The American Association of University Women’s Hilo branch recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to four “inspirational and impressive” young women attending the University of Hawaii at Hilo. ADVERTISING The American Association of University Women’s Hilo branch recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to
The American Association of University Women’s Hilo branch recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to four “inspirational and impressive” young women attending the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
• Carola Geitner, nursing. Geitner has volunteered at numerous health fairs as well as twice a week at Hilo Medical Center. Her goal is to open a health care facility in an area of the island where there is a tremendous need. “I hope that someday I will stand in front of the mirror, look at my reflection and see the role model that my children will look up to,” Geitner said.
• Jelyn Heaster, biology major, chemistry minor. Heaster’s goal is to become a biomedical researcher and biology professor. She is a single mother of twin girls and emigrated 11 years ago from the Philippines to Hilo. “To me, science opens a new world of discoveries, enlightenments and advancements,” Heaster said. “It provides windows into a better understanding of disease and its possible cures.”
• Mya Yee Nandar, nursing. Nandar was accepted into the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at UH-Hilo in the fall. She is a student from Myanmar, who endured a difficult journey to seek her education abroad. “I do not let very much stand in my way,” Nandar said. “I never lose sight of ‘north’ on my personal compass. My north is to make a significant contribution to the rebirth and transformation of the health care system in Burma.”
• Marleena Sheffield, Hawaiian language. Sheffield has tutored in ESL and writing, strengthening her love for problem-solving, helping people and understanding second language acquisition. She will study abroad next year at Pontifica Universidad Catolica del Peru, which has extensive programs in psycholinguistics. “My goal is to find work that will allow me to investigate and strengthen bridges between different fields, and in pursuing neurolinguistics or psycholinguistics,” she said.
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. For more information, visit AAUW.net or hilo-hi.aauw.net.
