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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, June 9, 2005

ALL-STAR KID
Teen inspired to pursue pediatrics for Tongan kids

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Elizabeth Tatofi has seen the remarkable things American doctors have been able to do for her youngest sister, who suffers from a heart defect.

Her observations at her sister's medical appointments have inspired the 16-year-old Academy of the Pacific graduate to pursue a career in pediatric cardiology. The first-generation Tongan-American hopes to open a clinic on her parents' property in Tonga.

Elizabeth Tatofi

Age: 16

School: Academy of the Pacific

Grade: Graduate

"If everything goes the way I want it to, and if I do become a doctor ... I want to move back there and set up a clinic there just for the children," she said. "Right now the kids there only get the medical attention they can afford. I could give them the medical attention that they need."

Elizabeth graduated last week, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Mufi Hannemann, a family friend, agreed to give the commencement address because of her achievements.

Elizabeth's parents and grandparents moved to Hawai'i before she was born because of educational opportunities. The oldest of five children, Elizabeth has taken full advantage of the schools here, excelling in public school and moving to a private school in eighth grade.

While many students attend AOP because of difficulties at other schools, Elizabeth chose the school for its small class size and individual instruction.

Getting and giving advice

Who helped you? "My grandfather. ... He's like the biggest person in my life. He always lectures me and tells me stories and gives me advice," she said.

When things go wrong, "I always remember what he says and it goes right again and it's back on track."

What advice would you give to other kids who want to follow your example? "Take advantage of life as much as possible because you don't know what can happen tomorrow."

After blending in with the crowd at King Intermediate, the once-shy Elizabeth was able to come out of her shell at the 150-student AOP.

"It's a small school and so diverse and everyone is so different," she said. "I just started running for things and organizing events and stuff."

She has served as a student representative, vice president of the student council and president of the National Honor Society.

Her efforts have earned her the YWCA's "Ordinary Women Who've Done Extraordinary Things," scholarship.

Elizabeth has made her education a priority even when it has meant being separated from her grandparents and parents, who moved to Maui when her grandfather was asked to start a church there. She has been living with extended family.

Elizabeth will begin college at the University of Hawai'i on full scholarship, but hopes to eventually attend Stanford University.

She had planned to be a lawyer, but attending doctor appointments with her 7-year-old sister, Melenaite, changed her mind. Melenaite is on a pacemaker and cannot do many active things, but Elizabeth said otherwise the little girl is able to live a life full of song and laughter.

"I realized what the doctors do is tremendous," she said. "They way they do things, it inspired me to help out the children in Tonga."

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8014.