Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Ariell Siliado: 2025 update

The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship helps Native Hawaiian students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Tech in general. Its purpose is to offer financial support and create a strong network for these students. The scholarship makes education more affordable and connects students with professionals, giving them valuable opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen STEM or Tech fields. This scholarship is about more than just money; it's about building a community and empowering Native Hawaiian students to succeed in STEM or Tech careers.

See also: The big ideas behind the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship

Arieall Siliado, a 2021 Paubox Kahikina Scholarship recipient, now goes to the College of Hawaiian Studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology, majoring in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences with a minor in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, or Hawaiian language. Here is a word from Ariell: 

“My 2024-2025 school year held quite a series of milestones. I had another eventful term as a volunteer in the University of Hawai’i at Hilo’s Student Activities Council (SAC) as the Vice Chair. I spent my two semesters planning large-scale events for 50+ students, including a gym movie night, an island-wide adventure day, and a Winter Ball. Being a leader for my campus has taught me more about time management, as I juggled school, work, and my personal life. It has also taught me the importance of advocacy as I served my peers as a student ambassador. SAC has given me a sense of meaning, as I expanded my knowledge of leadership.

Another major milestone for me was getting the opportunity to move off-campus. I felt that my life was ready for a change of scenery, and I was excited to start my transition into adulthood. Renting a property and commuting to school was a challenge, but it prepared me further for life after college. By moving, I was able to create a home for myself. It's such a fulfilling feeling to call a place yours and have the freedom to buy things that I never would have in the dorms, like my first bed.

Over this past year, I also celebrated my first anniversary working as a pharmacy technician. Working in a medical setting has always been a dream of mine, considering I started my college journey wanting to become a medical physician. The retail pharmacy has also been an eye-opener for me, as I'm able to observe what I want and don't want in my future career. This job has not just supported me financially, but also led me to consider a career as a pharmacist. I also get to interact daily with doctors, other medical professionals, and patients, something that I would not be able to do with any of my previous jobs.

There were also some challenges that I faced throughout this school year. I had a very full plate, and although it felt fulfilling, I often felt overwhelmed. What helped me the most was taking time to relax and enjoy the people around me by soaking in the occasional Hilo sun and visiting my family for a weekend. The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship helped make those last-minute home visits possible, and I never had to worry about affording books at the beginning of the semester. I'm so grateful to be a returning recipient for my final year as I prepare to graduate in Spring 2026.”

Read more: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Ariell Siliado