Ocean Akau

High school: Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi

Hometown: Panaʻewa, Hawaiʻi

Major: Psychology

Minor: Disability studies

Activities: Varsity women's water polo (Academic All-American), Psi Chi International Honor Society

Internships: Quad Cities Autism Center (QCAC)

Post-grad plans: I will be working toward my master's in applied behavior analysis at Brigham Young University, starting in the fall.

Why Augustana?

I never thought I would leave the West Coast, let alone the island of Hawaiʻi, for college. However, I chose Augustana primarily for the water polo program and the opportunity to be a part of a first-year program. I was really excited to be a part of building the school’s first women’s water polo team. 

After my visit, I also quickly fell in love with the idea of being at a small college that allowed me to grow close with all of my peers and professors.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

Not at all. I started my first year thinking I wanted to go into the health care field. However, I changed my major to psychology and never looked back. I would have never expected to switch my major, declare a minor, join a research lab or participate in an internship that would become my future career.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

There are so many people who have made an impact on me. First, my family, and specifically my parents, who have always supported me and are my biggest role models.

Next, my teammates and coaches who helped me build a home away from home. Being a student-athlete is not easy, but getting to be with them every day made it worth it. Special thanks to Coach Pryor for taking a chance on a girl from Hawaiʻi and for allowing me to grow as an athlete and person.

I want to thank the entire psychology department for all that I have learned from them over the years. Thank you to Dr. Nordling, who taught one of my first psychology courses and made me fall in love with the field; Dr. Lorenz, who helped me see how much fun research can be; and Kara Meyer, for always letting me talk her ear off.

Lastly, my best friend and teammate Charlotte. From studying together and laughing together to being named Academic All-Americans together, I am not sure what I would have done without her.

Peak experience?

I hold all of my water polo memories near and dear to my heart. Qualifying for nationals as a first-year team and winning conference were some of my favorite moments over the years. 

However, I think my peak experience would be my first game of my junior season, where my sister and I got to play together for the first time. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we didn’t get the opportunity to play together in high school, so I was very excited to finally be in the pool with her.

What surprised you?

Just how much I will miss it. I did not expect to make as many connections as I did and grow to love the people I have met so much. At Augie, you are more than just a number, and everyone you work with truly wants to see you succeed. While I might not miss the winter, I will definitely miss the community I grew to call home over the last four years.

What will you miss the most?

Definitely the people! I am grateful to have so many friends, teammates, coaches and professors that I have been able to learn from. I have met so many amazing people during my time here, and I will miss getting to see them every day. These people have helped shape me into a person who is ready to tackle my future.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

Take advantage of the liberal arts model. Aʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokāhi: all knowledge is not taught in the same school. I would not have found my love for psychology if I didn’t happen to take a psychology course to fulfill one of my perspectives. Though the topic may be new, give it your best effort!