Two nursing students earning their degrees through the distance learning program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will be featured in the upcoming film ʻIke, Knowledge is Everywhere, a documentary about the education system in Hawaiʻi. The film will be premiering at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival on November 6 at the Dole Cannery Theatres in Honolulu with additional showings on November 9 at Hawaiʻi Kai Koko Marina Theatres and November 15 at Hilo Palace Theater (see schedule and ticket information).
While the film will highlight the community-driven programs of the Waiʻanae Health Academy, a program of the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on Oʻahu, the premise of one segment within the documentary will revolve around two UH Hilo nursing students, Theresa-Regina Rivera and Mark Jones, who are earning their degrees via distance learning while remaining in their community of Waiʻanae.
“These two stepped up and opened up to share their individual story of being a non-traditional adult student who has struggled within many aspects of their personal life within a community impacted by poverty,” says Amy Asam, education director of the health center. “But each were able to eventually navigate through and find success again via the Waiʻanae Health Academy. They have finally found academic success at UH Hilo via our academic-community partnership and both are well on their way to professional success in nursing as well.“
More about Theresa-Regina Rivera and Mark Jones
Asam describes Rivera as a wife, mother, student and a role model. She is the truest example of determination in the face of adversity. Her positive attitude and mindset prevail, even though her community of Waiʻanae continues to face adverse social detriments that keep many students from excelling in post-secondary pursuits. Following the completion of her bachelor degree in nursing, Rivera will take the state exam to become a licensed registered nurse.
Jones, who before pursuing a degree in nursing was an intermediate school teacher in Waiʻanae, is now on the other side of the classroom as he works toward completing his senior year in the UH Hilo School of Nursing program. He also is an instructor with the Waiʻanae Health Academy early admissions college program for teens enrolled in a college health course during their junior and senior years of high school. He works with disadvantaged youth at a home for teenage girls who are in constant need of supervision and support.
Both Rivera and Jones have maintained a 4.0 grade point average since enrolling in the UH Hilo School of Nursing and will graduate on the dean’s list in May 2015.
“This is a show case of how education can really change the world for the better, and can turn lives around making a difference for an individual, a family, and a community,” says Kay Daub, director of the UH Hilo School of Nursing.
Read the full story at the UH Hilo Stories website.
—By Susan Enright
