AANHPI SAP: Uplifting Voices and Supporting Success for AANHPI Students

AANHPI SAP is a state-funded initiative designed to support first-generation Asian

American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) college students. The program

focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by AANHPI students by developing

strategies to tackle the disparities that impact their academic success. Through academic

workshops, mentorship opportunities, and the creation of an inclusive and supportive

community, AANHPI aims to empower these students, helping them thrive both academically

and personally.

As a Native Hawaiian student at West Valley College, I’m part of a group that makes up less than one percent of the campus population, which can sometimes make it challenging to feel included. However, I’ve learned how vital community and support are to academic success. Being a first-generation college student, with neither of my parents having attended college, made this journey even more difficult to navigate. For a long time, I believed I had to do everything alone, but AANHPI gave me a sense of purpose and a community I didn’t realize I needed.

The AANHPI Student Achievement program has given me countless opportunities, from connecting with staff and building meaningful relationships to meeting fellow Pacific Islander (PI) students from all over the West Coast. One of the most transformative experiences was attending the Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) conference. It opened my eyes to both the challenges and beauty of navigating spaces like professionalism and networking through the lens of Pacific Islander culture, where I often felt out of place. Being part of such a small percentage of the population can make us feel different from the cultures around us, but it also allows us to embrace the uniqueness that comes with our heritage. The PISA conference showed me that while our cultural identity may distinguish us, it also gives us a powerful perspective to share — one that can make us stand out in ways others may not.

After a year of being part of AANHPI, I will be transferring to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa to pursue a degree in Sociology and Justice Studies. I want to extend my heartfelt

thanks to the AANHPI staff and students for creating the representation and community that

students like me need. I wouldn’t have gained the confidence and drive I now have if it weren’t

for the incredible support and sense of belonging all of you have created. I am deeply grateful

for everything this program has given me.

Mahalo Nui loa, Anahpi can't wait to see you pursue the education that so many before

us never had the chance to experience.

(This article originally appeared in Issue 1 of The Helm)