It’s never too late to return to college and rediscover your path. Shanelle Hokuleʻa Dragomanovich’s higher education journey proves this. After graduating from Honolulu Community College’s Fashion Technology program in 2007, life took an unexpected turn when her infant son became seriously ill. She paused her academic and professional goals to care for him.
Years later, with her son now grown, Dragomanovich returned to Honolulu CC to pursue new skills in design—this time with a focus on technology. On May 16, she will graduate with an associate in science degree from Honolulu CC’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies (AEC) program, specializing in architectural technologies.
Drawn to the AEC program for its hands-on aspects, Dragomanovich discovered a passion for architectural design. Her background in art, dance, storytelling and fashion informed her studies and offered a unique perspective on the psychological impact and use of space.
The return to school wasn’t without challenges. Dragomanovich overcame her initial technological anxieties by adopting a “beginner’s mind,” finding that asking questions helped others too.
Her message to those considering a return to education: “It’s never too late.”
She emphasized how much she’s grown personally and professionally and is grateful for what she found at Honolulu CC. Dragomanovich credits her professors—especially AEC lecturer Michael Kaʻainoni—for his dedication to helping students attribute meaning and purpose to their work.
Kaʻainoni said, “As a Native Hawaiian and a woman, Ms. Dragomanovich is a testament that persistence, motivation and intelligence are necessary tools to break through life obstacles and that it elevates you to be a contributing member on campus, in the community and the greater society.”
Dragomanovich also found vital support through Poʻi Nā Nalu. The program’s goal is to prepare Native Hawaiian students for employment into high-demand occupations with family-sustaining wages by providing vigorous and culturally appropriate opportunities for academic and professional success.
“[Poʻi Nā Nalu] gave me the opportunity to meet other students from [the Fire & Environmental Emergency Response program] and other programs. [It] was so awesome. It provided a sense of community and place that is rare,” Dragomanovich said.
Her final advice to others: “Everything you want in life is standing on the opposite side of your fear.”
—By Iris Greges
