Glenn Kawamoto
A life journey of humble beginnings, a wonder filled childhood of memories growing up in Kahului Railroad’s subsidized housing community called “Breakwater Camp” in Kahului, Maui, Hawaii helped shape the person I am today. Growing up in a loving family of five, barely making ends meet, living a life of frugality while learning the lessons of generosity was instilled in me early in life. Memories of my father working hard at the railroad company and going fishing on the weekends in his home-made boat to sell a few fish to the local grocer while giving most of his remaining catch to friends and relatives. Memories of my mother raising three children while working part-time as a fish-cutter (at the same grocer my father sold his fish to) preparing countless delicious meals for our family and many friends … always having plenty of leftovers to give away.
Life was easy. Attending public elementary school, junior high and high school was uneventful. Then came the harsh reality of the prohibitively high cost of college. My college options were few and It quickly became clear that I was destined to get an “on-the-job training” job or go to a trade-school just as my father and grandfather did. Thankfully, my father and mother (both high school graduates and working) were able to pay for 2 years of trade school which allowed me to get my first job in California after graduating.
Determined to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree while working full time, I applied to and was accepted into a well-respected 4-Year University that was more than 30 miles away from where I lived and worked. Attending early morning classes, returning to my full-time day job, then returning to school again in the evening to complete my work-study financial aid commitment or to attend evening classes went on for nearly 3 years. Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (debt-free), I accepted a position at International Business Machines (IBM).
Fast forward through a wonderful and continuing marriage and 2 wonderful children, my college education has allowed me (and my wife working part-time) to send both of our children to the university of their own choosing with both of them eventually earning their Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree.
My life journey has revealed to me many insightful lessons that have encouraged me and my family to offer this scholarship in support of our mission to "break the cycle of generational poverty" ... just as I did many years ago. As a faithful Christian family, we continue to see how God has blessed us far beyond our daily needs ... so in a step of faith, we are committed to share God's blessing with those who are just beginning their own life journey of humble beginnings.
Glenn, Barbara & Family
1 John 3:16-18