Originally from the Philippines, Arlene Invencion moved to Hawaii before she was two years old and grew up in Kalihi on the island of Oahu. In 2011, she graduated from Wallace Rider Farrington High School and entered her freshman year at Chaminade University of Honolulu as a recipient of the Regents Scholarship. She is a first-generation college student and has been motivated greatly by her parents to pursue higher education. In May 2015, Arlene will earn her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. During her years at Chaminade, Arlene has been an active member of the Ohana, Chemistry, and Scrubs Pre-Health Clubs, where she also served as Vice President.
Since a young age, Arlene has been interested in the health fields. She participated in the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and College of Dentistry in 2013. She has also attended various health conferences including the Intercultural Cancer Council Biennial Symposium in Houston, Texas and the UC Davis Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Professions National Conference in California. In addition to her rigorous course work, Arlene has balanced her part-time jobs as a Barista at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and a Peer-Led Team Learning Leader for General Chemistry with her volunteer work at the Aloha Medical Mission Dental Clinic in Honolulu.
Upon successful completion of her degree, Arlene will attend A.T. Still University – Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral. Arlene credits Chaminade with helping her to prepare for dental school by offering many opportunities for her to grow and become a well-rounded student. She strengthened her social, communication, and leadership skills while also building lasting relationships with her peers and professors. After earning her degree in Dental Medicine, Arlene hopes to practice in Hawaii with her twin sister, Ailene, and be an educational and community leader while serving the under-served.