As newer immigrants to Hawai?i, people from the Freely Associated States (FAS), which consist of the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, have endured tremendous discrimination and dehumanizing treatment in public arenas, including educational systems. Though there is limited research available on the experiences of FAS citizens in higher education, what is available suggests that they are underserved and underrepresented in Hawai?i and U.S. institutions. This is a concern of social inequity and the impetus behind this study. In this qualitative study, I employ "Cheldecheduch", an Indigenous talk story method, to conduct five semi-structured interviews with FAS college completers who are working and contributing to their island nations. My interest in this study was two-fold: (1) to explore the successful experiences of FAS students in higher education, including how and why they contribute to their island nations; and (2) to inform how higher education can better support the success of incoming FAS students. Findings of this study revealed that participants relied on intellectual, physical, and spiritual strengths to thrive in higher education; furthermore, that they drew on what they gained through their higher education journeys to give back to their island nations in intellectual, physical, and spiritual ways. Recommendations for future practice in higher education institutions include the importance developing closer and more cooperative liaison relationships with FAS nations. In addition, higher education researchers and practitioners should explore of the realm of spirituality as a necessary source of knowledge production among FAS students and their communities. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]