my community. I am passionate about empowering other Pacific Islander students and families by serving as both an example and a source of support for those forging their own paths.
My commitment to excellence is reflected in my 3.9 GPA in high school, my successful completion of college-level and AP coursework, and my involvement in athletics as part of Springdale High School’s record-breaking basketball team. Beyond academics and sports, service has always been an important part of my life. During high school, I completed over 100 hours of community service through mentoring youth, donating food and clothing, and assisting with Marshallese community events that celebrated high school graduates.
Since beginning college, I have continued to stay involved and give back despite the challenges of balancing academics, work, leadership, and family responsibilities. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Pacific Islander Student Association at the University of Arkansas and will also be serving as a peer mentor for incoming freshmen this fall. In addition, I plan to become more involved with the Volunteer Action Center while continuing to support my family and siblings, play softball, work, and pursue accounting internship opportunities.
While balancing these responsibilities can be stressful, I view it as a blessing to have these opportunities because I know there are many others who wish they had the same chance. No matter the obstacles, I refuse to give up on my goals and dreams. Ultimately, I hope to not only inspire other Pacific Islander students, but also actively support and uplift them as they pursue their own educational journeys.
Inspiration
What inspired me most about Jojo’s life and the work he did for the COFA community was his deep dedication to not only being a voice for Micronesians and other Pacific Islanders, but also taking meaningful action to support and uplift them. Just listening to him speak, you can immediately recognize how knowledgeable, passionate, and committed he is to serving his community. Hearing how he overcame such a life-changing injury was incredibly inspiring. Rather than allowing that experience to define him negatively, he used it as an opportunity to grow closer to himself, his culture, and his purpose.
Unlike me, Jojo had the experience of living and growing up on the islands, which gives him a unique firsthand perspective on both island life and the challenges Pacific Islanders face when adapting to western culture. What I admire most is his ability to bridge those two worlds while still staying deeply connected to his roots. I hope to continue learning from his teachings and example so that I can one day help educate, support, and give back to Pacific Islanders as well, especially the younger generation.
Community Service
I have completed over 100 hours of community service from high school through the present day. My service has included donating books, food, clothing, and other necessities, as well as volunteering my time to support youth and the Marshallese community in Springdale, Arkansas. Through these experiences, I have developed a stronger sense of responsibility, compassion, and commitment to giving back to my community. In addition to the volunteer work listed, I have also provided other paid services that are not included in this record. Attached below is the link to the Google Sheet documenting my community service hours and activities.
Some of my most meaningful leadership experiences have come through athletics, mentorship, and community involvement. As a senior, I served as team captain of my high school’s girls basketball team. During that season, we achieved one of the most successful years in school history, setting multiple records, including becoming the first girls basketball team at our school to win a 6A conference championship. While I was honored to hold the title of captain, I believed leadership was best demonstrated through actions rather than words.
I led by example, consistently striving to be the hardest worker in the weight room, at practice, and during games. By holding myself to a high standard, I encouraged my teammates to do the same. However, my leadership extended beyond basketball. I was committed to supporting my teammates both on and off the court, especially in their academic pursuits.
One example that stands out is helping a teammate prepare for the ACT so she could pursue her goal of playing college basketball. I shared study materials, provided notes and test-taking strategies, and encouraged her to create a consistent study schedule. Most importantly, I supported and motivated her throughout the process. She successfully achieved the score she needed and is now continuing her basketball career at the collegiate level. Experiences like these taught me that true leadership is not only about achieving success yourself, but also about helping others reach their goals and realize their potential.
In addition to serving as team captain, I also volunteered as a basketball trainer for young girls in my community. I organized and led free training sessions that focused not only on developing basketball skills, but also on building confidence, teamwork, and discipline. I worked to create a safe and welcoming environment where every participant felt encouraged and supported. More importantly, I wanted the girls to see basketball as something enjoyable and empowering, regardless of their skill level.
Today, I continue to challenge myself as a leader through my involvement at the University of Arkansas, where I serve as Treasurer of the Pacific Islander Student Association. In this role, I work closely with our advisor and fellow officers to strengthen outreach efforts within our community. We regularly discuss ways to connect with Pacific Islander high school students and families to increase awareness of educational opportunities and funding resources. Our goal is to ensure students understand that there are pathways available to them, whether they choose to attend a four-year university, community college, trade school, or pursue another career path. Through this position, I have learned that leadership is about service, advocacy, and creating opportunities that help others succeed.
Legacy Project
A cause that I am deeply passionate about is improving the mental and physical well-being of Pacific Islander youth. I have always enjoyed working with children and teenagers, and I firmly believe that the environment we grow up in and the guidance we receive during our formative years have a lasting impact on the people we become. Because of this, I am committed to helping young Pacific Islanders develop the confidence, knowledge, and support systems they need to thrive.
One of my goals is to create opportunities for Islander youth to learn about healthy lifestyles, personal growth, and the importance of education. I want to help them understand that their current circumstances do not define their future and that they are capable of achieving goals far beyond what they may have imagined for themselves. Many young people simply need someone to believe in them, encourage them, and show them what opportunities are available.
I hope to serve as that source of support and encouragement. Whether through mentorship, educational outreach, health initiatives, or community programs, I want to be a positive influence in their lives and help them recognize their own potential. My goal is not only to provide resources and guidance, but also to empower them to become confident leaders, pursue their dreams, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Ultimately, I want Pacific Islander youth to believe in their abilities and understand that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. If I can help even one young person gain confidence in themselves and their future, then I will have made a meaningful difference.
Carolinda Hudson
Homeland: Yap, FSM / Marshall Islands / Springdale, Arkansas
High School: Don Tyson School of Innovation
College: University of Arkansas
Major: Accounting
Pursuing: B.A.
Expected Graduation: 2027
Biography
Growing up in Springdale, Arkansas, as a Marshallese and Yapese student, I have learned the importance of perseverance, community, and giving back to others. I am currently attending the University of Arkansas, where I am pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and plan to continue on to earn my Master of Accountancy and CPA license. Although this is only my first year at the university, I am on track to graduate next year due to the dedication and discipline I developed in high school, where I earned my Associate of Science in General Business through Northwest Arkansas Community College while simultaneously completing AP coursework.
As a first-generation college student, I have had to navigate higher education largely on my own, without significant academic or financial guidance from my family. Rather than viewing this as a limitation, I have embraced it as a source of motivation and personal growth. I believe I would be a strong candidate for this scholarship not only because of my perseverance, but because of my commitment to helping others—especially fellow Pacific Islander students who may face similar challenges.
This scholarship would help ease some of the financial pressures that come with pursuing higher education while allowing me to continue working toward my long-term goals of earning a master’s degree, becoming a licensed CPA, and giving back to my community. I am passionate about empowering other Pacific Islander students and families by serving as both an example and a source of support for those forging their own paths.
My commitment to excellence is reflected in my 3.9 GPA in high school, my successful completion of college-level and AP coursework, and my involvement in athletics as part of Springdale High School’s record-breaking basketball team. Beyond academics and sports, service has always been an important part of my life. During high school, I completed over 100 hours of community service through mentoring youth, donating food and clothing, and assisting with Marshallese community events that celebrated high school graduates.
Since beginning college, I have continued to stay involved and give back despite the challenges of balancing academics, work, leadership, and family responsibilities. I currently serve as Treasurer of the Pacific Islander Student Association at the University of Arkansas and will also be serving as a peer mentor for incoming freshmen this fall. In addition, I plan to become more involved with the Volunteer Action Center while continuing to support my family and siblings, play softball, work, and pursue accounting internship opportunities.
While balancing these responsibilities can be stressful, I view it as a blessing to have these opportunities because I know there are many others who wish they had the same chance. No matter the obstacles, I refuse to give up on my goals and dreams. Ultimately, I hope to not only inspire other Pacific Islander students, but also actively support and uplift them as they pursue their own educational journeys.
Inspiration
What inspired me most about Jojo’s life and the work he did for the COFA community was his deep dedication to not only being a voice for Micronesians and other Pacific Islanders, but also taking meaningful action to support and uplift them. Just listening to him speak, you can immediately recognize how knowledgeable, passionate, and committed he is to serving his community. Hearing how he overcame such a life-changing injury was incredibly inspiring. Rather than allowing that experience to define him negatively, he used it as an opportunity to grow closer to himself, his culture, and his purpose.
Unlike me, Jojo had the experience of living and growing up on the islands, which gives him a unique firsthand perspective on both island life and the challenges Pacific Islanders face when adapting to western culture. What I admire most is his ability to bridge those two worlds while still staying deeply connected to his roots. I hope to continue learning from his teachings and example so that I can one day help educate, support, and give back to Pacific Islanders as well, especially the younger generation.
Community Service
I have completed over 100 hours of community service from high school through the present day. My service has included donating books, food, clothing, and other necessities, as well as volunteering my time to support youth and the Marshallese community in Springdale, Arkansas. Through these experiences, I have developed a stronger sense of responsibility, compassion, and commitment to giving back to my community. In addition to the volunteer work listed, I have also provided other paid services that are not included in this record. Attached below is the link to the Google Sheet documenting my community service hours and activities.
Community Service Record
Leadership Experience
Some of my most meaningful leadership experiences have come through athletics, mentorship, and community involvement. As a senior, I served as team captain of my high school’s girls basketball team. During that season, we achieved one of the most successful years in school history, setting multiple records, including becoming the first girls basketball team at our school to win a 6A conference championship. While I was honored to hold the title of captain, I believed leadership was best demonstrated through actions rather than words.
I led by example, consistently striving to be the hardest worker in the weight room, at practice, and during games. By holding myself to a high standard, I encouraged my teammates to do the same. However, my leadership extended beyond basketball. I was committed to supporting my teammates both on and off the court, especially in their academic pursuits.
One example that stands out is helping a teammate prepare for the ACT so she could pursue her goal of playing college basketball. I shared study materials, provided notes and test-taking strategies, and encouraged her to create a consistent study schedule. Most importantly, I supported and motivated her throughout the process. She successfully achieved the score she needed and is now continuing her basketball career at the collegiate level. Experiences like these taught me that true leadership is not only about achieving success yourself, but also about helping others reach their goals and realize their potential.
In addition to serving as team captain, I also volunteered as a basketball trainer for young girls in my community. I organized and led free training sessions that focused not only on developing basketball skills, but also on building confidence, teamwork, and discipline. I worked to create a safe and welcoming environment where every participant felt encouraged and supported. More importantly, I wanted the girls to see basketball as something enjoyable and empowering, regardless of their skill level.
Today, I continue to challenge myself as a leader through my involvement at the University of Arkansas, where I serve as Treasurer of the Pacific Islander Student Association. In this role, I work closely with our advisor and fellow officers to strengthen outreach efforts within our community. We regularly discuss ways to connect with Pacific Islander high school students and families to increase awareness of educational opportunities and funding resources. Our goal is to ensure students understand that there are pathways available to them, whether they choose to attend a four-year university, community college, trade school, or pursue another career path. Through this position, I have learned that leadership is about service, advocacy, and creating opportunities that help others succeed.
Legacy Project
A cause that I am deeply passionate about is improving the mental and physical well-being of Pacific Islander youth. I have always enjoyed working with children and teenagers, and I firmly believe that the environment we grow up in and the guidance we receive during our formative years have a lasting impact on the people we become. Because of this, I am committed to helping young Pacific Islanders develop the confidence, knowledge, and support systems they need to thrive.
One of my goals is to create opportunities for Islander youth to learn about healthy lifestyles, personal growth, and the importance of education. I want to help them understand that their current circumstances do not define their future and that they are capable of achieving goals far beyond what they may have imagined for themselves. Many young people simply need someone to believe in them, encourage them, and show them what opportunities are available.
I hope to serve as that source of support and encouragement. Whether through mentorship, educational outreach, health initiatives, or community programs, I want to be a positive influence in their lives and help them recognize their own potential. My goal is not only to provide resources and guidance, but also to empower them to become confident leaders, pursue their dreams, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Ultimately, I want Pacific Islander youth to believe in their abilities and understand that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. If I can help even one young person gain confidence in themselves and their future, then I will have made a meaningful difference.
Featured Interviews
Honoring Jojo
Jojo’s Life & Select Works