Student Spotlight: Ānuenue Purcell

Hawaiinuiakea is committed to educating the next generation of leaders, some of whom we’re featuring in this series on haumana of the School of Hawaiian Knowledge. To support our students please attend Hoohalialia on October 7.

1. Where are you from?

My family is from Hilo, Hawaii, partially raised in Kane’ohe, O’ahu.

2. Tell us about your academic studies and how you became interested in that subject.

Required course Hawaiian Studies 107 paved the path for my course. I became not only interested but most importantly enjoyed being immersed in my own Hawaiian culture, learning both new and old findings from Professors that are also prominent figures in our community today.

I am currently enrolled in the Graduate program for Hawaiian Studies, with a focus in Kūkulu Aupuni: Envisioning the Nation.

3. What would you like to do with your training? What’s next for you?

I plan to continue my studies as far as it will take me. I would like the end result to either be teaching at a local community college/University or to bridge cultural appropriation within the tourism industry.