By Cameron Enomoto | Staff Writer

Leilyne Taomia-Pale is a 38 year-old student who is in her first year at Kapiʻolani Community College. She had previously completed one year of college when she was 18 years old and this is her second attempt to return to school. She is from the Big Island and grew up in Hilo, though her hometown is North Kohala. Taomia-Pale plans on pursuing an education to find a job in social work.

“I chose my major because I am passionate about helping people. I identified a lack of resources in our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities,” said Taomia-Pale. “I was initially interested in housing and that led me to community resources which I feel would have a bigger impact for the people in finding all resources to support them and their ability to take care of themselves.”

Outside of school and work, she loves spending time with her family and visiting new destinations that broaden her knowledge about different cultures and people. An interesting fact about her is that she finds music and dance very fascinating.