About Kathryn
It was never an intentional plan to spend 30 years working in education, yet somehow, it all ended up making sense. I’ve worked on both sides of the proverbial desk, from college admissions and financial aid at a private university on the continent, to being a high-risk counselor in the Hawai’i State DOE. Yet, where I have made an intentional decision is to spend nearly twenty years, the majority of my life’s work, at Kapālama High School. As a college counselor, having the opportunity to help high school students learn from my collegiate blunders (and hopefully even avoid them altogether!) gave retrospective meaning & value to some of the toughest chapters in my own life.
As the Dean of College & Career, while I no longer work directly with students, I remind myself that I now have the ability to impact many more students than I would ever have on an individual caseload, through the programs I’ve created and people I am privileged to work with. Individuals who, like myself, are dedicated to Native Hawaiian student success. From internships and dual credit laying a foundation while in high school to the Transition Team working to support alumni’s dreams, I am blessed to be a part of actualizing Pauahi’s vision.
Education:
- BA in English and Communication – Seattle Pacific University
- MEd in Education, Guidance and Counseling, Certified – Saint Martin’s University
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
High School: Capital High School
Favorite Food: Depends on my mood
Favorite Place in Hawaiʻi: E ku’u home, Kalawahine
Random Fact(s):
- I passed the first several tests to become a Seattle Police Officer, before being hired into college financial aid.
- I’ve been to a country that no longer exists (Czechoslovakia, whose dissolution took effect on December 31, 1992).
Best tip for Postsecondary Success: Breathe, and do your best daily. What we sometimes fail to understanding is that your best may be 85% one day and 110% another. Train yourself to give what you have to better yourself, your ‘ohana and community (wherever you are) on the daily. And take care of yourself, you can’t give what you don’t have!