The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship helps Native Hawaiian students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Tech in general. Its purpose is to offer financial support and create a strong network for these students. The scholarship makes education more affordable and connects students with professionals, giving them valuable opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen STEM or Tech fields. This scholarship is about more than just money; it's about building a community and empowering Native Hawaiian students to succeed in STEM or Tech careers.
See also: The big ideas behind the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship
Arieall Siliado was one of the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship 2021 recipients and now goes to the College of Hawaiian Studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology majoring in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences with a minor in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi or Hawaiian language. Here is a word from Ariell:
“This past 2023-24 school year has been full of great changes but good ones! In June, I joined a student organization on my campus called Student Activities Council or SAC as an event planner. I was blessed to have such a supportive team throughout the year and got to plan amazing events like a Halloween Haunted Fair and a Mario Kart Tournament. Going into next year, I will be ranking up as the vice chair and have huge plans on future events! I also had the opportunity to take a hula ‘auana class at Ka Haka ‘Ula, our College of Hawaiian Studies. This was my first time dancing hula since I was 4 years old and it was a very spiritual experience to connect with my culture on that level. I previously spent a year expanding my knowledge on Hawaiian language and taking hula was another way for me to practice speaking with my classmates and to mingle with my fellow Native Hawaiian classmates.
Another big milestone hit this year was my decision to become a dog mom. In October 2023, I adopted a puppy now named ‘Opihi and she has been one of the highlights of my year. Taking her in was such a big responsibility as I have to think of another living being outside of myself but I have no regrets. Caring for her has taught me so much about being an adult including how to better budget my finances so I can afford nice things for the both of us. I’ve definitely had my challenges but at the end of the day, she is another light in my life after all the hardships that I’ve had in the past couple years.
The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship has brought me so much relief financially as I grow in college and adulthood. Now with my dog and goal of living off-campus, having that extra support has made my dreams more possible. Using this scholarship gives me more so I’m able to visit my family while I’m in school and lets my single mom worry a little less when I’m away. Now that I focus less on paying for school, I have more time to enjoy it by taking more hula classes and participating in student organizations like SAC. Paubox also gives me opportunities to network with people who work in Biology so I can better determine a career that fits and interests me.”
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Tshedimoso Makhene
