Super Students
Saturday, November 21, 1998
Name: Jocelyn del Rosario
Age: 17
School: Waipahu High School
Favorite subject: Travel and tourism
Pastimes: Travel
Future: Law or business
For Jocelyn del Rosario, family is synonymous with success. Motivated by early hardships
The Waipahu High senior said her family's love and encouragement inspires her to do well. That said, she ranks first in her class, carries a 4.2 GPA (due to an advanced placement course), is National Honor Society president, Youth for Safety Club treasurer, Waipahu High Webmaster, a student council member, active in volunteerism, and holds a part-time job. She also has won three scholarships totaling almost $7,000.
Arriving in Hawaii at age 4, del Rosario's family struggled financially until her father was allowed to immigrate from the Philippines when she was 12. Such hardship made her value the importance of a good education, she said.
"Ever since I was in elementary, I always wanted to strive for inner growth so that I will be ready when I go to college," she said. "It was really hard. Before my dad came ... my mom had two jobs simultaneously. At one point she had three. I would want to provide for my children the way she provided for us.
"We visit the Philippines once every few years. And to see that I was given the opportunity to come here ... I try to make the most out of it."
Del Rosario gives credit for much of her success to her "guiding light," Jean Miyahira, director of the school's Academy of Travel and Tourism.
"She helped me a lot to become what I am today," she said. "We're lucky to have her."
Kimberly K. Fu, Star-Bulletin
