“As a young mom, I often doubted myself and my abilities, but since becoming a student with the University of Hawaiʻi, I have never felt more empowered and capable. This journey has given me a strong sense of purpose, and I am eager to continue growing.”

Hometown

Haʻikū, Maui

Department

School of Teacher Education - Elementary

Describe your road to higher education.

While I will graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in Spring 2026, I have worked in education for over 16 years. I never found the right time to return to school until I became a long-term substitute, which allowed me to teach during the day and attend synchronous classes at night.

In Spring 2024, I graduated from UH Maui College, earning the Regents Award in Liberal Arts and being featured in The Maui News article, A Path for Those with a Passion to Teach  about the Hoapili Teacher Pathways Program. Receiving such recognition since reentering higher education has reaffirmed that not only am I pursuing my passion, but I am also in the right place.

Where do you work?
I am in my third year as a long-term substitute teacher at Haʻikū Elementary School on Maui. I currently teach kindergarten and previously taught first grade for two years.

Your class was featured in a Maui District Television video last spring at the Keālia Pond Wildlife Refuge. What was the significance of this field trip?
I was truly honored that the DOE asked to film our field trip to Keālia Pond. This excursion aligned beautifully with our cross-curricular science and social studies focus, as well as our project-based learning unit. It was a rewarding opportunity for students to take the knowledge they had built in class and experience it firsthand in a meaningful and engaging way.

You were recently featured in Maui Now article as the recipient of an HEA scholarship. What did this award mean to you?
Receiving this award was an incredible honor. As a long-term substitute, the financial responsibility of preparing a classroom at the beginning of the year is often overlooked. This generous support enabled me to bring my new kindergarten classroom to life, and it was validating to know that my efforts were recognized. During the first few days of school, my students even mentioned how safe they felt in our space, which made me so proud to provide that environment.

I believe I received this award not only because of my classroom work, but also through my involvement at Haʻikū School. I founded Girl Scout Troop 356, which has grown to be the largest troop in Hawaiʻi with over 50 girls from our student body. I also manage our cross-country team, which now has nearly 100 Haʻikū Rider runners. These experiences have changed me over the past three years, and I am so proud to be making a difference in the lives of our students while helping create lasting memories.

How is the COE program impacting or benefiting your career path?
Reentering college after a long hiatus was daunting, especially since attending right after high school was financially out of reach for me. Returning in my 30s was intimidating, but the Teacher Outreach Program has been an incredible experience. It is streamlined for success and personalized to meet my needs. My instructors have been knowledgeable and supportive, teaching me a great deal about myself while helping me develop my pedagogy. My cohort and advisors have also been encouraging and genuinely invested in my success, which has made all the difference.

Is there anyone in particular who inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I was inspired by many of my teachers during my childhood. They made me feel cared for, supported, and capable of more than I believed in myself. Knowing they wanted the best for me and always encouraged me made a lasting impact. It is because of them that I feel called to “pay it forward” and provide that same encouragement for my own students.

What are your future plans with your degree?
I am excited to graduate and look forward to the possibilities ahead. I could see myself continuing my education to pursue a master’s degree in education and potentially exploring opportunities such as the Sizzle program, Hawaiʻi’s educators’ pipeline for future administrators. As a young mom, I often doubted myself and my abilities, but since becoming a student with the University of Hawaiʻi, I have never felt more empowered and capable. This journey has given me a strong sense of purpose, and I am eager to continue growing.