CHADRON – For Chadron State College sophomore Kimo Tuivaiti, leaving the tropical shores of American Samoa for the Nebraska plains was both an act of courage and faith.

“I was nervous when I first arrived in Chadron,” Tuivaiti said. “I feared being alone and not finding anyone to relate to. But I soon realized those fears were only in my head. As time went on, I found friends and peers who were also navigating their own journeys, and that gave me a sense of belonging.”

Tuivaiti is from Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, and the city’s mascot is an eagle. He traces his family roots across the islands of Tutuila and Manu’a. Those connections, he said, remind him that wherever he goes, his identity is grounded in the islands and his ancestors’ stories.

Before enrolling at CSC, Tuivaiti studied for a year at the American Samoa Community College and worked with Ray Tulafono, a Chadron State alumnus whose father, Togiola Tulafono, also attended CSC before becoming the governor of American Samoa.

“Seeing leaders like Governor Togiola and Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga, both of whom studied at CSC, inspired me,” Tuivaiti said. “Their journeys showed me that I, too, could pursue my education here and one day give back to my people.”

Tuivaiti said he experienced culture shock when moving to Chadron. The cold weather, new foods, and social differences were big adjustments after growing up in a close-knit island community. But he said the kindness and curiosity of people in northwest Nebraska helped him feel at home.

“What has surprised me the most about living in rural Nebraska is how welcoming and friendly people can be,” he said. “I didn’t expect people to be so curious and open to learning about my background. The slower pace of life and how much the community supports each other remind me of home in some ways.”

He is Legal Studies major with a minor in Political Science and a student broadcaster for CSC Live. As president of the International Club, Tuivaiti helps others learn about his culture through the club’s annual Food Tasting Party and conversations throughout the year. He has taught his friends a few Samoan words which makes him feel connected to home.

“Faith and respect are the core values of Samoan culture, and I carry them with me every day,” he said. “My grandmother always told me, ‘In all victories or losses, humbly give thanks to God.’”

Tuivaiti said he has been grateful for the encouragement of his faculty members and classmates.

“The professors here truly believe every student can succeed if given the right guidance,” he said. “That support has meant more to me than words can express.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Tuivaiti plans to attend law school and eventually return to American Samoa to serve his people. His dream is to represent them in Congress.

“What makes me proud to be Samoan is our deep sense of culture and identity,” he said. “Even though it’s a small island, it has a big heart. I carry that sense of pride, resilience, and community with me here in Nebraska.”

- Tena Cook