Paubox Kahikina 2023
As I begin to come to the end of my time at Purdue and branch into my professional career, I reflect on all those things that have brought me to where I am today. I know that I would not be here without the love and support from my family, friends, and mentors.
I wish I could tell you that these last four years at Purdue have been such a breeze, but that would be a lie. The truth is that I struggled every year. Academically, mentally and physically. However, I learned how to lean on my support system, and accept help from the people closest to me. Knowing that these people always had my back and believed in me is what kept me to not give up, no matter how many times I tried to change my major!
And while it was a hard lesson for me to accept, it has brought me to the position I am in today and where I want to be as I begin my professional career. This summer, I had the pleasure of being a Technology Intern with Huntington Ingalls Industries — Mission Technologies Division. This internship showed me directly what I wanted to do in my career in intelligence and technology, and helped me develop skills to begin myself on the right track. One of the main goals for this internship was to keep Hawaii kids in Hawaii — to show and give them opportunities to stay and work in the community they grew up in. This reminded me a lot about what Hoala has been doing with this scholarship. Giving Hawaiians the opportunity to achieve their education goals and connecting them with a local network to gain guidance from.
The future is here. And it begins with the next generation. Watching my classmates and younger kids grow up and have these amazing opportunities to achieve their dreams really inspires me to keep pushing for my own. I understand I’m not old by any means, but as a four time Paubox Kahikina Schoalrship Recipient, it fills my heart with hope and joy to watch the recipient list grow bigger and bigger every year.
I am grateful for Hoala and everyone at Paubox for the opportunities I have been able to experience, and for believing in me always. This unwavering belief and support has gotten me through my toughest days, as I remind myself how lucky I am to have such inspiring people behind me. I hope to be the same to others one day.
From the bottom of my heart, mahalo nui loa to everyone who has stood by my side all these years and continue to believe in me and my goals. I am excited for the next chapter!
Alyssa Lyman
