It¡¯s never too late to grow in new directions. For Scott “Uncle Scotty” Garlough, earning an associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Honolulu Community College is more than a degree—it¡¯s planting seeds for the future.
Planting the first seed
Before enrolling at Honolulu CC, Garlough had built a life rooted in service. As operations manager at Hoʻoula ʻ?ina, a 100-acre nature preserve in Kalihi Valley, he has spent years helping restore native forests and supporting community health.
“In healing the land, we understand we are healing the community,” he said.
Although education was not a part of his original plan, a turning point came through the Ola Niuhelewai Program and encouragement from Kahale Saito and Kalei at Honolulu CC.
What began as a few Hawaiian language classes eventually grew into a full academic path. Over time, Garlough transitioned into the Liberal Arts program while continuing to take Hawaiian studies courses that aligned with his cultural work.
“Coming to school is my way of planting seeds,” he said. “The seeds will sprout when the conditions are just right.”
Blooming beyond the classroom
At Honolulu CC, Garlough found more than a classroom—he found community.
“I¡¯m surrounded by people that I love who love me,” Garlough shared. As a peer mentor at the Hawaiian Center, he supports fellow students while continuing to learn from them. He also maintained a 4.0 GPA, balancing academics with community leadership.
Despite initial hesitancy about returning to school, Garlough pushed forward.
“All the things—‘I¡¯m too old,’ ‘I don¡¯t know how to use a computer,’ but once you start, it¡¯s not as scary as you think,” he said.
Back to the roots
Garlough¡¯s path to college was shaped by hardship. His mother was incarcerated during his childhood and passed away when he was 13. He spent years navigating homelessness, addiction and trauma.
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Reflecting back, he realizes he had people guiding him—his kupuna leading him toward the community college that has played such an important role in his family.
“It wasn¡¯t until I felt love that I was able to transform myself,” Garlough said. “I listen to what my kupunas are telling me. I listen to the plants. They understand energy and come with good energy.”
The power of community
For Garlough, everything comes back to community.
“Healing a community takes a community,” he said. “We rely on communities in times of trouble, but we also should in prosperity.”
Through his work with organizations such as E Alu P¨± and M¨¡lama Loko Iʻa, he advocates for a Hawaiian cultural point of view. Everything he studied in the classroom has allowed him to give back to his community, from making hala sails to repairing the hale. Garlough also practices Uhau Humu P¨haku, Hawaiian rock masonry, as well as fishing, lashing, and caring for fishponds.
Looking ahead
While earning his degree is a meaningful accomplishment, Garlough sees it as just the beginning.
“This is step one,” he said. “There are a lot of people out there with knowledge, but no pathway to share it. This gives me that opportunity.”
His ultimate goal is to continue planting the seed for others. He is passionate about helping people connect with themselves, their culture, and their community.
“Plant the seed,” Garlough advised. “Wait for it to grow.”