Late starter a college standout

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

KAHULUI, Maui — When Krista Jo Dusek was laid off from her tour company job after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, she was devastated and scared, facing an uncertain future.

Dusek

"I never thought I had the ability to handle college," said Dusek, now 36. "I wanted to go, but after 15 years (out of high school), the thought of it was intimidating."

Then she heard Maui Community College was offering 9/11 tuition waivers for people who lost their jobs in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. The waivers were offered by the University of Hawai'i for two years, through 2003, to those who were economically affected by the tragedy.

Waivers were granted to 128 students.

For Dusek, it was the incentive she needed.

Not only did Dusek handle college, she aced it, earning a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and collecting academic honors along the way. All the while, she supported her family by working as a coordinator of dental care for low-income patients and helping other students with financial-aid requests.

She also found time to volunteer as a soccer coach and as an advocate for children in crisis.

Dusek's latest honor was announced yesterday in a surprise ceremony at MCC.

She is one of only 25 recipients of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, selected from among 791 students nominated by 519 community and two-year colleges across the country. The scholarship pays for up to $30,000 in tuition per year.

Earlier this month, Dusek was named one of 20 members of USA Today's All-USA Community and Junior College Academic First Team. She received a trophy and a $2,500 cash award. In addition, she was given the title of 2005 New Century Scholar for Hawai'i, ranking No. 1 in the state for a national Coca-Cola scholarship, and was awarded a University of Hawai'i Presidential Scholarship.

Dusek, who will graduate May 15 with an associate of arts degree in liberal arts, will continue her education at UH-Manoa, where she plans to obtain her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work and pursue a career in the field, perhaps working in the state's Child Welfare Services branch.

MCC human services instructor Lee Stein said she took notice of the "shy and quiet" student when Dusek started classes three years ago. Stein said it wasn't long before Dusek began to show her academic and leadership potential, as she helped other students prepare for quizzes and other classwork.

"It's her nature," Stein said.

While in school, Dusek applied to become a dental assistant for a mobile dental care program and instead was hired to be the coordinator. It was on the job that she learned of the pressing need for better oral healthcare on Maui.

"It's become my passion," she said.

Dusek is trying to set up a governor's task force to provide dental care for the underinsured. What's more, as president of the MCC Human Services Club, she has organized the First Annual Walk for a Cause fund-raiser Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at MCC. Proceeds will go for uninsured patients needing oral surgery and to help adult Medicaid patients cover the cost of teeth restoration.

As for the honors being showered upon her, Dusek said: "This has all caught me off-guard. It was completely unexpected. Attending MCC has opened so many doors. It's been an incredible journey for me."

Dusek, who has a 15-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter, said she was raised to listen, learn and not to question.

"Now I question. Now I speak out," she said. "I learned that you have a voice and it matters."

Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.