Two prestigious scholarships from the Pauahi Foundation are helping Chaminade University undergraduate Joey Pantil realize her dream of becoming a nurse.
“When I found out that I received the scholarships, I was so ecstatic, thankful and relieved because I would have a bit of a financial burden lifted off of my shoulders,” Pantil said.
The Nanakuli High and Intermediate School graduate is the youngest of four children and the first person in her family to attend college.
Now Pantil is on track to receive a bachelor of science degree in 2021 from Chaminade’s School of Nursing. After that, she plans to enroll in graduate school and eventually become a nurse midwife or nursing informatics specialist.
“I found out about the Pauahi Foundation through my high school’s college and career center,” according to Pantil. “During my senior year, I made it a point to apply for every scholarship I was eligible for. And because the Pauahi Foundation scholarships have a preference for people with Native Hawaiian ancestry, it was one of the many scholarships I applied for.
The foundation awarded Pantil the Dr. Lori Ann Kim Scholarship for students pursuing STEM degrees. Pantil also received the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1960 Scholarship for students demonstrating academic excellence, good character and a commitment to serving their communities.
“I had no idea how I was going to pay for college,” Pantil said. “The scholarships that I received not only allow me to attend college, but they push me to work harder in getting my degree in nursing.
“Because there are people who believe in me,” she added, “and that is shown with their endorsement.”
Chaminade University’s School of Nursing offers a four year, full-time undergraduate program leading to a bachelor of science degree. The school’s core values include holism, caring, diversity, integrity and commitment, plus Marianist values of lifelong learning and community service. The nursing program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
