When Tulsi Gabbard stood before the Senate in 2025 to take her oath as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), she made history, not just as the first Pacific Islander American and Hindu to hold the post, but as someone whose educational journey was anything but conventional.Her path from an island childhood to America’s top intelligence role is a story of resilience, adaptability, and a belief that learning doesn’t always follow a straight line.
Early years: Learning beyond the classroom
Tulsi was born in American Samoa in 1981 and moved to Hawaii as a toddler. Her childhood was far removed from traditional classrooms. For most of her early years, Tulsi was homeschooled—a decision that gave her flexibility but also demanded discipline. While other children followed a structured school day, Tulsi’s lessons were shaped around her family’s values, spiritual principles from the Bhagavad Gita, and the natural beauty of Hawaii.For two years, she attended an all-girls school in the Philippines, but homeschooling remained her primary mode of education. She grew up surfing, practicing martial arts, and absorbing a global outlook from her parents—both of whom were active in public service.
First big decision: Dropping out to serve
By her late teens, Tulsi had enrolled at Leeward Community College in Pearl City, studying television production. But at 21, life took a sharp turn. She decided to run for the Hawaii State Legislature—an audacious move that paid off when she became the youngest woman ever elected in Hawaii’s history.Education took a back seat as Tulsi immersed herself in lawmaking. Then came another defining choice: when her Hawaii Army National Guard unit was deployed to Iraq in 2004, Tulsi left politics behind and put on a uniform. She served on the frontlines as a medical specialist, earning the Combat Medical Badge for her service under fire.
Returning to studies: Earning a business degree
Years later, after her first deployment and a term on the Honolulu City Council, Tulsi decided to return to formal education. In 2009, she graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in international business. It wasn’t just a degree—it was a testament to finishing what she started, even while juggling military duties and political responsibilities.
Building a career: From Congress to the campaign trail
Tulsi’s political rise accelerated quickly. In 2012, she won a seat in the US House of Representatives from Hawaii’s 2nd district, making history as the first Hindu and Samoan American member of Congress. While serving four terms, she also rose to national prominence as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, only to resign and endorse Bernie Sanders in 2016.Her 2020 presidential run on an anti-interventionist platform ended in March that year, but it marked her as a maverick voice in American politics.
A shift in politics and a historic appointment
After leaving Congress in 2021, Tulsi took positions that surprised many—speaking at conservative conferences, leaving the Democratic Party in 2022, and joining the Republicans in 2024 after endorsing Donald Trump. When Trump nominated her as Director of National Intelligence in early 2025, the announcement sparked debate.Supporters pointed to her military service, congressional experience, and independent thinking. Critics questioned her past stances on foreign policy. Yet, in February 2025, Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate, marking another first in her extraordinary journey.
Lessons from an unconventional education
Tulsi’s story challenges the traditional notion of education leading to success in a straight line. She was homeschooled, dropped out of college, returned to complete her degree, and relied on self-learning and discipline from her military service to navigate leadership roles.Her rise shows that education is not about staying in school without interruption—it’s about staying committed to learning, whether on the battlefield, in the classroom, or in the halls of power.
