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
As a second year student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa on the island of Oʻahu, Mills is completing his studies in mechanical engineering. Here is a word from Colton Mills:
“Aloha mai kākou! I’m Colton Mills and I’m excited to have completed my first year of undergraduate study as a Paubox Kahikina Scholarship recipient. I am currently majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa on the island of Oʻahu.
While the puddle jump from Kauaʻi to Oʻahu is minor in distance, the shift to college and city life could not have been bigger. Adjusting to the pace of university coursework, meeting people from all over Hawaiʻi, the continent, and beyond, and navigating an island I had previously only known from summer vacations were some of the biggest changes I faced.
One of the highlights of my freshman year was joining Circle K International, the collegiate service branch of Kiwanis International. Having served as an officer in Kauaʻi High School’s Key Club, being a part of Circle K at UH Mānoa felt like a natural continuation of my service journey.
Throughout the year, I had the chance to participate in several meaningful events. In October, I helped at the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee, assisting with breakdown, guiding kupuna to their seats and helping them check in with their participant numbers. In December, I woke up at 2 a.m. to help with the Honolulu Marathon: setting up water stations at Waikiki, passing out water to runners, collecting trash, and helping with cleanup after the marathon concluded. Then, in February, I presented to Region 18 of Key Club International at the Hawaiʻi Convention, sharing ideas on building service opportunities and inspiring others to get involved.
Being part of Circle K has strengthened my commitment to service and given me the opportunity to apply leadership skills I developed in high school.
This summer, I’ve devoted much of my time to volunteering, which continues to be an important part of my life. I’ve lent my time during the Obon season, helping at our Bon dances in many different ways — cooking, taking orders, and running food — while also joining in on the dancing of Beautiful Sunday and playing taiko during Gokigen Song. For me, volunteering at the food booth or country store and then stepping into the dance circle or taiko stand has been the perfect mix of giving back and celebrating my Japanese cultural heritage.”
Read more: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Colton Mills