Josephine Hasu's path to empowerment for students with disabilities
Facing doubt, setbacks and the weight of societal expectations, Josephine Hasu said she has transformed challenges into opportunities while on campus. Diagnosed with mild spinal cerebral palsy, a senior from Papua New Guinea shared experiences and challenges, which she said has become a symbol of resilience for students with disabilities. Hasu said she overcame academic problems by dreaming of a future as an advocate for marginalized voices. She said, “It’s okay to be different, [but] don’t let your disability shape you. Focus on your capabilities instead of your disabilities. Be yourself, and don’t change who you are to fit in.”
Doubts of past experiences
Majoring in communication, culture and media, Hasu said she has never let her mild spinal cerebral palsy define her journey. Instead, she shared challenges that motivated her to move forward with courage and determination, even when doubts and setbacks arose.
Hasu said attending BYU–Hawaii had always been a dream before her mission. “However, after my mission, I wasn’t sure if I [still] wanted to [apply],” she added. After serving as a missionary for 10 months, nine in Fiji and one in Provo, Hasu said she was released early due to medical conditions. The experience left her feeling uncertain about pursuing her goals, she said.
“I felt like I didn’t achieve one of my dreams because I was scared. What if I came to BYUH and the same thing happened? What if I had to go home again?” She said she asked herself. However, her family’s encouragement inspired her to take on the challenge and pursue her dreams, she said. “I realized that to help others, especially my family and community, I had to pursue my education at BYUH,” she said.
Starting her degree came with its own set of challenges, she said. “One thing about me is I forget things easily... I was scared I would struggle with all the writing and speaking required for [my major],” she said. Hasu said the transition to online learning during COVID-19 added another layer of difficulty. “We were the first group to take online classes, and the internet problems made it even harder,” Hasu explained. “English is my favorite subject, but when I took an English as an International Language or EIL class, I felt like my English wasn’t good enough for college,” she said.
Despite the setbacks, including academic probation, Hasu persevered. “I almost got sent home for a year, but I was given one more chance to prove I could do this,” she said. Taking on the challenge, she said she gave her best. “I made it through and was able to fulfill this goal by passing my classes at the time,” she said.
Overcoming physical and social challenges
Accessibility challenges on campus have also tested Hasu’s resilience. “In my first semester, walking from one class to another, especially back-to-back classes, was really hard,” she said. Hasu shared about her cousin, Rhoda, helped organize her class schedules before the beginning of each semester so there was time for her to prepare herself and make it to the next class. “Some classes are far apart, but my cousin, Rhoda Torea, helped me choose classes with more time in between so I could manage better,” she said.
In addition to that, she stated bathrooms were another obstacle for her as a student. She noted, “Every time I need to use the bathroom for people with disabilities, someone is inside,” Hasu said. “It’s frustrating when I see able-bodied people using it, especially since regular stalls are so tight for me.”
She also discussed the difficulties caused by scooters on campus, which are another challenge for her. Hasu described times when students riding scooters often fail to yield to pedestrians. She said, “Sometimes I’m forced to move suddenly, and I might fall, because they expect us to stop for them.”
Supporters along the way
Hasu said a couple of people, both near and far, have supported her the most during college. She shared, “When I started attending school, my cousins were also students, and my sisters supported me from home. They reminded me of the purpose behind leaving my family and encouraged me to never give up.”
Her cousin, Rhoda, played an important role in giving her the tough love, said Hasu. “Rhoda would always come around, even when I was hanging out with friends, reminding me to do my assignments and get ready for work.”
Torea, an alumna from Papua New Guinea, described Josephine as a special person in the family. She said her niece’s physical appearance and disability make her unique and cherished. Although Hasu is technically her niece, Torea said their bond is much closer. “We grew up together, did everything together and shared everything. There is always a sisterhood bond between us,” she added.
Torea reflected on the challenges Hasu has faced, including doubt from her adoptive mother about her ability to succeed academically. She said this was mainly because of Hasu’s mission experiences of being sent home early and her disability. Despite these obstacles, Torea said she always encouraged Hasu to persevere. “The challenges she faced made her stronger and [pushed her to] always follow her dream,” Torea said. “[Hasu] is always passionate about what she does. Her disability doesn’t stop her. She keeps going,” she added.
Additionally, Martha Matheson, Hasu’s older sister, said she has taken on a parental role in her life. She said she has been offering both financial and emotional support throughout her educational journey. “I supported Josie [Hasu] financially and in kindness whenever I could,” Matheson said. “In challenging times, I offered support in the form of encouragement and kind words, mostly reminders to Josie of her achievements,” she added.
Matheson shared her sister has faced many obstacles, including academic and personal hardships. “I often had regular talks with her about not giving in to anything that seemed difficult to overcome,” Matheson explained how happy she is for her sister who has conquered all those battles. “I call them battles because only she knows what could have broken her, but she chose to be stronger,” she said.
Breaking barriers through self-reliance
Hasu said she is particularly proud of balancing her part-time job at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) with being a full-time student. As a custodian worker, it has increased her abilities of time management. Hasu said, “It taught me the principle of self-reliance and hard work, especially waking up at 5 a.m. and going to work before classes every day.”
Torea said since beginning her studies at BYUH, she has witnessed remarkable growth in Hasu. “She’s so used to being told what to do and following along, but now, she’s become independent and can make her own decisions,” she shared. This surprised Torea because the Josephine she knows always followed her adoptive mother without question, she said. “Now, she confidently makes her own decisions and has grown both physically and spiritually,” she added.
Matheson explained she’s driven to see Hasu succeed because of the potential she sees in her. “She is equally capable of achieving all her dreams and aspirations,” she said. “And I would love to see that more than anything,” she added. Matheson added, watching Josephine’s progress has also had a profound impact on her own life. She said, “Seeing Josie [Hasu] succeed has impacted my life journey in terms of persevering in my educational journey.” Reflecting on moments of pride, she added, “The best moment was learning she had succeeded in her undergraduate studies with BYUH.”
Goals inspired by personal challenges
Hasu said she plans to become a communication specialist or public relations professional. She shared her passion is mostly based on advocating for people with disabilities in her home country. Hasu said her mission is to inspire disabled women and prove they can get a degree and contribute meaningfully to society.
“In Papua New Guinea, girls with disabilities are often overlooked. They’re told it’s okay to stay home while the boys go to school,” she continued. “I want to be part of the ones to change that perspective. I want to tell them anything is possible. That everything our heart desires is doable with a willing heart.”
Torea highlighted their shared experience at BYUH as a testament to Josephine’s resilience, recalling how she overcame failing classes and the risk of being sent home. “She kept fighting and finally achieved her goal of graduating at the end of this semester,” Torea said. Looking ahead, Torea expressed hope for Josephine’s future. “There is always a support system behind her, cheering for her. Small steps at a time, but always aiming higher,” she added. Matheson also shares her hopes for Hasu accomplishments to go beyond her personal success as well. She noted, “I hope her degree and her achievements inspire others in our family circle and community.