ʻAle Poʻi Newsletter

M E I  2 0 2 1

May 2021 Issue

A Message from the Poʻi Nā Nalu Staff

Hoʻomaikaʻi iā kākou! 

Congratulations🙌 on completing another semester of school and moving one step further on your path to success. Through perseverance🏃‍♀️, determination🙇, and a lot of hard work💪, you were able to complete a year filled with much uncertainty and doubt. When the world shut down, you adjusted to online learning. When a few were allowed to return, you adjusted to smaller classes, social distancing and mask wearing. When we couldn't meet face to face, you learned to socialize on a thing called "Zoom." We cannot be more proud of our Poʻi Nā Nalu ʻohana and the strength you've shown with all that you have been through. This will definitely be a time in your lives that you will never forget.

 

🎓👏 A special congratulations goes out to all of our Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 graduates! We are so proud of your accomplishments and wish nothing but the best for you as you move on.

 

In the upcoming summer months, take the time to relax and rejuvenate🧘‍♀️. Take a dip in the ocean🌊. Read a good book📖. Eat some ʻono food🍲🍉🍛. Shop local🛍️. Spend time with your loved ones👨‍👩‍👧‍👧. When Fall semester comes, we want you to be ready to tackle your classes head on. Of course, we hope to be able to see all of your happy, smiling faces once again.

 

Me ke aloha,

Greg, Auntie Kathy & Noʻi

Workshops & Activities

Poʻi Nā Nalu Students - the last day to complete your required workshops is Fri. May 14, 2021.

Cultural Webinar Series

Wed. May 12 | 12-1 PM

He Ukana Aloha Kā Kīlauea is a song  and storytelling webinar series presented by all 10 UH campuses. Listen to a virtual webinar on May 12th conducted by Kapiʻolani Community College. To receive credit for your attendance, please email us the following: 1) 3 screenshots of the presentation, and 2) A caption for each screenshot briefly explaining what was going on. Go to https://hawaii.zoom.us/j/91499916950 to access. Password: ukana

Community Service 

Give back to our ʻāina and/or your community by participating in your own service event. Coordinate a clean up day with your ʻohana or participate in a community-organized event, and then let us know what you did by sending us photos and a short write-up to nanalu@hawaii.edu for 1 event credit.

VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES

Students: these virtual activities also count toward your two-event requirement.

Financial Activity:

Organizing Your Finances 

Every financial transaction we make produces all kinds of documents, from a small bookstore receipt to reams of paper when buying a major appliance. How do we decide what is important enough to keep and what we can toss? Play an interactive game to learn how to organize your financial documents, then answer the follow-up questions in the Google form to receive credit. Click the button below to participate.

 
Do This Activity

Career Activity:

Soft Skills for Career Success 

Soft skills are more social than technical, and reflect a person’s ability to accept feedback, maintain organization, problem solve, and collaborate with others. Click on the link below to participate in an interactive video to learn the top five soft skills employers are looking for, then answer the questions in the Google form to receive participation credit for this activity.

 
Do This Activity

Important Campus Dates

  • Monday, May 10 - Friday, May 14

     FINAL EXAMS

  • Friday, May 14

     Spring Semester Ends

  • Monday, May 24

     Summer Session I Begins

  • Monday, May 31

     Memorial Day (Fed. & State Holiday)

Poʻi Nā Nalu Resources

COLLEGE DEVELOPMENT

Loan-Out Items

Poʻi Nā Nalu students - If you borrowed a laptop, textbook, or an electronic device and still have it, please email us at nanalu@hawaii.edu to let us know when you will be returning the item(s).

PNN Virtual Game Social Recap

We had a wonderful time at our Poʻi Nā Nalu Spring 2021 Virtual Game Social on April 30th! Participants got to learn more about one another while taking their minds off of the stresses that come with the end of the semester. Most of all, we had tons of fun! Mahalo for joining us!

FINANCIAL LITERACY

 

I Kahiki ka ua, ako ʻē ka hale.

While the rain is still far away, thatch the house.

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #1178

 

Simple Summer Savings $$$

 

Make your $ last through the summer with these money-saving tips:

 

1.  No more impulse purchases.

Instead, set goals to save each month for a fun purchase for yourself. Or, put an item in your online shopping cart and revisit it later. This will help you determine if you REALLY need to make that purchase. 

2.  Limit the number of times you eat out monthly.

Truth be told, the pandemic has really helped us out with this one. Eating out can add up quick. Plan on ordering take out or using Uber Eats once a month...not a couple of times a week! 

3.  Shop where they offer student discounts.

There are so many places that offer discounts to students with a school ID. If you’re not sure, just ask! The worst they can do is say “no.” 

4.  When planning meals, make dinner with friends and split the cost of groceries.

Often, you’ll be cooking too much for one person anyway! 

5.  Drink water instead of soft drinks.

Water is free and better for you. Fill up a reusable water bottle and take it with you. 

 

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

 

Here is an example of an internship completed in Fall 2020:

 

Cassidy Hensarling

Major: Cosmetology  |  Internship Site: Honolulu Community College Cosmetology Department

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"With everything that I have learned while in school and during my internship, I will be able to apply and use it when I begin working in the future. Because I took the time to further my education, I am able to better understand this field, my career path, and how I will continue my work when I am out working on my own."

KE ALA NOELO CAREER PATHWAY

Virtual Mock Interview Series 

This semester, we had five Poʻi Nā Nalu soon-to-be graduates participate in the Ke Ala Noelo Career Pathway. These ambitious students participated in a "Résumé Basics" workshop, a one-on-one résumé review meeting, an "Ace That Interview" workshop, and the culminating event: a virtual mock interview with a professional in their respective fields. These students are more than prepared for their future careers, and we are excited to see where they go!

Campus Resources

Available Support Services

Computer Lab: M, Th 12:00-4:00pm | T, W 8:00am-12:00pm | F - By appointment only

*Computing help for students is also available remotely by phone (808-845-9293) & by Zoom (M-Th 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00-3:00pm | Zoom Meeting ID: 787 888 8788, Password: HONLAB)

 

Library: M & TH 8am-12pm | T & W 12-4pm | F - Online & by appointment only. Online Service HoursL

chat, email, & phone by appointment, M-F 8am-4pm. Visit https://library.honolulu.hawaii.edu/home/ for more information. 

 

Tutoring Center: Tutoring is offered online through Zoom, M-F 8:00am-4:30pm. To make an appointment, send an email to chmiller@hawaii.edu, or drop in at https://hawaii.zoom.us/j/97565272771. You can also use tutor.com. Check out  https://www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/testingandtutoring for more information.

 

 

Math Lab: The Math Lab offers tutoring over Zoom. To make an appointment, contact gtengan@hawaii.edu or (808) 845-9403.

 

 

STEM Center: Online tutoring for Calculus, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics available. Contact Katherine Bronston (kb420@hawaii.edu) or Shidong Kan, (shidong@hawaii.edu).

Wellness Center: The Wellness Center continues to provide support services primarily via phone and Zoom from M-F, 8am-4pm. To contact or schedule a meeting, email hccwell@hawaii.edu or call (808) 845-9180.

 

Writing Lab: Online tutoring available. To schedule an appointment: 1) Go to star.hawaii.edu/appointment. 2) Click the + icon next to "Learning Services." 3) Click "Hon Writing Center." Hours: 10:30am-3:30pm M-TH, 10:30am-12pm & 2-3pm FRI.

 

TRIO-SSS: Online services hours: M-F 8:00am- 4:30pm or by appointment. Virtual appointments available upon request via Zoom or Google Meets. Website: https://www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/trio. For appointments, email hontrio@hawaii.edu or call 808-844-2366.

 

Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center: Hulili Ke Kukui  is open for drop-ins if you have a question that needs to be addressed in person. The computer lab and lounge remain closed at this time. The staff continues to offer advising, counseling, referrals, and events remotely. If you have questions or concerns, contact hulilik@hawaii.edu.

Be one of 50 lucky students

to receive $400!

$400 = a 3-credit course! To be eligible for random selection of this exclusive HonCC stipend, 1) Your home campus must be HonCC; 2) Register via STAR for at lease one 3-credit Fall 2021 HonCC class by May 15; 3) You must be enrolled in a HonCC class at the time of selection on Sept. 15; 4) You will be notified via your hawaii.edu email after Sept. 15 if selected; 5) Award will be during the Fall 2021 semester. Need Assistance with registering? Schedule an appointment with your counselor via STAR Balance or call 845-9162. If you have already registered, congratulations, you are already eligible!

Community Resources

CAREER RESOURCES

  • UH Job Center Online: A job search system for UH Community College students. Seek local and national job opportunities HERE.
  • Employment Recruitment Sites: A 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.
  • The Salvation Army: Assistance with food and nutritional counseling HERE.

 

HOUSING & FINANCIAL RESOURCES

    • Rent & Utility Relief Program: Opens on 5/3 @ 2:00 PM. Apply HERE.
    • Emergency Rental Assistance Program: Access relief for renters & homeowners 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.

     

    WELLNESS RESOURCES

    • COVID-19 Vaccination @ Costco Pharmacy: Schedule an appointment HERE.
    • Immediate Emergency? Call 911
    • 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).
    • 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

     

    HAWAIIAN CULTURAL RESOURCES

    • Kaʻiwakīloumoku: Hawaiian & Pacific moʻolelo, mele, recipes, videos, and more HERE.
    • Kanaeokana: Hawaiian educational resources HERE.
    • OHA: ʻĀina, culture, economic self-sufficiency, education, governance, and much more HERE.
    • Ulukau: A Hawaiian electronic library. Access HERE.

    Scholarship Opportunities

    • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): APPLY HERE. Contact Financial Aid at honccfao@hawaii.edu or 808-845-9116 if you need assistance with your FAFSA.
    • 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

    Lia Keawemauhili-Fejeran

    Major: Liberal Arts

    I grew up on the hillside of Alewa Heights. I currently live in Waimalu with my ʻohana. I am set to get my AS in Liberal Arts this Spring, and I plan on transferring to UH West Oʻahu where I will be majoring in Middle/Secondary Education in Mathematics. My goal is to become a math teacher and help the youth see that math is in everything they do, hoping to spark a love/interest in them for the greatly feared subject. I see my self teaching in the public school system 10 years from now.

     

    I am truly grateful for the Poʻi Nā Nalu program and the wonderful staff. As a returning student, I was amazed at the services that were available:

    -Textbook loan-out

    -Paid summer courses

    -Computer lab

    -Workshops

    -Academic monitoring/motivation

    -Very welcoming/Aloha spirit 

     

    ...and a lot more that I did not take advantage of. It really made me feel welcomed and gave me an extra boost of motivation to complete my courses/goals. I love the work that Greg, Kaʻanoʻi, and Aunty Kathy are doing for the students at HCC. Mahalo for all that you do and I hope that these services will be around for a long time.

    Poʻi Nā Nalu Alumni Spotlight

    Briana Olarti

    Graduation: Spring 2016 - AA in Liberal Arts & Hawaiian Studies

     Who are you? How did you enroll in HonCC and in your major?

    Aloha, my name is Briana Olarti. I enrolled in HonCC in the Fall of 2012. The first major I wanted to pursue was Physical Therapist Assistant at Kapiʻolani CC. My plan was to take as many prerequisites at HonCC since it was closer to home, then to transfer to KCC in the future. I enrolled full time my first semester, but one of the classes was not a great fit. I immediately withdrew and was in desperate need to enroll in one more class to fulfill full time student status. The Native Hawaiian counselor at the time recommended I take an elective Hawaiian Studies class to round out my class list. That course was Hawaiian Studies 107- Hawai’i: Center of the Pacific taught by Kumu Tiani Akeo. This one class (especially our Kumu!) inspired me so much that I changed my major. After a long journey, I graduated in Spring 2016 with an AA in Liberal Arts and an AA in Hawaiian Studies.

     

    Where are you currently working or going to school?

    Currently, life has paused my academic journey, and I am a stay at home mom caring for my three children Ezekiel, Laila, and Noah. Running after a rambunctious one year old, an adventurous two year old, and a growing 10 year old is a full time job in itself! It has been such a blessing to see my three keiki learn and grow every day.

     

    How has Poʻi Nā Nalu helped to influence your decisions

    and get you to where you are now?

    Poʻi Nā Nalu has been the biggest influence in my academic journey. When I first started at HonCC, the Hawaiian Center was a nice, cool place to study, use the computer lab, and print out assignments. As time went on, Poʻi Nā Nalu became a home on campus. Poʻi Nā Nalu as a program gave me all the tools, resources, and advice that I absolutely needed to be a successful student. 

     

    Poʻi Nā Nalu offered me so many opportunities. Free Summer classes, where I received free one-on-one tutoring in one of my most challenging subjects: math. Summer Bridge programs, where we visited the universities and learned about where we could continue our academics in higher level education. In 2014, Poʻi Nā Nalu hired me as a Peer Mentor. I learned so much as a student and as a student worker. We did many workshops where we learned professional development skills, cultural development, and life skills. Poʻi Nā Nalu really imparted so much ‘ike with me from so many different houses of knowledge. 

     

    What was your most memorable experience with Poʻi Nā Nalu?

    Over the 4 years with Poʻi Nā Nalu, I had so many memorable experiences. We hosted many workshops at the Hawaiian Center where we made various Hawaiian mea: ʻumeke holders, malos, slingshots (my favorite!). Mālama ʻĀina Days were the highlights of my semesters. Having the opportunity to get our feet in the mud to learn about the ʻāina is invaluable. We visited so many beautiful places and worked the land with our bare hands. Amongst all of the things we did and places we visited, the most memorable thing I have had with Poʻi Nā Nalu was the relationships and friendships I have made throughout the years. These connections continue to follow me throughout my life, even past the academic setting.

     

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

    First, it is okay to be unsure about your major. Especially if you are enrolling directly after high school, it is okay not to know what your life career will be. Start off with a Liberal Arts degree to see what your interests are. Take electives to explore what is out there. It is also okay to change your mind on your major. Maybe you thought you wanted to go one route, but it's not something you are passionate about anymore. It's okay to follow another path. 

     

    Secondly, seek out resources and opportunities. There are so many programs within the academic community that want to help students. So many programs offer tutoring, books, academic counseling, even sometimes tools and supplies for school. As for opportunities, seek out volunteering, internships, or just new experiences at school. Through these opportunities you can learn about yourself, your current major or job outlook, and make new connections with people. 

     

    Third, DO YOUR FAFSA EARLY. Actually get all of your financial aid ducks in a row as early as you can. There is nothing more stressful than trying to start a new semester and financial aid is blocking you from moving forward. Apply for everything that you even have the slimmest chance of qualifying for. Write the essays and personal statements, it is definitely worth the time to try and gain as many funding sources to pay for college rather than out of pocket.

     

    Lastly, don’t drown in a class and take the F. What I mean by that is, if there is a class that you are not understanding and consistently scoring poorly in, find help. Talk to your professor, try to clarify where you’re misunderstanding. Find a tutor to help you make sense of the new information. As a last resort, and if it’s early enough in the semester, see an academic advisor. Maybe you can transfer classes or withdraw. The last thing you want to do is let the work pile up and take the F on your transcript. Just one bad grade can affect your GPA dramatically. And an unsatisfactory GPA can affect things like financial aid and future academic endeavors. 

     

    Anything else you would like to share?

    Thank you Poʻi Nā Nalu for the many years of support! I could not have achieved all that I did at HonCC without the continued support. Thank you to the previous staff at Poʻi Nā Nalu, Greg Kashigi, Kaleialoha Lum-Ho, and Kahale Saito for helping me through every up and down in my academic journey! Thank you to my Hawaiian Studies Kumu: Tiani Akeo, Kimo Keaulana, & Kaʻiulani Murphy for all the the ‘ike you shared with me throughout the years. I deeply appreciate all the time I spent at Honolulu Community College. Mahalo mahalo mahalo!

    Fall 2020 & Spring 2021 Poʻi Nā Nalu Graduates

    Fall 2020

    Jordyn Bjur

    Pebbles Kalaau

    Tanya Kapuy

    Lisa Lucero

    Alexis Saito

     

    Spring 2021

    Kawohi Adversalo

    Dominique Almeida

    Ikaika Campos

    (Spring 2021 cont'd.)

    Isaac Hahn

    John Hayworth

    Cassidy Hensarling

    Guy Jhun

    Karena Kauahi

    Lia Keawemauhili-Fejeran

    Tyler Lee

    Kiha Rodrigues

    Kamalu Sakamoto

    E ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kākou!

    Let's Speak Hawaiian

    Best, superior, excellent. Name of the outside, decorated sheet of tapa.

    "He aliʻi ke aloha, he kilohana e paʻa ai," meaning "love is like a chief, the best prize to hold fast to."

    Pukui & Elbert, Hawaiian Dictionary

    Visit wehewehe.org to learn more about kilohana!

    From the Pages of Mei (May) in our Academic Planner

    "Small pepper makes the mouth blow."

    Said of one who is small but potent.

    ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #1996

    Mary Kawena Pukui, ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings

    Common Name: Chili pepper |  Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum

    Some Medicinal Uses: Circulation, oxygenation, eye problems, sinus problems, heart trouble, hemorrhaging, high blood pressure, inflammation

    Parts Used: Chili peppers

    Follow Poʻi Nā Nalu on Instagram!

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    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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