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Grace Nushida
For Grace Nushida, a leap across the Pacific became the experience that inspired her future. While studying at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, she earned a scholarship to study abroad in Okinawa—the only Hawaiʻi student selected to attend the newly opened Okinawan Prefecture Arts University in Shuri.
She describes her year abroad as a life-changing immersion into music, culture, cuisine and her Okinawan heritage.
Transformative experience abroad
Nushida and family
“Studying in Okinawa was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to live in a foreign country where I didn’t speak the language fluently, which pushed me far outside my comfort zone,” Nushida said. “Okinawa gave me the courage to fail, reflect and grow.”
Back home, Nushida completed a bachelor of arts in communications in 1996. She credits UH Mānoa for giving her the foundation to succeed both personally and professionally.
UH isn’t just where I earned my degree, it’s where I learned how to lead, listen and grow.
—Grace Nushida
Formative years at UH Mānoa
“My time at UH was incredibly formative. I had excellent professors in the College of Communications and one of my elective courses with Glen Grant left a lasting impression. He was legendary among students for his captivating storytelling, while dressing up and sharing Hawaiʻi ghost stories that made learning unforgettable,” she said.
Leadership, connection and community
Today, Nushida is sales manager at UHA Health Insurance, where she works to make health coverage easier to understand and access. She stays closely connected to UH and its alumni ʻohana, carrying forward the lessons and values she learned on campus.
“As someone who works closely with businesses across Hawaiʻi, I’m constantly presenting to, collaborating with or servicing UH alumni. That shared connection opens doors, builds trust and reminds me we’re all part of something bigger,” she said. “UH isn’t just where I earned my degree, it’s where I learned how to lead, listen and grow.”
Read Nushida’s full Q&A.
AloJapan.com