Makaelah Blas isn’t just leveling up her own life; she’s about to take on a new quest across the ocean. This Guamanian powerhouse, who’s fresh off earning her Master’s in Micronesian Studies from the University of Guam, has snagged some serious loot—a prestigious Wellington Doctoral Scholarship and the Wellington Pasifika Doctoral Scholarship. That’s right, she’s heading to Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand to pursue a Ph.D. in History, and it’s a big deal in the academic world.

These scholarships aren’t just a pat on the back; they cover three years of tuition and toss in a living stipend of NZ$32,000 annually. Blas triumphed over hundreds of competitors—25 brilliant scholars out of over 500 applicants. Talk about a major achievement! She’s all about diving deep into Pacific history, and the recognition she’s got proves she’s got the chops to make it happen.

“Ever since I decided on History back in undergrad, pursuing a Ph.D. just felt right,” Blas said. She recognizes Victoria University as a central hub for Pacific Studies, which aligns perfectly with her passion for telling Indigenous histories on their own terms. Plus, the financial freedom that comes with the scholarship means she can focus entirely on her research. No more worrying about bills while diving headfirst into academic exploration—that’s a win on so many levels.

With a history of exploring various fields, including biology and political science, Blas finally found her groove in history, where she really connected with her Guam heritage. Her master’s thesis, which centered on CHamoru narratives, even earned her the Graduate Student Community Impact Award. It’s evident that she’s not just slaying it academically; she’s also paving the way for her community.

Outside of her studies, she’s grinding hard as a program coordinator at Pacific Historic Parks, amplifying Guam’s WWII history, and teaching critical thinking courses at UOG. Balancing being a student, a mother, and a partner isn’t a walk in the park, but Blas keeps her eyes on the prize: making history vibrant and relevant to her community. She’ll be flying out to Wellington next year, ready to start her next epic adventure!