Santa Clara Through Amara’s Eyes
Amara is from Honolulu, HI and is graduating with a major in Public Health Science and a minor in Biology. She has been involved in many areas of campus throughout her 4 years including: Multicultural Center, Ka Mana’O Hawai’i Club, Rho Psi Eta (Pre-health Fraternity), Valeriote Goldman Fellow, and Intramural Sports.
Here are some of Amara’s highlights during her time here at Santa Clara.
Ka Mana’O Hawai’i Club annual Lu’au

“This photo is from this past year’s Luau on May 9th. Lu’au is the Hawaii Club’s culture show, and I had the privilege of serving as one of the co-directors of the show. This photo encapsulates my Santa Clara experience because it reflects the family I gained here. I can rely on these people whenever I need them and they have made my college experience so enjoyable. All of these people in this photo truly mean the world to me, and saying goodbye is going to be so difficult but I am so excited to see what comes next!”

“Lu’au, the Hawaii Club’s annual cultural show, in my sophomore year. It marks the first time I stepped into a leadership role as a dance teacher for the show. At the time, I was extremely nervous about teaching and leading my peers, but the experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow in confidence as both a leader and a mentor. Looking back, I’m so grateful I took that leap. Now, as one of the current Lu’au directors, it has been incredibly rewarding to watch Hawaii Club continue to grow and to see friends from all across campus join our dances and become part of the community. This photo reminds me not only of how much I’ve grown during my time at Santa Clara, but also of the connections and traditions that have made it feel like home.”
Barkada of SCU’s Pilipino Cultural Night

“Barkada of SCU’s Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN) this past year. Although it was my first and last time performing in the show, it quickly became one of my favorite parts of senior year. After months of practices and a week of rehearsals leading up to the performances, it was so rewarding to see everything come together. This photo is especially meaningful because it’s with my Hawaiʻi Club littles, whom I’ve had the privilege of mentoring. Watching them and so many of my friends perform on stage was one of my favorite memories, and I couldn’t have been prouder of all they accomplished.”
Rho Psi Eta Pre-Health Sorority

“My Rho Psi family with my littles and grandlittles at our senior banquet, one of the last events of the year. It’s especially meaningful because it captures the relationships that have shaped so much of my college experience. Being a mentor to my littles was one of the most rewarding parts of my time at SCU, and I loved getting to navigate college alongside them. Whether we were grabbing sweet treats, visiting the Santa Clara Farmers’ Market, or catching up at chapter each week, we created so many memories together. As graduation approaches, I know I’ll miss the simple moments the most—seeing them at our weekly chapter meetings and spending time together in the community we built.”
If you could give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?
“One piece of advice I would give to my freshman self is to say yes to new experiences and adventures. You never know what memories you’ll make :)”
Message from admissions: Amara, you have done such an amazing job during your time in Admissions! Your kindness, positivity, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our community and on everyone lucky enough to work alongside you. We are so grateful for everything you've contributed and so proud of all that you've accomplished. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter—we can't wait to see all the incredible things ahead for you.
Congratulations Amara and the rest of SCU Class of 2026! Go Broncos!
