A 14-Year Multicase Study of the Academic, Career, and Personal Development of Five Native Hawaiians

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: Parental Perspectives and Personal Development of Filipino and Pacific Americans

Abstract

Across 14 years, this multiple case study investigated the academic, career, and personal development of five Native Hawaiians graduates of a high school program over 1999-2002 that integrated Hawaiian culture into Western curricula. Data sources included surveys, interviews, and document analysis beginning in 2003, following up in 2010, and again in 2017. All graduates revised their career goals and negotiated their educational trajectories to fit modified career and life paths. Personal development was influenced by changing family roles, and spirituality appeared more important across time. Families provided resources and challenges for pathways to and through higher education. Common challenges were financial and related to unexpected pregnancies. Graduates who achieved bachelor’s and master’s degrees benefited from supportive relationships in higher education.

Authors

• Megumi I. Makino-Kanehiro, University of Hawaii - Manoa

• Lois A. Yamauchi, University of Hawaii - Manoa

• Kawehionalani Goto, University of Hawaii - Manoa