Ena Gibson

Paul and Jean Hoshiko Memorial
Family Scholarship

Ena is the daughter of Craig and Sumiko Gibson of Greeley.   She is a Senior at Greeley West High School and is looking to attend the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY.  Her career goal is to go into a career that involves working with wildlife.  Whether this be a Wildlife Biologist, a Wildlife Rehabilitator, or other wildlife related field. Ena wants to work with wildlife because she loves animals and the environment and wants to make a difference in the environment through working with wildlife and their habitats.  When she learned about this career, she knew it was perfect. It is a great mix of science, independent work, and of course wildlife. Ena got the opportunity this fall to speak with a Colorado Parks and Wildlife worker who explained to her the things they do, and all the different careers related to wildlife within Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Speaking to the Employee confirmed her career goal of becoming a Wildlife Biologist (or related field). She knows life doesn't always go as planned so She knows she may be taken into different career, but all in all I know she wants to work with wildlife. Ena plans to go to college to get a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and Management, and although she knows college Chemistry will be a challenge, she’ll put in all her effort to do her best, and not give up when things get hard. If this means failing the class the first time, taking it again instead of simply giving up and changing majors. She hopes to get hands on experience related to this career through a variety of internships and volunteering so that she can best be prepared and ready to eventually enter her intended career.

Ena is a 9-year member of Westward 4H Club.  When she joined 4H nine years ago, she was as shy and quiet as can be. For many years, she spoke to near no one, and was terrified to stand up and say her name during introductions at club meetings. This persisted for almost 5 years. However, by 9th grade she began to gain confidence. She believed that as she grew older, she became more comfortable with the people around her. At the time she only participated in the Shooting Sports Project.  This meant Ena spent 5 years with the same people. She became comfortable with them and started gaining confidence in herself. A big help in this confidence boost was joining Air Pistol.  She ended up having the confidence to nominate herself to be Secretary of her 4H club. It was a perfect way to allow herself to slowly step up in leadership, without pushing herself too far. At the time, she also became Reporter of the Youth Executive Council. Ena knew she had to push herself to make progress, but she also knew she had a limit. These were the two first steps to opening herself up. By Sophomore year, Ena applied to become a Colorado 4H Shooting Sports Ambassador. She knew she loved shooting sports, and this seemed like a perfect way to involve herself in leadership while also pursuing her passion. She was accepted and began the journey of learning public speaking.  Throughout her 4H career, Ena has grown immensely in both her confidence and initiative, as well as in her community involvement and professionalism.

Ena is the recipient of the Paul and Jean Hoshiko Memorial Scholarship.