FDSTL Awards Nitta Scholarships to Two High School Graduates

Awardees Are Jacqueline Aochi of San Jose and Jeffrey Nishida of OCBC; Nishida Is Featured This Month

Editor’s note: The BCA and FDSTL work to support our young adults, aspiring ministers and current minister’s continuing education.  Through your generous support of the Fred and Helen Nitta scholarship fund, the Dharma Forward campaign and our SFAP scholarship funds, we are able to help members of our Jodo Shinshu community realize their dreams. 

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In the continued spirit of the Nitta family, the Federation of Dharma School Teachers’ League (FDSTL) awarded two $750 Fred and Helen Nitta scholarships for 2025.  

Fred Nitta nurtured the embodiment of the Jodo Shinshu teachings in the young adults of the Watsonville Buddhist Temple through the discussion groups he led at the temple. Those involved with Fred and Helen Nitta speak highly of their deep connection to their temple and practice of the teachings, but more important, the impact the Nittas had on transferring this passion to the young adults. Upon their 25th wedding anniversary, Fred and Helen Nitta established a scholarship to honor and give recognition to outstanding Buddhist youth.  

The two awardees for 2025 are Jeffrey Nishida of the Orange County Buddhist Church (OCBC) and Jacqueline Aochi of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.  

The selection was a challenge for the scholarship committee as all of our applicants were outstanding academics, and contributors to their temples and communities. This month, we feature Mr. Jeffrey Nishida.  

Jeffrey Nishida graduated from Gretchen Whitney High School in Cerritos with an impressive list of honors and AP classes beginning from his freshman year.  

Jeffrey was also captain of his basketball teams, including the varsity team, despite suffering a severe dislocation requiring surgery and an eight-month recovery. His perseverance and gratitude in life extend far beyond the basketball court.  

At OCBC, he obtained his Eagle Scout award, but continued to assist others in their efforts. Beyond the temple, he served on the Southern District Jr. Young Buddhist League (YBL) cabinet. 

As Southern District Jr. YBL President, he shared his inspiration and energy working with his team to balance multiple projects and execute all with remarkable attention to detail. 

For his essay, he shared what Buddhist lesson or teaching he received from someone or something that was not even Buddhist, illustrating how you can find Buddhism anywhere:

“‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift ... that's why it's called the present.’ (Master Oogway, “Kung Fu Panda,” 2008)“While this insightful quote was spoken by a fictional Kung Fu master in one of the greatest movies of my childhood, it perfectly reflects one of my favorite Buddhist teachings: impermanence. Life is all about change. 

“Right now, I am experiencing one of life’s biggest transitions — moving from high school to college. As I write this essay and reflect on my experiences, I can’t help but wish that childhood could last forever. However, that’s not how life works. Nothing lasts forever. 

“Around the time I was born, my maternal grandfather sadly passed away. His brother, whom I refer to as my ‘Uncle,’ stepped into that role and played an instrumental part in my growth and development. My uncle was one of my biggest supporters of my passion to play basketball. He would always talk to me after every game to give me advice about the sport and life in general, and even when I played horribly, he would cheer me up. When I got to high school, he continued to show up and support me even when his physical health started to deteriorate. 

“At the end of my freshman season, I suffered a devastating injury. I had dislocated my shoulder and torn my labrum. I required surgery that would sideline me for most of my sophomore year. After months of rest and dozens of sessions of physical therapy, I was finally ready to have my breakout season as a junior. 

“Less than a month before the season started, I came home to heartbreaking news: My uncle had passed away. I was in complete shock. Just a week earlier, we had been excitedly talking about my schedule and making plans for him to come to my games. I didn’t know how to process my emotions, and for the first time in my life, I lost my passion for basketball. 

“Instead of a funeral, my uncle had always wanted an informal celebration of life and due to the close relationship I had with my uncle, his kids wanted me to participate in the remembrance. Earlier that summer, I had attended the BCA Buddhist Youth Retreat (BYR), so in their words, I was ‘the closest we had to a minister.’ The family asked me to give a Dharma message at the service. I had no idea what to say. How could I possibly give an insightful and positive message in times of such sorrow? 

“Then, I remembered a sermon about the Buddhist teaching of impermanence. 

“Suddenly, everything clicked. I realized why my uncle didn’t want his life to be mourned, but rather celebrated. It was a gift to have experienced those moments with him. During my message, I read ‘White Ashes’ and for the first time, I could personally relate. It is beautiful to have loved someone so much that their absence leaves such a void. Nothing lasts forever and that’s exactly why we must cherish every moment and truly live in the present. 

“So while the quote I opened with may have been from a children’s movie, it has such a deeper Buddhist meaning to me. Through my experiences, I have come to understand the true meaning of impermanence. Buddhism teaches that clinging to the past or fearing change only leads to suffering, but by embracing the present moment, we can find peace and gratitude. My uncle’s passing taught me to appreciate the beauty in change and the importance of every fleeting moment.”

The FDSTL congratulates and wishes Mr. Jeffrey Nishida a continued life of gratitude as he begins studies at Arizona State University. He plans to major in Real Estate and Applied Finance, where he will utilize his education as an entrepreneur in real estate. 

We look forward to Jeffrey’s continued support through OCBC where he stated, “Out of all my extracurricular activities, Jr. YBA was my favorite.”

Congratulations to all our outstanding high school graduates of the Class of 2025. We wish all of you continued success throughout your journey in your Life of Gratitude.