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
Owali Moeai is one of the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship 2021 recipients and is now attending Brigham Young University, studying toward a computer science degree. Here is a word from Owali:
“Aloha guys, my name is Owali Moeai. I'm a sophomore here at Brigham Young University. For those of you who don't know, I just spent two years serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was serving in the Philippines, and I learned so much from it. I miss it every single day. I learned some languages, and here at BYU, there are so many people that speak my language. The main language I learned was called Saanu or Bisaya, and I also picked up some Tagalog. There are a lot of people here who speak those languages, and I've already seen the blessings that come out of it. It's not just with the language but so many other things. I learned how to become a better person, and not only that, I learned how to become a better leader, which I know will be so useful in my future.
I just came back for the winter 2025 semester. I'm a computer science major with a minor in Hawaiian language and accounting. I have some classes that I'm taking for accounting and computer science, along with a chemistry class, religion class, and weightlifting class. I'm super excited for the semester. While serving my mission, I learned how to study properly and dedicate good amounts of time to college.
Another update is that I'm living here on campus and working at the Polynesian Culture Center as a tour guide in the Hawaiian Village. I actually worked there before I left, and now I'm back to work there again. I've been loving it so far. I do miss the Philippines so much, but I know there's a plan for me. This college journey is still ongoing, and I'm super excited to meet new people, gain new experiences, and hopefully become a better person.
I'm also really grateful for the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship and the opportunity it gives me to not be so stressed about my financial situation. When I'm not so stressed about finances, I can focus so much more on my studies and myself and how I can keep improving. I know I have to keep on improving. I think the worst thing is to just stay stagnant, to be okay with not wanting to improve or not having a desire to improve. That's something I learned—we just have to keep on improving and climbing higher. It's always good to be mellow, but we also have to keep improving ourselves and others.
At the same time, I learned that I cannot run faster than I have strength. I need to take everything line upon line, precept upon precept, work my way up the ladder, do my part, and control what I can control. I know the rest will fall into place as long as I'm doing what I need to do on my part.
That's my college update so far on my journey. It's been an amazing experience, and I guess I will update you guys in another year. Shoots!”
Watch: College Life Update
Read also: Owali Moeai: What the Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship means to me
Farah Amod
