For Lauro Delos-Santos Jr., graduating from Honolulu Community College in 2026 with an associate of arts degree in Hawaiian Studies is more than just an achievement—it’s a life-changing triumph he never imagined.
Before enrolling at Honolulu CC, Delos-Santos and his wife were living at the Keahou Emergency Homeless Shelter. In September of 2020, a team from Honolulu CC’s Hawaiian Center visited the shelter to teach Hawaiian studies. For 12 weeks, Delos-Santos engaged in Hawaiian history, mythology, navigation, biology, politics, hula and even taro growing. By the end of the program, he was invited to consider returning to school—with financial aid support.
‘You can do it’
Despite initial hesitation—Delos-Santos had been recently released from prison, was on probation, and had a history as a convicted felon—Niuhelewai Program Specialist Kapulani Tuifanu and Native Hawaiian Counselor Kahale Saito persisted. They kept telling him, “You can do it.” They guided him through financial aid applications, course selection and introduced him to computers—something Delos-Santos had never used before.
With financial aid and careful planning, Delos-Santos was able to save money, obtain a driver’s license, buy a car, secure an apartment, and obtain a GED. He got his identifications in order, registered to vote, and maintained sobriety—milestones he once thought impossible.
“Ever since I came to Honolulu CC, nothing but good things have happened,” he said. “Angelic forces definitely were involved here. I’m so grateful.”
Six months after Delos-Santos started at Honolulu CC, he was given early release from probation, and his felony convictions were exonerated due to good behavior.
Hawaiian Studies helped Delos-Santos find himself through learning about his Hawaiian culture—gaining confidence, engaging with the community, and exploring self-discovery and wellness. He continued to see his substance abuse counselor, whom he credits as one of the influential factors in his recovery.
Helping others
Delos-Santos’ commitment extends beyond academics. He serves as a peer mentor at the Hawaiian Center, seeking to aid other students. He also led the Honolulu CC Math Society as 2024 president, preparing fellow students for quizzes and exams.
“Now, I want to be the person who helps others, like how I’ve been helped,” he said.
Delos-Santos credits much of his success to the supportive culture at Honolulu CC.
“Anytime you need some help with anything, you can find it here. It’s just like home,” he said. “You can always come here, and you’ll be taken care of.”
Delos-Santos will attend the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 in fall 2026 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies with a focus on child and family services. His goal is to earn a master’s degree and become a licensed social worker, giving back to the community that supported him.
He has advice for current and prospective students, “If you have doubts, remember these four words: ‘You can do it!’ The support you need is here.”
—By Iris Greges
