Name: Mona
Kaahu
Semester/Year
Started at WCC: Fall of 2006 Semester/Year Started in TRiO SSS: Fall of 2006
Degree(s) Earned at WCC or 4yr. college/university: Associates 2009; BS Nursing 2011. Currently in the Masters of Nursing program at UH Manoa
How has
TRiO SSS helped you/what services have you used? Trio provided me with service such as
tutoring, printing and a place to study.
More importantly, Trio filled me with a sense of belonging.
Personal
Statement:
A missing child, domestic abuse, drugs and
homelessness took me down the road of despair. Deep in the pit, I knew I wanted
out. I’ve always wanted to go back to
school but being out of school for over 15 years, had me questioning my
abilities.
In 2006, I enrolled at Windward Community College
after some heavy convincing from a good friend. My computer teacher was very
frustrated with me. She turned all shades of red every time I asked her a
question, “I have never met anyone as computer illiterate as you! I suggest you
practice with your kids and get some tutoring.”
That’s where Trio came in. I walked into a tiny
room and asked for help. I signed up for
mere tutoring on survival instincts. As
months went by, I engaged with others in the program as well as the
employees. Soon, I found myself spending
most of my time outside of classes there.
I thanked God for a place to escape the hustle and bustle. The shelter
did not provide enough room to do any studying, nor did it offer free
printing. Friendships, confidence and
dreams were made in the beloved walls of Trio.
In 2009, I was accepted into the Nursing program
at UH Manoa and graduated in 2011. I am currently in the Master’s program at UH
and working in the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital on the Navajo reservation.
Trio is where it all began for me and continue to
be that for others….
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