A triumphant journey

Melissa Mayo will graduate from UH Hilo this May with her bachelor’s degree in political science, a minor in gender and women's studies, and a pre-law certificate.

Melissa Mayo’s path to graduation is not a story of ease, but 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 political science, a minor in gender and women's studies, and a pre-law certificate, 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.

Mayo with her daughter when they were both in foster care. (Photo courtesy: Melissa Mayo)

“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 UH 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.

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 UH 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 Prof. Su-Mi Lee, PhD, and Prof. Sarah Marusek, PhD, for helping her navigate her return.

"I felt like when I came back, I was welcomed with open arms into such a positive situation," Mayo reflected. "It's as if no time had passed. It was so supportive."

Mayo with her daughter, who is now 13. (Photo courtesy: Melissa Mayo)

As she prepares to receive her diploma, Mayo's daughter and nieces will be in the audience, watching their greatest advocate achieve her dream. Looking ahead to law school, Mayo hopes her story proves that a winding path does not mean an impossible one.

“I know that college is in the cards for them, and even if it’s not a linear path, even if they have to keep trying to make it to the finish line as I did. They will have seen that it's possible and they will have the support to do it,” said Mayo, whose future goals now include ensuring that her daughter and nieces have a chance to follow in her footsteps.

Melissa Mayo’s triumph is a testament to the fact that with dedication, community, and the right support system, any student can build a brighter future at UH Hilo.