In a journey defying expectations, Dora Figueroa, a Hispanic student from Brownsville, Texas, set her sights on marine biology at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�. Breaking away from the conventional career paths in her community, Figueroa’s passion for science led her to pursue a degree that many around her didn’t anticipate.

“Where I’m from, not a lot of Hispanic students like me take interest in science, it’s usually business or communications,” said Figueroa. “I remember myself and one other student getting excited for science fairs, but everyone else just saw them as assignments.”

Figueroa knew that if she wanted to pursue marine biology, she needed to maximize her learning opportunities, leading her to UH ����ԴDz�—a campus that would allow her to research aquatic life and ecosystems unlike those back home.

“I would never see reefs like this where I’m from, so I hope to implement what I learned at UH ����ԴDz� in grad school when I return to Texas,” Figueroa said. “And with the skills I’ve gained, I also hope to intern and be an education specialist at Sea Turtle, Inc., a sea turtle rehabilitation center I used to volunteer at when I was in high school.”

When you’re a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, there is no blueprint on how to be a college student—you ARE the blueprint.
—Dora Figueroa

She will earn a bachelor of science in marine biology, with a minor in political science, and will be among the participants at UH ����ԴDz�’s on Saturday, December 16, 9 a.m. at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Making the most of her opportunities

Figueroa comes from an immigrant family—her parents came to the United States from Mexico with the hopes and intentions of giving their children (Dora and her sister) the life and opportunities they didn’t have.

“My parents are hard workers, and because I saw the hard work and dedication they have, and the sacrifices they made to give me a better life, I was motivated to make the most of the opportunities and resources available to me,” said Figueroa.

She participated in a summer marine biology program at UH ����ԴDz� prior to her first semester in fall 2020 that allowed her to advance in her major sooner. She also gained support and resources from , and earned numerous scholarships—including one from the that will open doors for her to careers and internships after graduation.

A student supporting students

When she first arrived at UH ����ԴDz�, she said it was difficult for her to do things on her own, especially considering that she’s a first-generation college student. She did her research and also gained all the information she could about the campus by meeting with others from various departments. Because of this experience, she was inspired to help other students as an academic advisor, and provide them the support they need for their own journeys.

“When you’re a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, there is no blueprint on how to be a college student—you ARE the blueprint. You can make any choice, decision, anything you want, and you can’t let any roadblock stop you from achieving that,” said Figueroa.

She added, “This is part of what I tell the students I advise all the time, and I think it’s great advice for any student pursuing higher education—it’s okay to not know what you want to do, it’s okay to keep exploring majors to find what you best excel at, as long as you keep going and keep making progress.”

“For the majority of my life I was in and out of prison. Domestic violence, crime and trauma had me on a total path of destruction. Four years ago I was sitting in a prison cell filled with feelings of guilt and shame. I couldn’t look at myself. I couldn’t care for my kids, and their cries would haunt me day in and day out,” said Sophia Kaawa-Aweau.

The 2023 spring commencement speaker was describing her life prior to contact with the college. Her speech at the ceremony in May was posted to , and by late June had been viewed more than 15,000 times, with more than 150 shares.

“I was failing as a mom and I failed my mother, who had to carry [my children] through my prison [sentence] and my addiction. Getting arrested was the best thing that happened to me. It gave me time to reflect and regain my self-esteem, through prison, and Windward Community College courses,” Kaawa-Aweau said. “I took a chance and studied hard and passed all the courses that were offered. I then received my psychosocial developmental studies certificate and this is where I felt inspired to go back to school and continue my education. As soon as I came out of prison I enrolled at WCC.”

According to Kaawa-Aweau, college was life changing. She said she gained personal knowledge and awareness from every course. At Windward CC, she also acquired the tools to help to grow into who she is today. She graduated summa cum laude with associate’s degrees in liberal arts and Hawaiian studies.

She said, “I can look at myself today. I can care for my kids. I’m not a failing mom and I’m making it up to my mother. I will be someone for my kids and my mom to depend on.”

“Sophia’s story is a true testament to the supportive aloha of a Windward CC education. Through services like our Puʻuhonua Program in incarcerated facilities and our TRiO Student Support Services program on campus, our faculty and staff serve students so they can achieve their dreams despite huge barriers,” said Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “Sophia never gave up; she is an inspiration to the entire community.”

Kaawa-Aweau’s story doesn’t end with turning things around at Windward CC.

“Today, I’m graduating with honors and I will continue to pursue my degree in social work because of my personal experiences and because of my growth in myself and in my education,” said Kaawa-Aweau, who was accepted into the social work program at UH Mānoa and plans to eventually pursue a master’s degree. “I want to help women who have been where I’ve been because I know that the struggle is real, and I believe that education helped me regain my life in ways that I cannot explain.”

—By Kelli Trifonovitch

(Editor’s note: Honolulu Community College alumna Camille McComas shared these remarks with the University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents on May 18, 2023.)

Aloha nui kākou! I am Camille Kanani McComas and I am honored to share my journey with all of you.

“I understood myself only after I destroyed myself, and only in the process of fixing myself did I know who I really was.”

This quote by Sade Andria Zabala is one that I closely relate to. You see, five years ago if someone were to tell me that I would be standing in front of you all, I would have laughed at the idea. At the time, college was one of the furthest things from my mind. To make a long story short, five years ago, I was lost in a vicious cycle of addiction, toxic relationships and dreadful decision-making. I was unrecognizable to my family and I was not the girl my mother raised me to be. I couldn’t understand it at the time, but the universe had a plan for me.

It was July 4, 2019 and I found out I was six weeks pregnant. Lost and afraid, I knew that things needed to change and on that day, I found my reason. Life was giving me a second chance and I made a conscious decision to face my demons. Soon after giving birth, I enrolled into college knowing that a college degree would ensure that my new child and I would have a shot at life.

TODAY, I am a product of grace…I have 1,414 days clean. I count my days to remind myself that it took one day to get to two…two to get to three…and so on. God willing, this coming 4th of July, I will make four years.

TODAY, I am a mother to a beautiful three-year-old named Brooklyn, who attends pre-school here at the Honolulu CC Keiki Hauʻoli Children’s Center. My mama calls her my North Star because she brought me home. She is my reason!

TODAY, I am present for my family and through my actions they have come to see that I will no longer be absent. They no longer cry tears of sadness, but now cheer so loud for all of my accomplishments. They are my reason!

TODAY, I am truly fortunate to be embraced by so many beautiful souls who have cheered me on and never stopped believing in me. They are my reason!

TODAY, I am the president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a student advocate for the Collegiate Recovery Leadership Academy, a 2022 Soroptimist International “Live Your Dream Award” recipient, a 2023 American Association of University Women scholarship recipient, a student assistant in the counseling office where I work with amazing academic advisors, an intern at the John A Burns School of Medicine where I conduct cardiovascular research, a Ola Niuhelewai (student support program) Mauli Ola (well-being) student leader, an entrepreneur, and an active participant of TRIO-[Student Support Services] and, of course, Poʻi Nā Nalu (Honolulu CC’s Native Hawaiian career and technical education program). Through Poʻi Nā Nalu, I’ve found my forever home here. They are my reason!

I repeated the word “TODAY” to convey the significance of what I am given. What I have is a daily reprieve and it is only just for today!

• Read more about McComas’ story: Graduate found healing, hope at Honolulu CC

As of last week, I am now a graduate of Honolulu Community College. I will be transferring to UH ����ԴDz� this fall to enter into public health in epidemiology and Indigenous health. I couldn’t have done it without the amazing people and programs at Honolulu CC. They accepted and guided me, these people have embraced me, flaws and all for which I am forever grateful!

In closing, I leave you with this. A few weeks ago, I was able to represent our school and chapter at the Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst Conference in Columbus, Ohio where Honolulu CC’s chapter Alpha Kappa Iota won the Hallmark Award for Distinguished College Project. I sat through many workshops and sessions and I got to listen to many keynote speakers including �鶹��ý’s own Manti Teʻo. During his speech he said two things that resonated with me. The first is, “When your WHY is strong the HOW is easy.” The second is something that I now get to say about myself, “I trust my next chapter because I know who the author is.” I am Camille Kanani McComas and this is just my beginning!

Mahalo Honolulu Community College for being a BIG part of my story and I hope to make all of you proud!

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded ’s TRIO-Student Success Services (TRIO-SSS) program a five-year grant totaling $1,370,685 to support eligible students in achieving their academic goals.

“Given this time of uncertainty, we are grateful to receive continued funding to support eligible Honolulu CC students on their academic journey,” said Jolene Suda, TRIO-SSS project director. “As a former participant and graduate of a TRIO-SSS program, I know firsthand the difference TRIO programs make and have witnessed the life-changing effects of the program on our students.”

TRIO-SSS is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education. TRIO stands for the first three programs created to assist and support low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities with matriculation through the academic pathway beginning at middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

The TRIO-SSS program provides a full-range of academic support, career guidance, transfer planning and professional development opportunities to qualified students. Those students receive individualized assessment, dedicated advising, small group tutoring, mentoring, cultural and educational workshops, club and community service activities and other academic support at no cost.

Students who participate in the program show higher persistence and graduation rates, transfer to a four-year campus in greater numbers and feel more supported versus their peers who don’t participate in the program. Since 2005, approximately 2,400 students have been served through Honolulu CC’s TRIO-SSS program.

• Related UH News story: Nearly $2.3M awarded to UH ����ԴDz� Student Support Services, September 18, 2020

Student stories

Bobby Wen, a graduate of Honolulu CC and the TRIO program, earned his associate degree in liberal arts and transferred to the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, where he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Wen, who is working for a major construction company as a preconstruction engineer estimator, said, “The TRIO program has been instrumental for me to complete my college career. They provided guidance that I didn’t even know I needed. As a first-generation college student, this was a big accomplishment for my family and me. The program also instills skills such as leadership, initiative and team mentality that I continue to grow and use in my professional career.”

Honolulu CC and TRIO program graduate Jan Vierra earned her associate degree in cosmetology. As a non-traditional college student, Vierra said that the “TRIO-SSS program was my support, my lifeline, and they gave me a sense of being a part of a family. I always had a place to study, get tutored, and when I needed support or encouragement, TRIO-SSS was always there. Because of TRIO-SSS, I was able to graduate in a timely manner, and due to one of the transfer college events, I realized I wanted to earn a four-year degree. I would highly recommend this program to all students that qualify. I am so grateful for TRIO-SSS.”

She went on to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in human development and family services from UH ����ԴDz� and is currently employed as the academic support coordinator for the TRIO-SSS program at Honolulu CC.

JoAnn Tuifanu, another graduate of Honolulu CC and the TRIO program, earned her associate degree in liberal arts. As a non-traditional, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Island student, Tuifanu said, “TRIO has been a home away from home for me. TRIO’s caring staff, tutors and coaches helped me build the academic foundation needed to achieve my associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree.”

Upon attaining her degree from Honolulu CC, Tuifanu transferred to UH ����ԴDz�, where she went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. She is preparing to take the licensed master social worker exams and is interested in providing services within the field of behavioral health.

For more information about Honolulu CC’s TRIO-SSS, visit:

The has received a highly competitive U.S. Department of Education federal totaling more than $2.27 million to help 265 students annually over the next five years.

The UH ����ԴDz� helps increase graduation and retention rates of first generation college students and those with high financial need. The grant will provide many services, including academic advising for all majors, financial aid advice, career and graduate school mentoring, and referrals to other services. Such services enhance academic success and increase the likelihood that students will graduate with the lowest possible debt.

“Last year the SSS program had a 98 percent retention rate, and we regularly have about an 80 percent graduation rate each year. Much of this is due to the close relationships we develop with our students,” said Barbara Watanabe, SSS director. “We are able to give personalized information to help them graduate as efficiently as possible and write strong letters of recommendations for scholarships, jobs and graduate schools.”

One of those graduates is Jill Chapman, a public health major. “I was a non-traditional college student and the first to attend a university in my family. I was nervous and unsure how to navigate the UH system, apply for scholarships, and how to access the resources available to me on campus,” she said. “My advisor at SSS gave me guidance and support that made it possible to graduate on time. I strongly suggest any students with questions about college pursue this opportunity to be part of the SSS ʻohana.”

The SSS program originated with other TRIO programs in the Higher Education Act of 1965 and has been present and continually funded on the UH ����ԴDz� campus since 1970. TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America.

Activities to celebrate will take place in various forms throughout the academic year.

The people of �鶹��ý have acknowledged the outstanding work done by numerous University of �鶹��ý campuses, helping UH appear among the greatest in the state in Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s , released on Sunday, August 16.

The 2020 honors include:

• Best College:
• Best Career and Technical Education:
• Best Career and Technical Education Finalists: ,
• Best Tutoring Center: , Windward CC
• Best Art Gallery Finalist: , Windward CC
• Best Live Theatre Finalist: Leeward CC

“It’s gratifying and humbling to see multiple UH campuses recognized as the best by the readers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser,” said UH President David Lassner. “This is a credit to our amazing and devoted faculty and staff who have adapted repeatedly to ensure UH continues to provide an excellent education for students during this unprecedented time. Public higher education has never been more critical to �鶹��ý, and every one of our campuses has remained steadfast in our commitment to to support students of all ages and backgrounds throughout the islands achieve their hopes and dreams.”

The �鶹��ý’s Best Awards are chosen each year by the readers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. This year’s publication featured more than 150 categories. Additionally, the 2020 �鶹��ý’s Best Awards marks another consecutive year for UH ����ԴDz� as the state’s Best College and Leeward CC’s sixth consecutive year of recognition in two categories.

“It is an honor for UH ����ԴDz� to be recognized as the Best College by the people of �鶹��ý,” said UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “The campus is dedicated to being a Hawaiian place of learning to better support the community in every aspect possible. UH ����ԴDz� has a creative and generous spirit, and I am proud of all the efforts made by our students, faculty and staff.”

“This selection of Windward CC‘s as �鶹��ý’s Best in two categories and finalist in another recognizes the hard work and love our faculty and staff invest in our students, changing lives and inspiring excellence,” added Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “Mahalo nui to the readers of Star-Advertiser for this award and to our students who make higher education relevant and meaningful.”

One of the many graduates joining in exuberant commencement caravan on May 22, was student speaker Bernadette Pada. An abuse survivor, whose mother went to jail when she was three, Pada shared her difficult and redemptive journey with fellow graduates through an inspirational address on the big screen.

“I’ve endured abuse growing up and it continued into my relationships. My life spiraled downhill, but after I had my children, I knew I wanted to break that cycle of abuse. I had two choices: stay and keep doing the same thing, or do something better with my life,” Pada said.

• Related UH News stories:
  • Windward CC celebrates commencement with caravan [VIDEO]
  • Photos: Congratulations spring 2020 UH grads!

She chose the latter. At age 26, Pada started at Windward CC as a single mom with two children, doubting herself and her abilities. She found the help she needed with , a program that provides scholarships and academic support, and Paipai Director Sarah Akina. The college’s TRiO student support services became a second home. Windward CC also helped her pursue her dream of becoming a social worker.

“It took long nights, dedication and hard work for me to get where I am today,” Pada said. “I took all the negative things that happened in my life—the pain, the hurt, abuse—and turned it into my life’s mission to give back to those who have gone through something similar. I want to go back into my community and work with children and teens that experience abuse and neglect. I want to be that light in someone else’s life, which is why I stand before you as the first of my family to graduate from college.”

Now the proud holder of an associate’s degree in liberal arts, Pada was recently accepted into the bachelor’s of social work program at UH Mānoa for fall 2020 and aspires to earn her master’s and PhD, as well.

She said, “I’m here as living proof that no matter where you come from, how hard your life may be, you can choose to make the best of it and be the best version of yourself.”

Adjusting to French 101 online during the University of �鶹��ý’s historic move to distance learning is just a fraction of the struggle for Pono Wong these days. The student has dreams of becoming a high school math teacher and looks forward to graduation in 2021. But completing his college education has been hindered by financial setbacks. Wong’s hours as a student tutor at were drastically cut back after COVID-19 precautionary measures were put into place.

“Rent is usually the problem. Our rent is $1,200. Sometimes we can make it to the end of the month. Sometimes we have to ask for help,” he explained.

The UH ����ԴDz� math major supports his parents and siblings in their two-bedroom apartment. He recently became the sole income provider after a life-threatening infection kept Wong’s dad from work the past several months. His tax returns have already been drained to mainly pay for rent.

Wong is still working for Windward CC’s but tutors strictly online. “I love my job. I love my students. They keep me motivated. They keep me on top of my game. It’s really funny, people say home is an escape. Work is my escape,” he said.

UH students in need of kōkua

A lot of my friends physically cried because they now had enough money to eat. Enough money to go on.
—Pono Wong

Luckily, Wong is one of hundreds of UH students who have received assistance so far from the .

As of April 15, a fundraising campaign launched by the in partnership with UH raised $1 million to benefit students facing financial hardships from all 10 UH campuses.

Wong wants donors to know how much of an impact their contribution has on students. “A lot of my friends physically cried because they now had enough money to eat. Enough money to go on,” he said.

—By Moanikeʻala Nabarro

Read more UH News stories about the UH Urgent Student Relief Fund and the students impacted:

• How to apply for the UH Urgent Student Relief Fund, March 31, 2020
• Great grandmother needs urgent relief for extended family, April 7, 2020
• Student relief: Architecture student left everything in China, needs help, April 13, 2020

Multiple University of �鶹��ý campuses have been recognized for their excellence by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s .

The 2018 honors included:

• Best College:
• Best Career and Technical Education:
• Best Career and Technical Education Finalists: ,
• Best Tutoring Center Finalist:
• Best Live Theatre Finalist:

“It’s gratifying to have readers of the state’s largest daily newspaper recognize their public institutions of higher education as the best,” said UH President and Interim UH ����ԴDz� Chancellor David Lassner. “I thank the dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to excellence at every campus of the University of �鶹��ý.”

The �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Best Awards are chosen each year by the readers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. More than 100 categories are included in this year’s publication, which was released on June 17, 2018. This was the fourth year in a row that Leeward CC received recognition in two categories.

Leeward Chancellor Manny Cabral said, “I’m so proud of winning these awards for four years in a row! Our workforce development continues to expand in both credit and non-credit areas. Being selected as �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Best is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of everyone at the college. We’re also thrilled for the finalist award for our theatre, which is currently in the final stages of renovation.”

University of �鶹��ý Mānoa’s (SEED) has been awarded two five-year grants totalling $2.3 million through the federal , which are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle to post-baccalaureate programs. The goal is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education.

The two funded projects will assist in targeting high schools to serve students with academic support services, such as online tutoring, college and career exploration, financial aid and scholarship workshops, access to summer internships and college campus visits.

On Oʻahu, the project will serve 500 students at Nānākuli and Waiʻanae high schools. On �鶹��ý Island, 500 students will be recruited to receive services from the Keaʻau, Kaʻū and Pāhoa high schools.

Maile Goo, a faculty member within the SEED office, will serve as principal investigator for these grants. Goo currently directs the , which aims to grow �鶹��ý’s science and technology workforce with more college graduates.