When Asher Griffith walks across the stage in May to receive his associate¡¯s degree in from Kauaʻi Community College, he¡¯ll be carrying much more than technical skills into his future.
Griffith said his true passion lies in voice acting. This fall, he plans to transfer to the University of Â鶹´«Ã½–West Oʻahu to pursue a bachelor¡¯s degree in general while continuing to explore creative opportunities in performance and entertainment.
His artistic interests grew through seven years in the Kauaʻi CC Jazz and Symphony Band and through involvement in theatre. But Griffith¡¯s impact on campus extended far beyond the stage.
Leadership roles
He served in multiple leadership roles within the Student Government Association, including treasurer, president and, most recently, human resources director. As student body president, Griffith focused on rebuilding communication between students and the administration, and revitalizing student life following the pandemic.
Student activities regained momentum, and campus engagement grew once again. Some of the events that were reestablished include the Halloween Bash, Ping Pong Tournament, Valentine¡¯s Day event, and International Education Week. Griffith also worked to help student clubs become active again across campus.
“My motto when I was president was and is to keep growing,” Griffith said. “t¡¯s what I tried to do for Kauaʻi CC—to try to make it better and better—and I also tried to grow myself as well.”
Encouraging others
Griffith immersed himself in campus life, working as a student ambassador in the Student Life Center and serving as president of the gaming club. Through the club, he helped organize participation in an e-sports tournament on Oʻahu and encouraged students to get involved outside the classroom.
“A big highlight for me during my time here was all the friends I made, whether reconnected or new,” Griffith said. “Being able to be in a big community and to be able to develop my social skills was very impactful. I was really awkward in high school, and now I¡¯m ‘Mr. Everybody Knows Me.’”
Other Kauaʻi opportunities
Although Griffith plans to move to Oʻahu to continue his education and pursue voice acting, he said the skills he learned in the electronics technology program will always provide opportunities should he return home to Kauaʻi. The program¡¯s partnership with the Pacific Missile Range Facility provides internship opportunities.
He also recently began working with former Kauaʻi CC professor Jameyia Shamia to help build customized light-up signs for a startup business and is working on sound and lighting at the Kauaʻi CC Performing Arts Center.
Griffith is grateful for the opportunities, friendships and lessons that shaped him into a more confident version of himself.
He said, “Everything that happens in your life can be used as a growing experience, something you can learn from.”
—By Caitlin B. Fowlkes