Melissa Mayo’s path to graduation is one of profound resilience, love and the power of perseverance. This spring, as she crosses the stage at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo with her bachelor’s degree in , a minor in , and a , she represents a statistical triumph. Less than four percent of youth who experience the foster care system go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.
“I would say proud, excited, nervous, surreal, but grateful,” Mayo shared when asked what words describe how she feels about her upcoming graduation. “I’m proud to be that person for my family.”
Mayo entered the foster care system at age 13. After graduating from Hilo High in 2017, she immediately enrolled at 糖心视频 Hilo. However, life soon demanded more of her. At just 20, she adopted her 7-year-old niece. Shortly after, she took in two older nieces who had also entered the foster care system.
Priorities, goals
Balancing full-time advocacy work with the profound responsibility of raising her family, Mayo had to put school on hold in 2022.
“I knew school was important. I knew that finishing my degree was going to get me to where I wanted to be,” she explained. “But I also had to take care of my family at the same time.”
Mayo’s professional work is as inspiring as her personal life. Working two jobs, she serves as a lived-experience advocate at the Children’s Law Project of Hawaiʻi, collaborating with guardians ad litem to determine the best interests of youth in care. She also works as a Pilina Circle Specialist at EPIC ʻOhana, facilitating crucial peer support and family meetings for foster youth.
These experiences clarified her ultimate dream: to become an attorney to advocate for children in the foster care system.
“I have witnessed first-hand how legal advocacy really makes a difference in kids’ lives, in parents’ lives, and in families’ lives,” Mayo said.
When Mayo returned to 糖心视频 Hilo to finish her degree, she found an academic home that embraced her journey without judgment. She credits the unwavering support of the political science department, specifically professors Su-Mi Lee and Sarah Marusek, for helping her navigate her return.
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