Dhanikarene Montalbo’s Success Story
By: Marvin Alejo

Dhanikarene was fortunate enough to call two states her permanent home. Although born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Dhanika spends her vacation time on the west side of O’ahu where her other Ohana is from. After graduating high school, Dhanika decided to return to O’ahu to look for occupation. She found a part-time job at Pandora’s Pearlridge Mall. She knew that this is just a temporary job, and that she needs to find a better sustainable occupation. After conducting loads of research for a career with a bright outlook, she decided to become a Dental Assistant Chairside at Hawaii School of Dental Arts. Once she completed the enrollment process, Dhanika came to ALU LIKE, Inc. Employment and Training Department and apply for a tuition assistance. Dhanika knew that she has to set and follow her goal. Her main focus is to complete and pass the course, and the second chapter is to get a full-time job. Dhanika did complete and pass her course as a Dental Assistant and ran into a barrier while looking for employment. Luckily, she has another state that she calls home and decided to return back to Anchorage. There she was fortunate enough to find employment at All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery. Now Dhanika is working full time as a Dental Assistant and earning $20.00 per hour. Way to go Dhanikarene! A true example of “e Kulia i ka nu’u”