For over three decades, Selmajean Amaral “Aunty Selma” has been a smiling positive presence at Nānākuli High and Intermediate School. After 32 years as an Educational Assistant and 34 years serving NHIS, Aunty Selma is preparing to retire. Leaving behind a legacy built on love, compassion, and dedication to students. 

For Aunty Selma, working at Nānākuli was never simply a job. “This is not a job,” Amaral said. “This is a blessing for real. I love my job.”

Originally from Kalihi, Aunty Selma first came to Nānākuli in 1991 after moving to the West Side with her husband’s family. She began working as a Paraprofessional Teacher before becoming an Educational Assistant, a role she would remain in for more than 30 years. Although she worked in nearly every department on campus, from English and math to science and special education classrooms, she says the students were always what kept her here. 

“These kids make my day,” Amaral said. “You don’t gotta pay me. I would really do it for free.”

Throughout the years, Aunty Selma became known for the relationships she built with students. She believed every student was teachable and often encouraged teachers to better understand the students and culture of the community they served.

“You gotta understand the kids,” Amaral says. “Every student is teachable. You just gotta find ways and love them.”

English teacher, Matt Deeley, who worked closely alongside Aunty Selma, described her as someone who constantly uplifted both students and staff. 

“She was “Mrs. Optimism” each and every day, setting a positive example for all of our students and lifting up all those around her, showing them how to reach their best,” Deely said. 

Deely said one of the things he will remember most was Amaral’s unwavering positivity and belief that challenges could always be overcome. 

“Every day, when we would plan the next lesson, she always said, ‘It’s going to work because we’ll make it work,’” Deely mentioned.  “And that was always true.”

For many students, Aunty Selma provided more than academic support. She created a sense of comfort and safety that made students feel welcomed the moment they entered the classroom. 

 “Students will miss that feeling of safety the moment they walk into the room, knowing she’s there to listen without judging,” Deely said. “They will miss the Real Talk, how she doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear, but tells you what you need to hear to grow.”

Aunty Selma said connecting with students always came naturally to her because she believed understanding students beyond the classroom mattered most.

“Sometimes students have so much baggage,” Amaral explained,“You just gotta understand them.”

Longtime colleague and friend Lenora Kaakau, who has known Aunty Selma for nearly 27 years described her as someone whose personality naturally brought joy to others. 

“She is always open, loving, smiling and makes others feel comfortable and happy,” Kaakau said.

Aunty Selma’s positivity became one of the defining parts of her presence on campus. She joked during her interview that she barely knew how to stay angry. 

“I don’t know how it feels to be angry,” Amaral joked. “When I get angry, I gotta take Tylenol because I get a headache.”

Even after decades on campus, Amaral says she never lost her love for coming to school each day.

“Being here at the school was the most wonderful thing,” Amaral said. “It feels like heaven. I love coming to school.”

Beyond campus, Amaral’s life centered around family. Married for nearly 50 years, she raised her children while balancing work and family responsibilities, later seeing many of her grandchildren attend Nānākuli as well. She described her life as “full” and said her experiences shaped the caring person students and staff came to know.

As retirement approaches, Amaral says she looks forward to traveling more with her husband and spending time with family, but admits leaving the students behind is difficult. 

“If it wasn’t for my husband wanting me to retire, I would still be working,” said Amaral.

When asked what message she wanted to leave behind for students and staff, Amaral shared advice that reflected the positivity she carried throughout her years at Nānākuli.

“If you fall down, stand up, dust yourself off, and try again,” Amaral said. “Enjoy life.”

A Letter from Aunty Selma: NHIS…Why You

I have decided to retire as an educator and to close that part of my life. Now, I am ready to open a new chapter while living life to the fullest. My heart will always be Nānākuli Eʻa Eʻa.

Nānākuli High & Inter was a blessing all by itself to me. Who would ever think that I would base my entire life of education spent only on this beautiful campus. The feeling of honor and blessed played a big part in this. Given that opportunity to be a part of Nānākuli High & Inter Ohana became a blessing in disguise. Being that person I am, I didn’t realize I always gave a positive aura while wearing a warm smile on my face. I love to share that warm ray of sunshine with others. I love greeting others with “hi or hello or aloha” and “have a good day.” No matter what time of day: I would be asked “how are you doing” or “how’s your day?” My reply would always be “it’s always a good day,” while wearing a smile. Nānākuli will always hold a special place in my heart, a place that will always be my Ohana. For a person willing to: teach students without getting paid, turn down a position in a brand new school, go to their own class reunion and forget their own alma mater, that is what a true Nānākuli person is. I will miss being her to share all my aloha with you. Take care and god bless.

Aloha,

Aunty Selma Amaral/Ms. Amaral

“If you should fall…Stand back up, dust yourself, go on and live life to its fullest.”