College Couple Raises Baby with Help from Their Campus Community

A college life filled with exams, group projects, and sports isn’t usually where you’d expect to find a toddler—but for one young couple in Utah, raising a child during college turned into a beautiful, shared experience.

Riho and Keali’iholo’okoa Maruyama became parents to their daughter Hinami (Nami) while still in school. Now, two years later, they’re continuing their studies—with a little one by their side and a big support group to help.

Riho, originally from Hawaii, found out she was pregnant during her senior year. She had just finished rugby practice when she took a pregnancy test—and then four more to be sure. “I was shocked,” says Riho, now 26.

The couple didn’t plan to have a baby, but instead of stepping away from their goals, they adapted. Friends from school, nearby family, church members, and even classmates all came together to support them. They called this community their “village.”

With the help of their “village,” Riho and her husband stayed in school. Keali’iholo’okoa already had a degree in emergency services, but he returned for more education. Riho earned a degree in exercise science and is now studying marketing.

Nami’s childhood may look different from most—she naps while her parents study and is surrounded by students—but she’s growing up happy and well-loved. “She has so many ‘aunties and uncles’ around her. She’s smart, cheerful, and adjusts easily,” says Riho.

Daily life can be chaotic. Class times and work shifts keep changing. The couple takes turns training or working, always making sure someone’s with Nami. “We don’t get to be spontaneous anymore,” Riho says, “but we’ve found a routine that works for us.”

Their home has become a gathering place for their friends. Some live in the same building, and others visit often to help or just spend time with Nami. “They always ask before helping with discipline, but we let them guide her when needed,” Riho explains.

Thanks to the support around her, Riho recovered quickly after childbirth and didn’t experience postpartum depression. “It made a huge difference to be surrounded by love,” she says.

Now, Riho and her husband host weekly dinners for their friends as a thank-you. “We always say—having a child is hard, but it’s also the biggest blessing,” she adds. “With faith and the right people around you, it’s an amazing journey.”

Source: people