Brian Kohatsu's TRiO SSS Success Story

Name: Brian Kohatsu
Semester/Year Started at WCC: Spring 2010
Semester/Year Started in TRiO SSS: Spring 2010 
Degree(s) Earned at WCC or 4yr. college/university: BSW on 5/11/2013
Semester(s)/Year(s) Graduated: Spring 2013

How has TRiO SSS helped you/what services have you used?

As a participant of TRIO SSS I have utilized academic counseling services, tutoring 

Personal Statement:

My name is Brian Kohatsu, currently a senior at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, and a TRIO SSS participant. At the age of 44, I am in the midst of rebuilding my life and finding a new direction and purpose.  It is a very humbling experience to be back in school and restarting my career and life, yet I am very excited and hopeful. My path back to school has not been easy, filled with a lot of poor choices and the consequences that came with them. 

            In July of 2009 I was released from the Kauai Community Correctional Facility to Ho’o Mau Ke Ola, a substance abuse treatment center in Waianae, Oahu.  While in the disease of addiction, I lost everything that I held dear:  my family, five children, job, house, money, cars, etc.  Most importantly I lost my self respect and identity.  I found myself bankrupt spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  I had no answers to life, felt inadequate, unable to overcome my addiction, and basically in a hopeless state of mind and body.

            My educational journey began at Windward Community College.  Because of my criminal record and past drug addiction I was very apprehensive of returning to school.  The overwhelming fear of being an older non-traditional student almost discouraged me from following through with my education.  Then I was introduced to TRIO SSS.  I would discover an environment that would be instrumental in helping me achieve my academic goals.  Besides the many resources that TRIO offers such as free tutoring, academic counseling, and scholarships, the most important thing it provided me was this sense of acceptance.  Because TRIO participants are low income and first generation college students I was able to connect in a way that I would not have with other support groups on campus. 

            TRIO has been a vital part of my educational journey.  I truly believe that without this program I would not be where I am today, getting ready to receive my BSW from UH Manoa this May 2013, and have recently been accepted into their Advanced Standing MSW program.  The non-judgmental support that I received from TRIO has overflowed into my personal life as well.  I have since reunited with my family and have begun the process of healing with my children.  I have found my passion in the social work field and look forward to giving back to the community I took so much from.  I have rediscovered hope, which at one point in my life was non-existent.  TRIO has been instrumental in not only my academic journey but with helping me to discover the joy of living.  I am forever grateful to TRIO SSS.