Keauhou Mitchell-Aldan, MA
Native Hawaiian Academic Advancement Program Facilitator at Kapiolani Community College
Keanae, Maui
Field of study/specialty
My specialty is indigenous education. I advocate for Native Hawaiians to achieve their higher education goals, especially in science.
What inspired you to pursue indigenous education?
When I first came to KCC I was responsible for a cohort of freshman students. I was doing undergraduate research to bridge mo'olelo and science together. Through this cohort, it was so amazing to be with these kids and bring out the mo'olelo of these kids, and I thought this is what I was made to do. Seeing students develop and figure out that they were scientists and that they wanted to pursue science because of these experiences is what inspired me. I love supporting and watching them grow into these beautiful scientists.
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
Find mentors. In my experience, we try to get students to do a biodiversity bridge, and it is a great opportunity. I think that faculty should be taught to understand what a NHPI needs to grow in a different environment than what they are used to. As a student, when it gets hard, you just gotta keep doing it. If you want it, you go and get it. Go and pass that class, go and get that degree. Of course seek help that you need, but at the end of the day it's you who will get the degree.
My specialty is indigenous education. I advocate for Native Hawaiians to achieve their higher education goals, especially in science.
What inspired you to pursue indigenous education?
When I first came to KCC I was responsible for a cohort of freshman students. I was doing undergraduate research to bridge mo'olelo and science together. Through this cohort, it was so amazing to be with these kids and bring out the mo'olelo of these kids, and I thought this is what I was made to do. Seeing students develop and figure out that they were scientists and that they wanted to pursue science because of these experiences is what inspired me. I love supporting and watching them grow into these beautiful scientists.
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
Find mentors. In my experience, we try to get students to do a biodiversity bridge, and it is a great opportunity. I think that faculty should be taught to understand what a NHPI needs to grow in a different environment than what they are used to. As a student, when it gets hard, you just gotta keep doing it. If you want it, you go and get it. Go and pass that class, go and get that degree. Of course seek help that you need, but at the end of the day it's you who will get the degree.