A university campus bustling with deadlines, athletic drills, and caffeinated study marathons may seem an unlikely backdrop for toddler giggles and lullabies. Amid the daily academic hustle of a Utah college, Riho and Keali’iholo’okoa Maruyama have carved out a deeply heartfelt journey—raising their daughter, Hinami (fondly known as Nami), while pursuing their degrees
Riho, a native of Hawaii, stumbled upon the news of her pregnancy during the sweltering twilight of her senior year. After a grueling rugby practice, she took a pregnancy test—then four more, just to be certain. “The revelation left me reeling,” Riho, now 26, admits. The timing was bewildering, but rather than yielding to fear or abandoning aspirations, the couple chose transformation over retreat.
There was no meticulously laid plan for parenthood, but what emerged in its place was a living tapestry of mutual devotion, redefined priorities, and communal strength. From dorm neighbors and lecture mates to nearby kin and their church fellowship, a veritable mosaic of supporters gathered, forming what Riho and her husband fondly dubbed their “village.”
With this woven web of allies, the Maruyamas defied the stereotype that parenthood and higher education must exist on opposite shores. Keali’iholo’okoa, already holding a degree in emergency services, re-enrolled to broaden his academic journey. Riho, having completed a rigorous program in exercise science, pivoted gracefully into marketing studies—all while guiding a stroller through campus corridors.
Nami’s formative years are steeped in a rhythm unfamiliar to many children her age. She naps beneath whiteboards and toddles through halls echoing with academic debates. Yet, her world is brimming with affection, her days saturated with curious eyes, diverse conversations, and unwavering care. “She’s surrounded by dozens of ‘aunties and uncles’ who dote on her. She’s perceptive, effervescent, and adapts with startling ease,” Riho shares with a soft smile.
The duo’s daily itinerary resembles a symphony of shifting keys. As class times change and work commitments morph, they orchestrate an ever-evolving schedule where one is always present for Nami. “Gone are the days of impulsive getaways,” Riho concedes, “but in its place, we’ve sculpted a rhythm—imperfect, yet ours.”
Their apartment, more sanctuary than shelter, has evolved into a heartwarming hub of camaraderie. Friends—some living just a hallway away—drift in and out, whether to cradle Nami, offer helping hands, or simply bask in the light of shared moments. “When it comes to guiding her, they’re respectful and always ask,” says Riho. “But we trust them. They’ve earned that trust.”
The presence of a loving tribe made Riho’s postpartum journey remarkably buoyant. Sheltered by layers of care, she sidestepped the shadow of depression that haunts many new mothers. “To heal in an atmosphere soaked in love—it was indescribable,” she reflects.
As a gesture of appreciation, the couple began hosting weekly suppers—gatherings stitched with gratitude and homemade meals, where laughter bubbles freely and every dish whispers thanks. “Parenthood is no gentle breeze,” Riho says, “but it’s the most divine storm we’ve weathered. With steadfast faith and hearts who walk beside you, the path becomes not just possible, but wondrous.”
Source: people
