Creating
When Your Future Is In The Stars Information Center, then enrolled in UH Hilo’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Some kids daydream, some kids stargaze. Staring up at the night time sky, sketching constellations in her sketchbook, And for always watching Carl Sagan on PBS’s Cosmos — Jameeka grew up knowing she was meant for astronomy “I’m not just studying and science.
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astronomy; I’m living the “I wanted life of an astronomer. to dedicate The THINK Fund scholarship my life gave me the opportunity to to the pursuit of have the full experience.” an endeavor that has a lasting impact in this case, advancing humans’ understanding of the universe and, in the process, learning about it myself, too,” says Jameeka Marshall.
Jameeka Marshall,
UH Hilo graduate student
Jameeka Marshall Astronomy Student and Scholarship Recipient
After decades in what she considered the “safe lane” — getting her Master’s Degree in education and teaching high school — Jameeka decided to switch gears. She spent her summer vacation as a volunteer for the Maunakea Visitor
Her choice came at a financial cost. Over the years, Jameeka had assumed responsibility for her grandparents’ home care and a parent’s care, in addition to supporting herself. Working two full-time jobs left little time or energy to enjoy being a student again. Then, at the urging of her professor, she applied for, and received, a THINK Fund scholarship administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. “Not having to worry about unexpected expenses, like the additional textbook that costs $300, has alleviated so much mental stress for me,” says Jameeka. “I can immerse myself in astronomy activities and
events and connect with other students. I’m not just studying astronomy; I’m living the life of an astronomer. The THINK Fund scholarship gave me the opportunity to have the full experience. And at my age, that’s something to truly appreciate.”
DID YOU KNOW: The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) established THINK (The Hawai‘i Island New Knowledge) Fund to give students a boost so they can reach STEM-related careers that support them to live, work, and thrive in the islands. Scholarships from THINK Fund have supported students majoring in STEM subjects including astronomy, agricultural sciences and environmental engineering.
Learn how to transform your generosity into lasting change at HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org