February 24, 2021

“It always warms my heart to hear them say, ʻGod bless,’ because
I know they are really grateful for what we bring them,
but I also feel that they trust us…”

Last March, Jane Paia was planning for graduation.  Her Roosevelt High School senior class would be holding their ceremony at the Stan Sheriff Center.  Then COVID descended on the Islands and graduation plans came to a screeching halt. 

“Prior to that (COVID) we had been planning rehearsals, like walkthroughs and speeches, but all of that planning went to waste,” Jane sighs.  “Although we didn't get to experience that (graduation at Stan Sheriff), the school put together a little ceremony for us in the school auditorium. We were still able to walk across that stage and turn our tassel and get our diplomas and take pictures.” 

Jane’s long, thick, ʻehu-colored hair is pulled back into a loose ponytail.  I hone in on her unusually long, painted sculpted nails attached to beautiful brown hands.  Her hands are highly expressive gesturing and pausing with every word as she shares her story. 

Jane has been working temporarily at KKV for almost a year.   She is part of the Hui Hoaka group, which delivers food, medicine, and other essentials to COVID positive community members.  In recent months, her responsibilities have also included those who may need a little extra help such as kūpuna.  

“It always warms my heart to hear them say, ʻGod bless,ʻ because I know they are really grateful for what we bring them, but I also feel that they trust us,” Jane says.  “We have a connection.” 

Jane is not only working at KKV as an advocate but attending college – full time.  Originally interested in pursuing a nursing degree, she has decided to explore the field of health a little further.  Her options are infinite. 

“A lot of people have told me I should go into psychology,” she says, gazing out the sliding glass doors. “I even thought about child psychology because a lot of things happened to me in my childhood, and for some reason people always come to me for advice.  I guess I’m a good listener.” 

She is not only a good listener, but a strong, vibrant, young woman with a brilliant smile and a promising future.  She attributes her joy and happiness to her ʻohana nui.  “I was raised not by one set of parents, but by a village.  The millions of people I know shaped who I am.”