Finding Her Way Back: Olivia Pascual’s Lāna‘i Story
Written by Anthony Kaauamo
Olivia Agtarap Pascual, a Lāna‘i High & Elementary School graduate of 1998, has charted a remarkable path in her health care career. After leaving Lāna‘i for four years to study in Colorado, then dedicating 13 years to med-surg nursing at Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu, the pull to return to Lāna‘i grew stronger. In 2016, the timing felt right for such a move; Olivia was keen on returning to her roots, her husband Neizen Pascual was retiring from the Navy, and a job opportunity presented itself on the island. “And life got busy. O‘ahu got busy. And quite honestly, at that point in my life, I was ready to come home. And it was the perfect opportunity. A childhood friend of mine, Cindy Figuerres, called me and said, ‘hey, I got a job opportunity.’ And I think the stars aligned,” Olivia recounted. With their two daughters, Alexa and Sophia, the family moved back to Lāna‘i, where in 2017, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Avery.
Upon returning, Olivia embraced a new role as the clinical operations officer at Lāna‘i Community Health Center (LCHC). Yet, her longing for direct patient interaction lingered. At the age of 40, this desire prompted a pivotal decision. “My decision to go back to school really stems from missing patient care. I honestly really missed my patients,” she expressed. This sentiment, coupled with encouragement from her mentor, former LCHC Executive Director Diana Shaw, propelled Olivia to pursue further education.
The challenge of juggling motherhood, a full-time job and studies was formidable. “It was a struggle, but I think when you have a vision and you know what you want, you’re going to go for it. And so, I kept pushing and I kept chugging on through, and many times I didn’t see the light, but it was there. So, I am grateful for the journey,” Olivia shared. “It strengthened me in many different ways. Not to say I feel invincible right now, but I feel like I could take on more with the community.” Her perseverance paid off as she completed a Master of Science in nursing as a family nurse practitioner in August of 2023 through the University of Southern California’s virtual program, all while supporting her family.
In March of this year, Olivia transitioned to her new role as a family nurse practitioner at the Lāna‘i Community Health Center, facing the initial hurdles of administrative tasks with optimism. “There is so much purpose in this profession I chose to continue,” she shared, eager to enhance her contributions to the community’s health. Olivia’s journey, underscored by determination and community support, serves as a powerful example for her daughters and Lāna‘i’s youth. She emphasizes the importance of hard work and commitment to achieving one’s goals, demonstrating that despite challenges, success is attainable. Olivia’s dedication to health care and the Lāna‘i community illuminates her enduring commitment to improving the well-being of its people.