Breaking barriers: Mom makes history as ASU Local-West Hawaii’s first graduate

When Reina Nieto was a child, she dreamed of studying distant worlds. Today, her ambitions are firmly grounded in understanding human life — and changing it for the better. This December, the Hawai’i resident will make history as the first graduate of ASU Local–West Hawai’i, earning her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences.

Nieto’s story is one of ambition and resilience. As a first-generation college student and mother of three, she balanced her education with family responsibilities, drawing on ASU Local’s flexibility and support to achieve her goals. Along the way, she inspired her siblings and community to see the transformative power of higher education.

From biology class to big dreams in health care

Nieto’s love for science began in high school AP Biology, where she first marveled at the complexity of life. Over time, that passion evolved into a commitment to patient care. Early in her career as a certified nursing assistant, she witnessed how meaningful connections with patients could transform lives. “It’s not just about treating the body — it’s about understanding the person,” she said.

After transferring from community college, Nieto discovered ASU Local West–Hawai’i, an undergraduate program launched as a partnership between Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu and Arizona State University. ASU Local offers rural communities access to over 180 degree programs, innovative learning, and tailored mentorship. Through virtual and in-person experiences, the program aims to empower students to become leaders, innovators and contributors to their communities, driving positive long-term change.  

“Reina’s success embodies the spirit of hoʻokahi ka ʻilau like ʻana, achieving great things through collective effort,” said Napua Rosehill, strategy consultant for Kamehameha Schools. “Her journey is a testament to the power of collaboration between KS Kaiāulu and ASU Local in creating opportunities for students to thrive in their communities.”

This partnership offered Nieto the flexibility she needed to pursue a degree while managing her responsibilities as a mother.“Before ASU, I was commuting three hours a day to attend classes,” Nieto shared. “That made it almost impossible to balance my education and family. ASU Local gave me the opportunity to focus on both.”

Turning obstacles into stepping stones

Nieto’s determination carried her through even the most demanding moments, including completing five courses during a summer term while caring for her children. She credits ASU’s supportive professors, like Ara Austin in Organic Chemistry, for making her success possible. 

“Prof. Austin took the time to really connect with students and understand where they were coming from, which motivated me to keep going,” she shared.

Key to her success was learning how to manage her time effectively. An early ASU assignment on time management helped her break her days into manageable tasks. “Even five minutes of focused effort can make a difference,” she said.

Damon Yoshida, ASU Local’s site leader, highlighted her impact: “Reina’s journey shows what is possible with determination and the right support. She is an example to her peers, her family and her community.”

Combining science and empathy 

Nieto’s health care aspirations began with her early experiences as a certified nursing assistant, but one memory stands out: an elderly couple holding hands in adjoining hospital beds. That moment reinforced her desire to connect with patients on a deeper level.

After graduation, she plans to apply to physician assistant programs, blending her love for science with her passion for compassionate care. She hopes to create meaningful connections with her patients and improve their lives both physically and emotionally.

“I’m thrilled to see that the first graduate of ASU Local–West Hawai‘i is a student from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,” said Kenro Kusumi, senior vice provost and dean of The College, which houses the School of Life Sciences. “I hope Reina’s experience with ASU Local inspires others to pursue online degrees through The College, where we are committed to creating supportive and accessible learning environments for all students.”

Reina Nieto’s journey — from a high school student inspired by biology to Hawai’i’s first ASU Local graduate — is a testament to resilience, determination and the transformative power of education. She’s not just breaking barriers for herself but also opening doors for others to follow.

“The ASU Local program is built on the belief that higher education should be accessible in the communities where students live,” said Kim Merritt, vice president of ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “Reina’s journey is a powerful example of how when given access to education that honors each student’s unique journey and connection to place, first-generation students can lead, inspire and create lasting change with their families and communities.”

Building a legacy for her family and future generations

As the first college graduate in her family, Nieto takes pride in creating a path for her younger siblings to follow. Her parents, who work in retail and management, always supported her education despite not having attended college themselves. “Being the firstborn and the first in my family to graduate from college means everything to me,” she said. “I want to show my siblings and others what’s possible.”

Her advice to students navigating challenges? “Every step, no matter how small, gets you closer to your goal. Just keep moving forward.”