After traveling more than 2,000 miles from his hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and after two decades of serving in the military, family connections guided Hochi Rosario Cuevas to the University of Iowa campus.

It was here in the Hawkeye heartland where he discovered the perfect educational opportunity to shape his future career in helping professions through a relatively new major in the UI College of Education –  Education Studies and Human Relations.

Prior to coming to Iowa, Hochi served as a musician in the United States Army Band, playing the flute and piccolo. This required him to travel all over the world for more than 20 years, in countries ranging from Japan to Korea. Cuevas eventually retired from the military as an E-6 Staff Sergeant. 

In November 2010, he met his wife online who lived in Mount Vernon, Iowa at the time. This ultimately guided him to follow her to the Midwest and begin the next chapter of his life.

He had struggled to find the career path that he believed best suited him. After attempting careers as a substitute teacher and in culinary arts, a family member provided a life-changing recommendation.

His sister-in-law, Laura Gallo, a school counseling associate professor who has worked in the UI College of Education’s Counselor Education Department since 2021, encouraged Cuevas to explore coming to Iowa. 

“She is my inspiration and my guidance academically,” says Cuevas, who is one of approximately 143 Veterans and military connected individuals in the College of Education.

Gallo had suggested Cuevas apply for the Education Studies and Human Relations major. The program is designed for those who seek to build critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills, preparing them for careers in areas such as higher education and other learning environments outside of a traditional K-12 classroom.

“It interested me because I’m a people-person,” says Cuevas. “I like talking to people and helping them.”

Cuevas recalls being hesitant to return to school for his education. The uncertainty of expectations after not being in a classroom for decades was initially intimidating.

Cuevas received support from IVETS (Iowa Veteran Education, Transition, and Support), a program that serves Veterans, the military-connected community, and their families at the University of Iowa as they navigate their educational paths. IVETS worked along with VR&E (Veterans Readiness and Employment) to help finance his tuition.

Cuevas’ service in the United States Army was his biggest source of inspiration that led him to pursue a degree. He says that his experience learning how to teach and be an effective leader in the military strongly motivated him to become a counselor.

“As a sergeant, you take care of other soldiers. It prepares you to for how to take care of other people and guide them. I have been learning this throughout my entire career,” says Cuevas.

It wasn’t long before skills and habits such as writing essays, studying, and other academic routines were redeveloped.

“Fast-forward a year later, and I’m in love with the program. As a counselor, it’s the perfect fit for me,” says Cuevas.

Professors at the College of Education daily helped support Cuevas along the way.

“Their compassion was contagious,” says Cuevas. “All of them were inspiring. Even with subjects that I didn’t care about as much, they grew on me.” 

Former associate dean for teacher education and student services and ESHR instructor Nancy Langguth, taught Cuevas in the ESHR Teaching as a Human Endeavor course.

“Hochi is an especially collaborative learner who brings much to every discussion and project associated with the study of a topic,” says Langguth. “Hochi’s genuine interest in others and his desire to support people in reaching their life goals will continue to be a gift to the world – one impactful conversation at a time.”

Cuevas also credits Counseling Psychology Professor Julie Koch for cultivating his passion during his Intro to Counseling Psychology course.

“His willingness to share, earnest and genuine interaction style, curiosity, and eagerness to learn paved the way for other students and made it so much easier for them to share and engage as well,” says Koch. “In that way, he was a leader in the class. It was clear that he has a kind heart and passion for helping people.”

Cuevas is now graduating with his ESHR degree, and he was selected as the student speaker for the College of Education Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony at Hancher Auditorium on Thursday, May 15, at 4 p.m.

“There are a lot of degrees out there,” says Cuevas. “But if you're a person who thrives on socializing, helping, communicating, and advising, then this program is the best for you.” 

Cuevas is one of 28 ESHR majors graduating this spring and summer. Since the program's inception five years ago, 124 students have graduated with ESHR undergraduate degrees.

For now, Cuevas intends to provide an inspiring speech to those in attendance at the commencement ceremony. His message will be simple – persistent dedication pays off.

And Cuevas intends to continue persisting. In fact, he is returning to the UI College of Education in the fall to pursue his Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling in the Department of Counselor Education.

“No matter how many years it takes you to finish your degree, just go for it,” says Cuevas. “In my case, it took me almost 30 years to finish this. Don't let anything deter your inspiration to continue studying. Keep going no matter what.”