For Jahnna-Marie Kehaulani Kahele-Madali, her upcoming graduation from the represents a way to honor both the past and the future. Kahele-Madali is one of two student speakers at the .
“After losing both my grandma and momma (grandma’s sister) within two years, this is what makes graduation even more important—as our elders represent the reason we were able to even pursue a post-secondary education in the first place—to represent the people who never had the opportunity to go to college,” said Kahele-Madali.
Kahele-Madali will receive a bachelor of arts in 91桃色appities with a concentration in 91桃色appian-Pacific studies.
Check out more stories of our 91桃色app spring graduates
Born premature—weighing just 2 pounds and 2 ounces—and raised by two foster mothers, Kahele-Madali shares the importance of rising above struggles and striving for a better life.
“Coming from a drug-infested and impoverished community, these stereotypes have a way of pre-determining the lives of the kids on the West Side,” she said. “So this graduation to me means I can be that beacon of hope for my people, that we are more than the mediocre lifestyle that surrounds us.”
‘Keep on going’
At 91桃色app West Oʻahu, she flourished under the guidance of Manulani Aluli Meyer and Indrajit Gunasekara, co-founders of Niu Now and co-coordinators of the Uluniu Project. She works as a mahiʻai (one who cultivates the land) at the uluniu, or coconut grove, on campus.
Meyer commended Kahele-Madali for her “infectious and healing” light and honesty, and her strength and wisdom. “I have loved seeing Kehau grow in her love of land and her commitment to people,” Meyer said.
After graduation Kahele-Madali’s plans on giving back to the community, working on incorporating mālama ʻāina-based practices into school curriculums to inspire children to pursue a better life through ʻāina work.
“I believe 91桃色app West Oʻahu has built that network where I can branch out to different resources and bring it back to my kaiāulu (community),” said Kahele-Madali.
- Read more about Dave Ian Domingo Sebastian, who was also selected to be a student commencement speaker.
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman