The college diploma that Kalāwena Kalehuawehe will be receiving soon from the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu represents years of dedication. But she said its true value lies in the inspiration and role model she becomes for her 5-year-old daughter, Lynx.
“This graduation is not just a personal triumph, it is a shared victory,” said Kalehuawehe, 25, of ‘Ewa Beach.
Kalehuawehe will be among the participants and one of two student speakers at UH West O‘ahu’s 2023 Mid-Year Commencement, taking place 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the UH West O‘ahu Courtyard. Ticketed guests are welcome to the ceremony on a first-come, first-seated basis, and non-ticketed guests are invited to give lei to graduates following the ceremony at the Great Lawn.
This semester, about 300 students are candidates for graduation, and of these students, nearly 200 will be participating in the commencement ceremony, which will celebrate Applied Science, Business Administration, Creative Media, Cybersecurity, Education, Humanities, Natural Science, Public Administration, and Social Sciences candidates.
Kalehuawehe will receive, with Distinction, a Bachelor of Applied Science with a concentration in Health Professions, pre-Medical track, and a certificate in Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing.
Kalehuawehe said through her academic accomplishment, she is teaching her daughter the importance of showing up for oneself, facing obstacles with courage, and persistently working towards goals.
“Moreover, I am instilling in her the belief that dreams are not only worth having, but also worth pursuing with unwavering dedication,” Kalehuawehe said. “As a parent, I am setting a precedent for her to dream big.”
Well-rounded, skilled, and caring
Kalehuawehe, who was born and raised on Waiehu, Maui, is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. She enrolled at UH West O‘ahu in fall 2020.
Throughout her years at UH West O‘ahu, Kalehuawehe has been an active campus contributor, from serving as the current president of the UH West O‘ahu chapter of HOSA – Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, to working as a three-subject peer tutor (for writing, chemistry, and Hawaiian language) at the No‘eau Center.
“Being able to tutor students across a diverse range of majors, backgrounds, and all with such amazing stories has been a highlight of my time at UH West O‘ahu,” Kalehuawehe said. “I have been there with students when they needed a renewed sense of confidence, and have also been there with students when they have received their acceptances to graduate school.”
Kalehuawehe said it has been gratifying to be a part of those students’ journeys and to also learn more about herself.
“Kalā represents a well-rounded student, skilled in multiple academic subjects, and more importantly, she brings a genuine care to her work as a peer tutor, providing encouragement and understanding to her peers when they may have been stressed out about their classes,” said Dr. Robyn Tasaka, No‘eau Center Director and Tutor Coordinator. “I am so proud to know she is going out into the world as a UH West O‘ahu graduate, and headed for a career in the medical field.”
A biomedical student researcher, Kalehuawehe said one of her most notable achievements as a UH West O‘ahu student was being able to present her research at national conferences across the U.S.
One such research project was, “The Impact of Academic Courseload and Delivery Methods on the Physical Activity Levels and Mental Well-Being of University Students,” a project she worked on as a research associate through grants from Hawai‘i IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) and Pūko‘a Kani ‘Āina (PKA). Kalehuawehe was able to present her project at conferences throughout the state, as well as in Alexandria, Va., and Portland, Ore.
“Being from a small campus community, it has been an honor to be able to travel across the United States and be invited to present my research at national conferences on behalf of UH West O‘ahu,” Kalehuawehe said. “I was able to showcase the quality work being done at our campus, and serve as an advocate and voice for other students in the sciences as they continue to pursue large opportunities and networks.”
‘I found a family of mentors and friends’
With commencement nearing, Kalehuawehe is thinking about what lies ahead. She is currently in the middle of the medical school application process and has received several interview invites with different schools.
“Post graduation, my goal is to continue my education at medical school and eventually work towards successfully matching into a surgical residency program, with dreams of working in sports medicine or plastic/reconstructive surgery,” Kalehuawehe said.
During her gap semester (spring 2024), she plans to continue her work as a clinical research associate, aiding with clinical research initiatives, as well as travel and enjoy her time with family and friends before starting medical school in fall 2024.
Whatever her future goals may be, Kalehuawehe credits UH West O‘ahu for properly preparing her.
“UH West O‘ahu has taught me the value of a supportive environment and how to seek out mentors and other individuals that encourage and celebrate your accomplishments,” she said. “I have found all of that here at UH West O‘ahu. I found a family of mentors and friends who push me to be and do better.”
She continued, “UH West O‘ahu has shown me how resilient I can be and exposed me to the rigor of pursuing medicine. I feel amply prepared to take on medical school and become a culturally competent physician.”
Among Kalehuawehe’s mentors is Dr. Rebecca Romine, faculty advisor and INBRE research mentor. Romine described Kalehuawehe as a confident, dedicated, hardworking, respected, and talented student who embraces challenge and applies herself 100% to every single thing she does.
“She serves as a trusted mentor to her fellow students, showing them that it can be done — and by “it,” I mean all of it,” Romine said. “She has proven exemplary in research, academics, extracurricular, and volunteer activities, but most importantly, in building relationships.”
Romine continued, “Iʻve been lucky to have Kalā as both a student and research assistant, and it has been wonderful to see her take charge of her education. If there is any student who has earned her success, it is Kalā!”
In the meantime, Kalehuawehe is getting ready for her prestigious role as one of the selected student speakers at UH West O‘ahu’s Mid-Year Commencement Ceremony. Just as she endeavors to share with her young daughter, she also wants to express to her fellow classmates at the ceremony the importance of showing up throughout life.
“Showing up for your family, your community, your friends and colleagues, but most importantly for yourself,” Kalehuawehe said.
“In my life, I’ve dealt with a lot of internal conflict and imposter syndrome that was unwarranted, but learned to overcome them by showing up and giving my all,” she said. “Many of the opportunities I have today are a result of me showing up, so I encourage everyone to be proactive in their lives and remain resilient through adversity.”
Click here to read more about Bryceson Tugade, who was also selected to be a 2023 Mid-Year Commencement student speaker. Commencement student speakers were chosen on criteria including academic achievement and a record of meaningful university or community service.