Zachary Mauldin Is 2024 Nitta Scholarship Winner

OCBC Member Overcomes Medical Hardship, Embraces Life With Positive Outlook

Fred and Helen Nitta, past members of the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, had great foresight in establishing their scholarship to recognize our outstanding Buddhist youth.  

In honor of their 25th wedding anniversary in 1964, the Nittas created a means for our youth to support their college endeavors. Being active in the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist community was very important to Fred and Helen Nitta. 

This year, we are proud to announce Mr. Zachary Mauldin of the Orange County Buddhist Church as the 2024 recipient of the Fred and Helen Nitta Scholarship. Zachary has received a $750 scholarship toward his college education. 

Zachary is an impressive young Buddhist from whom many of us can learn the lessons of positivity and perseverance. He has embodied the principles of Karma and living life without regret to the fullest potential.  

“What sets Zach apart is not just his ability to weather unimaginable medical hardship and subsequent treatments, but his unwavering commitment to embracing life with a positive outlook,” said Jean Hamabe, his OCBC Jr. YBA adviser. “Despite his private battles, he has remained dedicated to giving back to OCBC, supporting his community and helping others. Zach embodies the essence of the Dharma, laying a steadfast foundation for a future brimming with promise.”  

He has not only been active in a plethora of temple activities, but is a dedicated high school athlete while maintaining a 4.52 GPA. 

Zachary chose to construct his essay on his understanding of Rennyo Shonin’s quote and BCA theme, “The Right Time Is Now.” Here are his own words: 

“‘The Right Time Is Now,’ Rennyo Shonin. Five words on paper, but in life, it can drive one to make impacts one cannot imagine. 

“Growing up, I would always hear, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ Not knowing what I wanted to be, I would think, ‘I can’t wait to go to high school.’ At such a young age, I had bright aspirations of the future and did not have much to reminisce about. Life was very simple and I did not have to worry about my next steps as they were so far ahead. I did not understand Buddhist principles, even though I was surrounded by them. When I think about my years in elementary school, it was smooth sailing; however, in sixth grade, it all changed. 

“In October 2017, I went to dinner with my Pappy and Grammie at Knott’s Chicken (Dinner Restaurant at Knott’s Berry Farm). While at the dinner table, my Pappy noticed something in my throat and told me to get it checked out. After tests, I found out I had thyroid cancer. During the initial news, I was blown away. I thought only older people got cancer and I was bound for death, but after talking to others, I knew I would be OK after a long battle. Once I started getting surgeries and radioactive treatment, I was well onto my way to recovery. I was mostly the same person, staying involved in Scouts, Sangha Teens, and basketball at OCBC, but one thing changed about me. My mindset. 

“When being diagnosed with cancer, I had to shift my views from my future ambitions to the present moment. I could not worry about what the future held, I had to worry about making it there. After the initial treatment process, I started to become more involved in Shin Buddhism. I found most of my thoughts I was going through aligned with the principles and teachings. I started to try and understand the teachings more through the Sangha Award offered through Boy Scouts.

“With new morals in hand and a new appreciation of life, I started to see the effects living in the present had on me. I found myself appreciating the moment and having more fun in life. In my eyes, living in the present is the middle path. You cannot get sucked in your memories or think about what the future has in store because then you lose yourself in the moment. When I heard, ‘The Right Time Is Now,’ I instantly thought about everything I have accomplished because I decided to not push things aside and go with my instinct. 

Post-treatment, I can attribute accomplishments in life to taking opportunities given to me and running with it. When faced with a decision, I often think to myself that there is no going back on it and you may not have the opportunity to come back to it. No matter where I go in the future, I will always carry my family's legacy and be forever grateful for the Shin Buddhist community they brought me into. 

“While at the time, I thought being diagnosed with cancer was a burden and something that I wish never happened, I think it happened at the right time. It shaped me into the man I am becoming today, one centered around the present and gratitude for others. Each day can present a new challenge for people, but ‘The Right Time Is Now’ to find solutions to overcome these issues and achieve things that may seem impossible.”

A life of gratitude comes from every corner of our BCA. As you have read, Zachary is grateful for even a traumatic encounter with cancer.  For each of us to carry the optimism and veracity he has embraced will help make the world a better place. 

He will be pursuing a business degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Zachary hopes we can all keep our minds on the present and reflect upon the importance and support of our Sangha. He is eternally grateful for all those who have supported him. 

With great appreciation to Dan Nitta for his financial support of his parents’ wish for our Buddhist youth, on behalf of the Federation of Dharma School Teachers’ League (FDSTL) and the Fred and Helen Nitta Scholarship Committee, we applaud all our high school graduates and 2024 applicants. 

Congratulations and best wishes to Zachary Mauldin as our 2024 scholarship recipient.