ʻAle Poʻi Newsletter

N O W E M A P A  2 0 2 1

November 2021 Issue

A Message from the Poʻi Nā Nalu Staff

He kanaka no kaulu hānai.

"A man from the top of the cliff." (Praise of a hero.)

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #669

Aloha nui kākou,

 

A theme you will find in this month's newsletter is meʻe--hero, heroine, or an important person. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us show our gratitude to those who inspire, support, and care for us.

 

Here are some announcements and reminders:

 

  • 🦃 Hauʻoli Lā Hoʻomaikaʻi! Happy Thanksgiving!
  • Poʻi Nā Nalu Staff Hours: Poʻi Nā Nalu is working out of the Hawaiian Center Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. We encourage email, phone, and Zoom meetings, but we are accepting walk-ins. Please email us at nanalu@hawaii.edu if you plan to visit in person.
  • Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center: When you visit us at the Hawaiian Center, we ask that you follow signage and protocols in place to help us all be as safe as possible. Face-to-face meetings with staff is limited when remote appointments are not possible. Hanging out, socializing, and long-term studying in the Center is not allowed at this time. For more info, contact hulilik@hawaii.edu.
  • Before coming to campus... (For faculty, staff, students, and visitors) Regardless of your vaccination status, you are required to complete the health questionnaire on the LumiSight UH app prior to coming to campus.
  • If you are vaccinated, you are required to upload your COVID-19 vaccination card on the LumiSight UH app. 
  • If you are unvaccinated, you are required to take a PCR test weekly and upload your negative test to the LumiSight UH app before you come to campus. This also applies to students with a medical and/or religious exemption. UH students and employees must get tested at an approved Clinical Labs testing center. For a free PCR test, see list of approved testing sites HERE.
  • 🎓Are you graduating this semester? If so, please let us know ASAP HERE.  We have opportunities for you!

 

We wish you a healthy and productive month!

 

Me ke aloha nō,

Greg, Auntie Kathy & Noʻi

 

Poʻi Nā Nalu Contact Information

Poʻi Nā Nalu: nanalu@hawaii.edu

Greg Kashigi (Program Coordinator): gkashigi@hawaii.edu | 844-2322

Kathy Ballesteros (Academic Support Specialist): ks@hawaii.edu | 844-2347

Kaʻanoʻi Akaka (Academic Support Specialist): arianaa@hawaii.edu | 844-2323

Workshops & Activities

Poʻi Nā Nalu Students - all of the iKEA workshops count toward your two-workshop requirement.

Fall 2021

iKEA Workshop Series

 

  • iKEA workshops are open and free to all HonCC students

 

  • All workshops will be held via Zoom

 

  • No registration required

 

  • On-demand workshops are now available as well. They can be accessed at any time! If you do an on-demand workshop, please fill out this form to let us know.

 

Visit https://www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/ikea to access the full list of iKEA workshops and links.

Important Campus Dates

  • Monday, November 1 

-DROP PERIOD ENDS: Last day to Drop/Withdraw with a "W" graded

-Last day to change major for Spring 2022 Early Registration

  • Monday, November 8 - Registration begins
  • Thursday, November 11

      Veterans Day (Fed. & State Holiday)

  • Monday, November 15

      Last day to apply for Fall graduation

  • Thursday & Friday, November 25-26

      Thanksgiving Recess

Poʻi Nā Nalu Resources

COLLEGE DEVELOPMENT

Loan-Out Textbooks & Tools

 

Poʻi Nā Nalu students - need to borrow a laptop, textbook, tool, or a device like a scientific calculator or camera? Contact us at nanalu@hawaii.edu. We will do our best to provide what you need.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Memberships, Certifications, and Licenses

Want to enhance your employability?  Poʻi Nā Nalu can pay for your membership in a professional or academic organization in your field. Poʻi Nā Nalu can also reimburse you for the successful completion of an industry certification or license. For more information, please contact Auntie Kathy Ballesteros @ ks@hawaii.edu.

Ke Ala Noelo

Internship Program

 

Poʻi Nā Nalu's Ke Ala Noelo Internship Program is designed to offer Poʻi Nā Nalu participants an invaluable internship opportunity to network within their future professional community. Through hands-on training and professional mentoring, student interns receive relevant and rigorous educational experience in preparation for their aspiring careers.

 

If you are interested in participating in a paid internship, contact Noʻi at arianaa@hawaii.edu. 

FINANCIAL LITERACY

 

I Kahiki ka ua, ako ʻē ka hale.

While the rain is still far away, thatch the house. (Be prepared.)

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #1178

 

What is Your Credit Score?

A credit score, also known as a FICO score, is a number based on the information in your credit report. Click here for a free credit report. FYI, credit reports are used to compute credit scores, they do not include credit scores. 

 

Most credit scores range from 300 to 850. Your score represents your credit risk and how likely you are to pay back what you borrow. Your credit score can affect whether a lender approves you for a mortgage, car loan, personal loan, or credit card. And if you’re approved, your credit score can also help determine the interest rate and terms you’re offered.

 

What affects your credit score?

  1. Payment history: Whether or not you pay your bills on time or at all
  2. Total outstanding debt: How much you owe right now
  3. Credit types: What type of debts you owe right now (car loan, student loan, credit card, etc.)
  4. Length of credit history: How long you’ve had credit
  5. Credit applications history: Number of times you’ve tried to get credit (whether or not you were successful)

 

Credit scores

740 to 850: Excellent – Offered the best interest rates and terms

680 – 739: Good – Average U.S. score is 710

620-679: Fair – Loan rates vary greatly in this range

550-619: Poor – Pay down debts with on-time payments to improve your score

300-549: Bad – Not likely to be approved for a loan 

 

Find out your credit score

If you have a credit card, you may be able to get your credit score for free from the card issuer. 

If you don’t have a credit card, there are sites that provide scores for free, but be careful, don’t get trapped into buying credit monitoring services! You can also purchase your score from one of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

HAWAIIAN CULTURAL ENRICHMENT

Campus Resources

Available Support Services

Computer Lab: Building 2, Room 405. Open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4PM. Help is also available remotely by phone (808-845-9293) & by Zoom (Mon-Fri 8:30AM-12PM, 1-4PM | Zoom Meeting ID: 787 888 8788, Password: HONLAB). Email honcclab@hawaii.edu for more info.

 

Library: Mon-Thurs 9AM-3PM; Fri 9AM-1PM. Phone, email, Zoom by appt. Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM. Contact 808-845-9199 or honcclib@hawaii.edu for more info.

 

Tutoring Center: Contact 808-845-9232 or chmiller@hawaii.edu for more info. You can also use tutor.com 24/7; available for all UHCC students.

 

 

Math Lab: Building 7, Room 421. Open Mon-Thurs 7:30AM-5:30PM. Contact Glen Tengan at  gtengan@hawaii.edu or 808-845-9403 for more info.

 

Wellness Center: Support services available via phone and Zoom Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. To contact or schedule a meeting, email hccwell@hawaii.edu or call 808-845-9180.

Writing Center: Online tutoring available Mon-Fri 9AM-3PM. To schedule an appointment: 1) Go to star.hawaii.edu/appointment. 2) Click the + icon next to "Learning Services." 3) Click "Hon Writing Center."

 

Career Services & HINET: Building 7, Rooms 319 & 320. Open Mon-Fri 8AM-3PM. Contact 808-845-9204 or honcs@hawaii.edu for more info.

 

TRIO-Student Support Service: Building 7, Room 309. Open in person Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM. Contact 808-844-2366 or hontrio@hawaii.edu for more info.

 

Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center: Building 5, Room 203. Open Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM. The Hawaiian Center Computer Lab is available for use with a max. of four computers at a time. Face-to-face meetings with staff is limited when remote appointments are not possible. Hanging out, socializing, and long-term studying in the Center is not allowed at this time. For more info, contact hulilik@hawaii.edu.

HINET Hoʻōla ʻIke

Financial Assistance

 

You may qualify for tuition assistance, book reimbursement, a free monthly bus pass, uniforms, tools, workforce training, advising and more through the HINET Hoʻōla ʻIke Program! Contact our campus' HINET Program Officer Rovelyn Hermoso at 808-844-2395 or hinethon@hawaii.edu. Also visit hinethawaii.org to learn more about the program. Click the button below to download the application.

 
Download Application

TRIO Free Math Course (75x)

 

TRIO-SSS is offering Math 75x for FREE (Spring 2022 semester) to those who qualify. The class will be offered in person on campus with instructor C. Ikeno on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm.

 

For more information, visit TRIO's webpage HERE, email hontrio@hawaii.edu, or call 808-844-2366.

Graduation Application

Deadline: November 15, 2021

 

Are you graduating this semester? Follow these instructions to apply for your Graduation Certificate or Degree.

  1. Complete the Application for Graduation/Certificate Form. The form is also available at the Records counter (Building 6).
  2. Submit the completed form to Records Office. There is a $15 fee for each diploma.
  3. Be aware that the application deadline is November 15th.
  4. If you have questions regarding the Graduation Application process, please contact the Honolulu CC Records Office at (808) 845-9120.

Seeking Employment?

 

Why not work where you go to school? Campus jobs are convenient for college students. Visit https://sece.its.hawaii.edu/sece/login to browse available campus jobs at HonCC and other University of Hawaiʻi System campuses.

 
UH Campus Jobs

Community Resources

CAREER RESOURCES

  • Employment Recruitment Sites: HonCC's list of recruiting websites for job seekers HERE.
  • Hawaiʻi is Hiring: A resource for Hawaiʻi jobs, training, and internships. Access HERE.
  • Hawaiʻi Career Pathways: A career pathway explorer tool. Access HERE.

 

FOOD RESOURCES

  • SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Get more info and apply HERE.
  • Hawaiʻi Foodbank: Find a food distribution site near you HERE.

 

HOUSING & FINANCIAL RESOURCES

    • Rent & Utility Relief Program: Currently paused, but sign up for notification email HERE.
    • Emergency Rental Assistance Program: Access relief for renters & homeowners HERE.
    • CNHA Rent Relief: See if you are eligible for CNHA's rental relief program HERE.
    • The Salvation Army: Access rent and utility assistance HERE.
    • HCAP: Access services in employment, education, tax assistance and more HERE.
    • Hawaiʻi Community Assets: Access housing and financial counseling, tax & FAFSA preparation assistance, and technical assistance HERE.

     

    HAWAIIAN CULTURAL RESOURCES

    • Wehewehe Wikiwiki: A Hawaiian language dictionary website & app. Visit HERE.
    • Kaniʻāina: Digital Hawaiian language audio recordings of native speakers HERE.
    • ʻŌiwi TV: Hawaiian- and community-based multimedia content HERE.
    • Kaʻiwakīloumoku: Hawaiian & Pacific moʻolelo, mele, recipes, videos, and more HERE.
    • Kanaeokana: Hawaiian educational resources HERE.
    • Ulukau: A Hawaiian electronic library. Access HERE.

     

    WELLNESS RESOURCES

    • Immediate Emergency? Call 911. HonCC Campus Security: 808-284-1270.
    • Are you in a crisis? Call 808-832-3100 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text "Aloha" to 741741.
    • Need someone to talk to? Warmlines are available 24/7 at http://mhanational.org/warmlines or 808-832-3100 (Oʻahu).
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
    • Domestic Violence Action Center: Call 808-531-3771, text 605-956-5680, or chat at domesticviolenceactioncenter.org.
    • Aloha United Way: Call 211 for confidential assistance or visit auw211.org.
    • Hurt/Neglected Child Support: 808-832-5300 or 1-800-494-3991.
    • Parent Support: Call 808-526-1222 or 1-800-816-1222.
    • Trafficking: Call 808-832-1999 or 1-888-398-1188.
    • TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7366

    • ULifeline - Mental Health Resources for College Students: http://www.ulifeline.org/
    • Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi: http://mentalhealthhawaii.org/get-connected/
    • Free Apps to De-Stress

      • Headspace https://www.headspace.com/

      • Calm https://www.calm.com

      • Kokua Life https://kokualife.org/

      • VA App Store https://mobile.va.gov/appstore/mental-health

    Scholarship Opportunities

    • Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha: Nov. 10 & Dec. 7 | Register HERE.
    • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Complete your FAFSA by March 1, 2022. APPLY HERE. Contact Financial Aid at honccfao@hawaii.edu or 808-845-9116 if you need assistance with your FAFSA.
    • UH Common Scholarship: Now available for the 2022-2023 academic year. Deadline is March 1, 2022, 4:00 PM. APPLY HERE.
    • Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: Available on Nov. 15. APPLY HERE.
    • OHA Scholarship List: See a complete list of Native Hawaiian scholarships HERE.
    • ALU LIKE, Inc. Hana Lima Scholarship: For vocational and technical education majors. APPLY HERE.

    Kilohana Student of the Month

    Shadden Ogasawara-Tabelisma

    Major: Fire & Environmental Emergency Response

    Tell us about yourself.

    My name is Shadden Ogasawara-Tabelisma. I was born and raised on Oʻahu. My major is FIRE and my career goal is to become a firefighter. I first wanted to pursue this dream when I was in my sophomore year of high school, when the most traumatic thing that has ever happened in my life happened. I was in class when all of a sudden my grandpa called me. I wasn't going to answer but something told me I had to. I walked out of class and picked up the phone to something that will never leave my memories. I picked up the phone to my grandpa having a heart attack and a low blood sugar level of less than 40. I was losing my grandpa and there was nothing that I could do other than to listen to him suffer. I hung up the phone and dialed 9-1-1 and sent them to my house. The firefighters arrived first. They made entry into my house and did their best to stabilize my grandpa until the paramedics arrived. Firefighters are always there when times are bad, and they always run into danger when others run away. As a firefighter, I don't want to be looked at as a hero. I want to be looked at as someone who really cares for others and as someone who loves doing what they do best. By joining a job that is so mentally and physically challenging, I needed a "why." That "why" is my grandpa, and I will do whatever I need to do to make him happy. 

     

    What are your future plans?

    My future plans are to apply for HFD, Federal Fire, and State Crash. I also wish to continue with my sports as I continue to represent Hawaiʻi in tennis and pickleball. In ten years, I see myself working for The Honolulu Fire Department.

      

    How has Poʻi Nā Nalu helped you through your academic journey at HonCC?

    Poʻi Nā Nalu has paid for my certifications and has let me borrow so many resources that helped me succeed in my college career. Over the past two years, I have grown so much as a person and I can't thank everyone that has supported enough. I am most thankful for my grandparents and Poʻi Nā Nalu for supporting me throughout my college journey.   

    Alumni Spotlight

    Kiana Paracuelles

    Graduation: Spring 2017 - Early Childhood Education

     Tell us about yourself.

    Aloha, my name is Kiana Paracuelles, formerly known as Kiana Jones. I enrolled at HonCC in Spring 2016, as an Early Childhood Education major with a concentration in Infants and Toddlers. I enrolled in Poʻi Nā Nalu when a close relative told me about the program and all they have to offer to Native Hawaiian students who are furthering their education.

     

    Something new about me is I am now married, to someone I met on the campus of HonCC. My daughter is now 10 years old. Also, we just became home owners in the beautiful city of Mililani. I am currently working at Stepping Stones Academy as an assistant teacher in the infant classroom. I am doing my CDA portfolio, and some online courses. I plan to return to school sometime in the next year or so to further my Early Childhood Education journey and to gain as much knowledge in providing the best care for infants and toddlers in a classroom setting. 

     

    How has Poʻi Nā Nalu helped to influence you 

    and get you to where you are now?

    PNN has helped me to always strive for better, take things one day at a time, and to never be afraid to ask for help. I would have never gotten this far without PNN and all the resources they provided me with over my time at HonCC. The mock interviews truly helped me gain the confidence I needed in the job world and landed me an assistant teacher position. PNN has helped me grow in so many ways, as a student, employee, mother, and wife. They gave me the skills and knowledge I have in my career and personal life. And I will forever be thankful to PNN for helping me grow. 

     

    What was your most memorable experience with Poʻi Nā Nalu?

    My experience with PNN was and still is amazing! All the meet and greets PNN held for us to get to know others who are also in the program, building friendships, Malama ‘Āina days were also always amazing. My most memorable PNN moments are going to Lunalilo Homes in Hawaiʻi Kai and playing kōnane with the elderly, and kau wela! Kau wela helped me gain my science credit and because I also have a hard time with science, it helped me to focus on just that one subject for the summer, understanding the material in a smaller class setting of 10-12 students instead of 20-25. 

     

    What tips or words of advice do you have for current PNN students?

    Words of advice I would have to say is take advantage of all the different resources and opportunities PNN has and offers. And if they don’t know something, they know exactly what direction to point you in to find what you need, or do the research themselves. 

    Follow Poʻi Nā Nalu on Instagram!

    Follow @poinanalu_nhctep

    Find previous ʻAle Poʻi Newsletter issues on our website: https://www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/hawaiian/poinanalu

    Poʻi Nā Nalu is a Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program sponsored by ALU LIKE, Inc. and funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

    Honolulu Community College, 874 Dillingham Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawai'i, ʻAmelika Hui Pū ʻIa
    808-844-2322

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