Rancin’s wish comes true: Pepe‘ekeo teen receives $10K to help with college tuition

Rancin, a thoughtful and determined 17-year-old from Pepe‘ekeo living with leukemia, was thinking about his future — something that can be tough for people with the same disease to do. He didn’t want a trip to Disneyland, some cruise or trip or any number of other experiences such as meeting a favorite actor or musician.

No. This Big Island student instead wished for assistance so he can continue his education, asking for help with college tuition to attend University of Hawai‘i at Hilo in the pre-engineering program.

Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i changed that wish come true, giving Rancin a check for $10,000 that he immediately turned around and presented to the university cashier during a special wish reveal event and celebration July 22 on the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo campus.

It’s an inspiring step forward for the 17-year-old who dreams of a future in engineering.

Rancin has always kept focus on his future.

He was raised with the values of consideration, respect and giving his best in everything he does. He carries a quiet determination into every part of his life.

The 17-year-old has been drawn since he was a young age to challenges that push him to think deeply — from solving math problems and brain teasers to exploring strategic games. His love of problem-solving and discovery helped shape his goal of pursuing engineering.

Despite ongoing treatment and challenges of leukemia, Rancin has remained focused on his education and goals.

He was recently accepted into the new pre-engineering pathway between the Hilo and Mānoa University of Hawai‘i campuses. Students begin engineering studies in Hilo before transferring to Mānoa to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Rancin chose a wish that reflects his ambition and opens doors to a future he has worked so hard to achieve.

He will begin his studies this fall at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. During his visit this week for the wish reveal and celebration, Rancin was able to tour the campus, meet with key faculty members and scoop up supplies and swag at the university bookstore.

“Rancin’s wish is a powerful reminder that a wish is more than one unforgettable day — a wish is transformative, creating hope and strength that shape a child’s life in lasting and meaningful ways,” said Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i President and Chief Executive Officer Trini Kaopuiki Clark in a university release. “We are deeply grateful to University of Hawai‘i at Hilo for helping us celebrate Rancin’s determination, his love of learning and the bright future he is building.”

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin said the East Hawai‘i campus looks forward to supporting the Big Island born and raised student every step of the way as he strives for success in the pre-engineering program and beyond.

“We are so honored to welcome Rancin into our Vulcan ‘ohana,” said Irwin in the university release. “His resilience, curiosity and unwavering determination perfectly embody the spirit of University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. It is our privilege to play a part in his journey.”

Visit the Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i website to learn more about the organization and visit the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo website to discover more about what the Hilo campus has to offer.