The end of February and the entire month of March were filled with lessons, memories, and unexpected injuries I’ll never forget.
As part of the communications club Nā Koa Media video production, I was given the opportunity at the end of February to travel to East Maui—Kaupo, Kīpahulu, Hāna, Keʻanae—with this year’s ʻAha Mele conductors and staff.
In my role as a videographer, I captured B-roll footage of East Maui’s stunning landscapes, the wisdom shared by various kūpuna, and significant cultural sites. These clips will be used in each class’s ʻAha Mele video, which will be shown on competition day.
After that, I was one of the qualifying KS Maui HOSA members who traveled to Oʻahu to compete in this year’s HOSA State Leadership Conference. I teamed up with three friends to compete in the PSA event, and we placed first at regionals and fifth in the state.
As February wrapped up, March kept me on my toes, and I can confidently say there was never a dull moment. For the National Honor Society, I planned a service project where kūpuna from Kaunoa Senior Services visited our campus and spent time with Kamehameha Maui haumāna.
We taught them some ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and the song Ke Ao Nani, and we played games together. Seeing their faces light up was truly heartwarming.
In other exciting news—I finally submitted my entry for the Al Neuharth Freedom Forum! This is a summer journalism program I hope to be accepted into. To be honest, it took me a while to gather all the necessary information. I usually submit things early, but this time, I took advantage of the deadline and turned it in only a week before applications closed.
Speaking of submissions, I also entered my video into this year’s ʻŌlelo Youth Exchange video competition. The topic I chose was ʻMo Veggies, ʻMo Bettah; my video focused on the importance of nutrition. I had a blast visiting the farmers market, interviewing vendors, and crafting a well-thought-out story to share with the audience.
The middle of March was beyond productive, especially with my involvement as a videographer and editor for the Hawaiʻi News Now Student Spotlight. As our work came to an end, we took a field trip to Oʻahu for the final production. I even appeared in the promotional video to encourage viewers to watch our segment—one of the top ten most nerve-wracking experiences of my life!
Despite my nerves, it was a great learning opportunity. I spoke in front of a real camera about a topic I’m passionate about, and overall, I think it went well. This segment, featuring Keālia Pond and replanting native species in Lahaina, will air on April 1 at 1 PM on K5.
With quarter three ending, I had a lot to look forward to during spring break. I competed in an invitational track and field meet on Oʻahu and placed first in the girls’ pole vault with a new personal record! I’m currently ranked first in the state and feel incredibly blessed to be able to move my body and do what I love, despite injuries.
Unfortunately, earlier this month had been tough with recurring injuries and new ones that have affected my progress. Earlier, I suffered a minor tear in my upper hamstring, which forced me to sit out a meet. Now, I’m dealing with tennis elbow, an injury I first experienced as a freshman, making me sit out another meet.
Staying mentally strong is the hardest part. I never know when I’ll be fully back on my feet or the runway—it’s a game of patience and rest (the two things I hate most). Thankfully, my hamstring has improved, and I’m working through my tennis elbow with rehab exercises.
During spring break, I met with my WIPCE (World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education) group to discuss fundraising plans for our trip to New Zealand in November.
We ended up running a booth at the Hoʻomau event, selling handmade keychains, drink coasters, and more. My friend and I also did face painting for kids, which was a huge hit. We painted nonstop for eight hours, refusing to take a break because we wanted to serve as many kids as possible. It was exhausting, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Spring break felt like a preview of summer—I went to the beach, spent time with friends, went hunting with my dad, and didn’t have to worry about school. It was the best, only having to think about practice and how sunburnt I was getting.
Now, I’m in fourth quarter territory—the final stretch. I won’t lie, I was a little worried about staying focused after break, but my mindset has shifted. I’m determined to stay on top of both my academics and athletics.
One of the biggest events coming up is senior night for track and field on April 4—mark your calendars! It will be at the Kamehameha Relays meet at our school, which, in my opinion, is the best meet of the season. Some may think track is boring or repetitive, but to me, it’s the most fun I could have because of meets like these.
This meet features fun relays, like the Big Boy Relay, where shot put and discus athletes form teams and race in a 4×100 meter relay. It’s hilarious watching them push through exhaustion while still smiling at the finish line.
As team captain, I’m responsible for making sure our seniors have the night they deserve. I assigned underclassmen to make posters for them and planned decorations for the girls locker room in silver and gray—Ka Papa Lauaʻe’s class colors.
My teammates are supportive and like a second family to me. I know I can count on them to do something special for this upcoming night.
I love how productive my life is, and I wouldn’t switch it for anything else. Of course, there are challenges, and I face obstacles, but I always try to shift my mindset to see them as lessons to be learned.
These past two months, I’ve grown as a student and as someone who contributes to my school and community. I always keep in mind that I strive to fulfill Pauahi’s vision as a haumāna of Kamehameha Schools.
