Dr. Isabel Parraga grew up in Kalaheo and graduated from Waimea High School in 1965, and was the 1967 valedictorian of Kaua‘i Community College. She is now an award-winning expert in dietetics. In April she received the Distinguished Alumna of
Dr. Isabel Parraga grew up in Kalaheo and graduated from Waimea High School in 1965, and was the 1967 valedictorian of Kaua‘i Community College. She is now an award-winning expert in dietetics.
In April she received the Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award from the Dietetics Program in the Department of Human, Environmental and Consumer Resources at Eastern Michigan University.
The honor is given for leadership roles and outstanding contributions to the profession of nutrition and dietetics.
Parraga is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Parraga of Kalaheo, and she is a frequent visitor to Kaua‘i.
During her career on the Mainland she has conducted international health research in Bolivia, Kenya and Brazil.
Parraga completed her education at Eastern Michigan University and Case Western Reserve University. She holds a doctorate in anthropology and maintains secondary appointments in the Department of Anthropology and Center for International Health, Division of General Medical Sciences at CWRU in addition to her position in the Department of Nutrition. She is the director of the Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition Internship Program, and is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Parraga provided The Garden Island with advice for 2004 grads. In an e-mail from the Midwest she answered the following questions:
What advice would you give a student on Kaua‘i today who wants to venture out in the world outside to seek a college degree and join a profession?
“You can make life anything you wish. Seize every opportunity to create your own life, and then go out and live it. Start with a vision, follow your dream, and graduate from high school. Believe in yourself, for if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you either. Tuition scholarships and financial aid abound at universities, especially for minority populations. Education is the foundation of successful societies, so strive for scholastic achievement.”
Has growing up on Kaua‘i helped you in any particular way during your career?
“One of the big influences in my life is my father. From him I gained the perspective of ethical behavior. He taught me to be objective and nonpartisan by thoughtfully analyzing a situation, weighing all options, and selecting the best solution. When faced with a difficult decision, I often think of how my father would handle it. He also instilled in me respect for humanity.
“The philosophy of ‘ohana has bred in me a sense of civic responsibility. I believe that this is responsible for my success in mentoring younger colleagues and students.
“The fact that Kaua‘i is so geographically remote makes me realize that anything is possible if you are willing to break from the norm. This has helped me numerous times in overcoming obstacles, and in realizing my potential and strength. Also, the vast difference in cultural and societal norms between the Mainland and Kaua‘i made me realize that people can successfully exist under very diverse conditions.”
Any memorable times with Kaua‘i people on the Mainland?
“One of the most special times occurred last summer when Mary Ann McMillen and her brother Henry Taeza accompanied my aged mother to visit me in Cleveland. My mother is unable to travel alone, and without their kokua, the visit seemed very unlikely.
“Also, 20 years after graduation, I started attending my high-school reunions. Since these have been some of my most memorable and fulfilling occasions, I have attended almost all of the reunions in the next 20 years! It has been fascinating to track the progress of people with whom I shared so much of my life.
“These Waimea High School classmates are always welcoming, and still give so much of themselves and Kaua‘i at each reunion. Old friendships have been rekindled, and even strengthened. They have made me comfortable in my plan to retire to Kaua‘i.”
Chris Cook is editor of The Garden Island. He may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 227), or ccook@pulitzer.net.
