Olomana Loomis ISC

For Mele Rita, working in education was never a backup plan. It was the dream.

She started as a teaching assistant while still in high school and knew she wanted to work with students. Through Kauaʻi Community College and UH West Oʻahu's online transfer program, she was able to earn her degree while staying on the island she calls home.

Today, she is doing the work she always hoped to do, helping the next generation of students find their own path.

For Leilani Wendt, the most important thing she found at community college was not a major or a career path.

It was people.

As a first-generation college student, starting college felt overwhelming at first. But at Leeward Community College, she found classmates who became close friends and a support system that helped her thrive.

When it was time to transfer to UH Mānoa, they did it together. Her message to future students was simple: community college gave her community. The rest naturally followed.