The Good Will of Alumni
Written By Daisy Willis
To Our Future Graduates; “Don’t be afraid. Get out there and face the world!” - Waerin Edwin
As the semester comes to a close, many University of Hawaii at Hilo students are preparing to move into the real world as they take the next big step in their lives; graduation. This is a time of uncertainty and excitement for many students as they face the big question; Will I find a job? Luckily, there is hope for all of our graduates, and UHH alumnus Waerin Edwin is living proof.
A Fall 2014 graduate from the Sociology department right here at UHH, Waerin is a ten year resident of Hilo and a successful business woman. Holding the title of “Youth Specialist” at the Goodwill Industries of Hawaii Ola I Ka Hana Teen Outreach Program, Waerin’s primary responsibilities included providing academic assistance and supervision during educational, recreational, and program activities. She plans and facilitates group activities and works cooperatively and effectively with individuals and groups from diverse populations, using her extensive interpersonal skills to encourage, support and guide the youth of Hilo.
Youth Specialists act as role models for acceptable social and moral behavior in a variety of settings. Waerin also establishes and maintains a positive control of the program’s environment at all times and interacts with parents and referring sources. On top of all that, she maintains records and files and facilitates a curriculum packed in four-stage appropriate levels which includes Values Clarification, Relationships, Communication, Influence, Goal-Setting, Decision Making, Human Development and Sexuality, and Community Service Learning. Her clients are local youth, ages 12-19.
UH Hilo fall 2014 graduate, Waerin Edwin Shows off her UHH Diploma during her commencement ceremony last year. Photo provided by Waerin Edwin.
Waerin’s current success in the community stems from her very active time at UHH. When asked about her involvement with campus programs during her college years, Waerin explained, “As a student I was involved in the following Registered Independent Student Organizations (RISO): Sociology Club and Chuukese Students Association. I was an active participant for the Student Support Services (SSSP) throughout my 2 years at the UHH for tutoring. In addition, I’d seek out SSSP for advising when signing up for my classes. I worked for the Financial Office as a student worker. Also, I was a program assistant for the Pacific Islander Student Center and Orientation Leader for the New Student Program. I worked all 3 positions until I graduated in Fall 2014. Working as a student attending both HawCC and UHH, and partaking in Human service and Sociology Internships, helped prepare me for the job market after graduating. I was on student committees and was a board member and secretary for the Campus Center Fee Board [as well as the] President of the Chuukese Students Association.”
Waerin’s involvement and drive to make herself the best student she could be was a huge catalyst in her later years of success. She worked hard during her time at the University and she was greatly rewarded with a wonderful position not only in her field, but also in her community, after graduation.
Waerin Edwin is currently the Youth Specialist at the Goodwill Industries of Hawaii Ola I Ka Hana Teen Outreach Program. Goodwill logo found at the following link, http://donationsstatic.ebay.com/extend/logos/MF46295.jpg.
There are some students who will not be graduating this semester, and still have several years of classes ahead of them. If there is anything Waerin’s experiences can teach ongoing UHH students it is to apply your learning! Don’t be afraid to take your education into your own hands by joining clubs, applying for internships, and even working on or off campus. There are many opportunities for students looking to make the best out of their college years. If you are interested in joining Waerin in a successful employment position after graduation, go down to the advising center or visit their website http://hilo.hawaii.edu/~advising/home. They are here to help you be the best you can be, both in college and afterwards in the job market!
To Students just starting their college career; “Have fun, but don’t forget to work hard too. Use your struggles as motivation if you have to, but never give up!” - Waerin Edwin
