Ke Alaka'i - March 2017

M A R C H 2 017 ¡ Vo l u m e 117 : I s s u e 1

Pa g e 1 0 St u d e n t s h a re se cre ts to m a i n t a i n i n g a hi gh G PA

Page 30 Se cre t Servic e agent s hares stories fro m his training

THE LEAD ER

Page 44 A s tudent-run bus iness p l a n s dates fo r s tud en t s

MARCH 2017 • VOLUME 117 • ISSUE 1

ADVISOR Le e A n n Lam ber t MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS Patrick Campbell Adam Case Gosuke Kawano Colton McLane

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Josh M ason COPY EDITORS Kev i n Brown Danna Osumo Alex Maldonado PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alyssa Odom

O l iv i a Tsan

Leslie Owusu

Chant al Hopper

Brooklyn Redd

ART & GRAPHICS

Hyram Yarbro

Lex i e Kapel i el a

VIDEOGRAPHERS Kelsy Simmons Khoon An A rman d o Ja red Leon

Kyung Ji Ki m Dorot hy Chi u ART DIRECTOR Kyung Ji Ki m

INTERN

SOCIAL MEDIA

H ailey Rasm ussen

Kel sy Si m m ons

NEW S CE N T ER BOX 1920 BYUH LAIE, HI 96762 PUBLISHER P r int Ser vi ces Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquiries: ke a l a k a i @ by u h . e d u .

To s u b s c r i b e t o t h e R S S F E E D o r t o v i e w a d d i t i o n a l a r t i c l e s , go t o ke a l a k a i . by u h . e d u

CONTACT

E-mail: keal akai @by u h. edu Ad Information: keal akai ads@gmai l . com Phone: (80 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 6 9 4 Fax: (8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 4 9 1 Office: BYU -Hawai i Al oha Cent er 13 4 ON THE COVER: BYU-Hawaii student and entrepreneur Moananui Kadarmia holds necklaces he sells.

He tells his story starting on Page 48.

Photo by Chantal Hopper

ABO UT US The Ke Alaka‘i began publishing the same year the university, then called Church College of Hawaii, opened. It has continued printing for more than 60 years. The name means “the leader” in Hawaiian. It began as a monthly newsletter, evolved into a weekly newspaper, then a weekly magazine, and is now a monthly news magazine with a website and a social media presence. Today a staff of about 25 students works to provide information for BYU-Hawaii’s campus ohana and Laie’s community.

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PH OTO SUBMISSIO N Succulents bloom on Maui.

Photo by Chantal Hopper

Share your photo with us and we may feature it in our next issue. E-mail us your high-resolution photo with a caption at kealakai@byuh.edu

F O L LO W U S AR O U ND THE WE B

KEA LA KA I.B YUH .EDU Instagram: @KEALAKAINEWS Snapchat: @KEALAKAINEWS Facebook: KE ALAKA‘I YouTube: KE ALAKA‘I NEWS

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MARCH 2017 • VOLUME 117 • ISSUE 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAMPUS LIFE

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A day in the life of Masashi Baba Accounting major says he wants to globalize businesses in Japan

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Secrets to a high GPA 4.0 students share what it takes to get a full ride scholarship

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Couples tell engagement stories Bikes, an empty seat, Skype and a blind date all play a part in uniting 4 couples

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New doctor in the house The new Health Center doctor’s priority is taking care of his patients and his staff

CAMPUS EVENTS

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Musical reveals double standard Berrett’s acting invoked backlash from students after a convincing performance

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Secret Service agent training Alumni of BYUH shares stories and highlights the importance of family

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LIFESTYLE

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Let someone else ‘Facilidate’ A student-run business plans dates to relieve pressure that comes with dating

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Baptized Tinder doesn’t work out Students say the LDS dating app Mutual has a lackluster presence on BYUH campus

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Sharing culture through business Maori student sells jewelry made from green stone to share his culture

COMMUNITY & WORLD

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Protecting Hawaiian monk seals Seals on Hauula beach attracting interest from passersby, tourists

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March

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Apostle gives graduate advice Elder Oaks encourages graduates to push back against worldly values

The upcoming Dance Extravaganza Nina Foster spreads the word of an upcoming performance from her dance students

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Trump’s wall divides students BYUH students disagree on whether building a wall will be beneficial

FRIDAY Opening Social at 9 p.m. in the Aloha Center Ballroom

SATURDAY

Hawaiiana service day for new students 7:30 a.m. at the ACR Mall

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THURSDAY Ho’omaika’i Celebration for employees 6 p.m. at the CAC

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FRIDAY 175th Anniversary of Relief Society

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TUESDAY Registration begins for students who have applied for graduation

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FRIDAY Farmer’s Market at 10 a.m. at the ballroom

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SATURDAY Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

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TUESDAY Dr. Daniel Stout to give David O. McKay Lecture at 11 a.m. in CAC

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Lette r f rom D i s a b i l i t y Co u n c il

February 8, 2017 Dear Campus Ohana: Brigham Young University-Hawaii is committed to ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all students on this campus. Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA), Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), here are some important guidelines regarding the treatment of student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery therefrom.

The University Disability Council has some important legal updates concerning ADA: 1. Is a doctor’s note required if a pregnant student is late or absent from class?

The instructor cannot require a pregnant student to produce a doctor’s note in order to stay in school or participate in activities, including interscholastic sports, unless the same requirement to obtain a doctor’s note applies to ALL students being treated by a doctor. That is, the instructor cannot treat a pregnant student differently from other students being cared for by a doctor, even when a student is in the later stages of pregnancy; the instructor should not presume that a pregnant student is unable to attend class or participate in university activities. Under FERPA and HIPAA, a student may choose not to share his or her treatment records with anyone, including the instructor. In addition, the student may not be penalized because he or she chose not to disclose this information.

2. What types of assistance must BYUH provide to a pregnant student?

To ensure a pregnant student’s access to its educational program, when necessary, the instructor must make adjustments to the regular program that are reasonable and responsive to the student’s temporary pregnancy status. For example, BYUH might be required to provide a larger desk, allow frequent trips to the bathroom, or permit temporary access to elevators. The instructor shall treat pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery therefrom in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary disability with respect to any medical or hospital benefit, service, plan, or policy.

3. Does the instructor have to excuse a student’s absences due to pregnancy or childbirth?

Yes. Title IX requires the instructor to excuse a student’s absences due to pregnancy or related conditions, including recovery from childbirth, for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences to be medically necessary. When the student returns to class, she must be reinstated to the status she held when the leave began, which should include giving her the opportunity to make up any work missed. The instructor must offer the student alternatives to making up missed work, such as retaking a semester, taking part in an online course credit recovery program, or allowing the student additional time in a program to continue at the same pace and finish at a later date, especially after longer periods of leave. For example, if the pregnant student has a doctor’s note that excuses her from class for several weeks because she was on “bed rest” before giving birth, the instructor has to provide her with the appropriate assignments and information to make up all of the work. She may be eligible for an “I” grade if necessary.

4. What if some instructors have their own policies about class attendance and make-up work?

BYUH is bound by the federal civil rights laws. Hence, no single instructor’s policy may serve as the exception to the rule or defer from these legal mandates. The policies and practices of an individual instructor cannot discriminate against pregnant students or any other student that may have a temporary disability. For example, an instructor may not refuse to allow a student to submit work after a deadline that she missed because of absences due to pregnancy related conditions or childbirth. Additionally, if an instructor’s grading is based in part on class attendance or participation, the student should be allowed to earn the points missed so that she can be reinstated to the status before the leave.

Please note the following legal guidelines: A. Even though the accommodation a pregnant student receives must be tailored to her specific needs and is equal to the opportunity given to other students, instructors are not required to offer an accommodation that would be “unreasonable.” The Instructor should not make “fundamental or substantial modifications” that change the very nature of the course or academic standards.

B. Instructors can work with the Disability Services (DS) to ensure that proper accommodations are made for each student. By law, it is up to the DS, through the interactive process with the student, to determine which accommodations are appropriate, not the instructor. Students must still notify the instructor in a timely manner as soon as possible to receive any accommodations.

C. When establishing expectations for participation/attendance, it is strongly recommended that the “reasonableness” test be applied. In other words, if the classroom expectations for participation were challenged by a student, how would a jury of peers respond? It is important that the instructor applies expectations consistently and fairly for all students without question.

Examples of questionable practices: • Marking a student absent for being less than 5 minutes late (any number of unforeseen circumstances could have happened) • If the class total for participation points is 5 points, then marking off 2 points for being late for one class period is not reasonable. The standard should be spread out over the total number of class meetings in a reasonable manner.

• Marking a student absent for leaving class to take a call on their cell phone (we don’t know the nature of the call) or to use the restroom is unreasonable (necessary break).

• Marking a student absent for not bringing a textbook to class.

In addition to the standard statement on Disability, Title IX, and Non-Discrimination required on the syllabus, the University Disability Council proposes the following statement for your own protection and as mandated by the above federal requirements: Students with disabilities or those who are pregnant are encouraged to contact the instructor for a confidential discussion of their individual needs for academic accommodation. It is the policy of Brigham Young University Hawaii to provide flexible and individualized reasonable accommodation to students with documented disabilities or those who are pregnant. To receive accommodation services for a disability, students must be registered with the Office of Disabilities Services.

If there are specific requirements that instructors would like to include in the syllabus, we suggest you contact the University Disability Council or send us a copy of your syllabus so we may ensure there are no unforeseen allegations.

We look forward to improving the campus awareness of disabilities and non-discrimination and respect your proactivity in ensuring every student is treated fairly and equitably.

Respectfully, University Disability Council: Debbie Hippolite (VP for Student Affairs); Barbara Hong (Faculty Rep); Leilani Auna (Counseling and Disability Services); Phillip Relator (Campus Safety Officer); Eugenia Soliai (HR); Melba Latu (Dean of Students) 6

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campus life

in this section A day in the life of accounting major Masashi Baba

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Bikes, an empty seat, Skype, and a blind date all play a part in uniting 4 couples

16

4.0 students share what it takes to get a full ride scholarship

10

Students and faculty say Athletics Program provided a source for missionary work

20

Successful experimental class on peace linguistics leads to official new class in Winter 2018

12

The new director of Health Services makes a long-anticipated comeback to Laie

22

Sociology minor will phase out to prepare for changes in the new GE program

14

Students comment on what they like and dislike about BYU-Hawaii

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Masashi Baba

Accounting Major B Y GO SU K E KAWAN O Masashi Baba said his accounting journey began on his mission.

Photo by Olivia Tsan

Masashi Baba, a junior accounting major and information technology minor from Japan, said he chose to be an accounting major because of the insights he received from his mission president, and because “it can enable [me] to help Japanese businesses become more globalized.�

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What made you decide to study this major?

“I had opportunities to gather, analyze, and take statistics during my mission. Since I was not exactly sure what I would like to do in the future, [my mission president] told me to consider accounting as it would be useful in many different fields.”

Describe a typical day “I have classes in the morning and work as an accountant at the Lorenzo Snow Building from noon to 5 p.m. After my work, I do my homework, hang out with friends, and play soccer, which is my hobby.”

Number of people in the major What makes your major unique?

“I feel many other majors are designed to focus on developing new things or advancements. This major is designed to help maintain existing companies. In addition, when it comes to accounting, the success of a person depends on his knowledge and ability.”

What do you want to do with it?

“I’d especially like to work for Japanese firms. Since Japan is a small country and its resources are scarce, it develops when it does business with other countries. I’m hoping to be able to apply my knowledge and experiences to my home country when I’ll go back there eventually.”

Favorite Class “Accounting 201 (Introduction to Financial Accounting) and Intermediate Accounting (ACCT 301) were very unique classes.

They help students determine whether they want to be an accounting major or not because they require a lot of studying.

I think we cannot find out if we really love what we do unless we put in effort.”

“When I was the vice president for the Professional Accounting Society, there were about 300 students in the major. There are about 25-30 student in my class.”

Time spent in a day “I spend approximately 12 hours a day on accounting, including my work hours.”

Pros “If you don’t know what you’d like to do, I think accounting is a good major because it has something to do with all kinds of businesses. Even if you are unsure about your future plan, the people you will meet and interact with in the accounting field will help you discover what you really want to do.”

Cons “Your personality or experiences do not make much difference in finding accounting-related jobs. The emphasis is on your academic performance. It often happens that the accounting companies don’t even conduct an interview if applicants’ GPA is low.”

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Photo by Olivia Tsan Graphc by Dorothy Chiu

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Secrets to a high GPA 4.0 students say goals, good attitudes and prioritizing make the difference B Y GO SU K E KAWAN O

BYU-Hawaii students who have accomplished obtaining a full scholarship said setting goals, having the right attitude, study routines and prioritizing are some of the techniques to not only maintain high GPA scores but also improve students’ essential knowledge and skills.

Jade Cheng, a junior TESOL major from Hong Kong, said her aspirations to be a speech therapist keeps her driven to maintain her 4.0 GPA. “To be honest, because of the scholarship, I feel good for getting A’s.”

From her experience, Cheng said one tip is to take interesting classes. “I don’t think I’ve taken any classes that I had no interest in. In biology, it was really hard for me, I barely got an A. But I love learning about the human body. I love the nutrition part of science.

What really helped me be motivated in those hard classes was to find something relevant to me and how I can apply that knowledge.”

Other advice she gave was to settle on a time and place to focus on studying. “The most efficient study time is that first hour. So give your best into that hour. The location of the study is important too. Some people work better at home, and some people do better at the library or some other places - or individually or with friends.”

To international students, Cheng said, “Don’t be afraid of seeking help from teachers and work with them.”

Ty Whitaker, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry from California, said having a good GPA should be motivated by learning - not by getting a good grade.

“I think there are people who are in school because they want a job in the future, but they don’t actually care about what they’re learning about. Whereas me, I am interested in what I’m learning about, so it would be easy to remember and apply it.”

With this mentality, Whitaker said he is better able to set himself up for the future. “Actually, back in high school, I didn’t have really good GPA because I didn’t try really hard. But now in my classes, I like learning about that stuff. I want to be a chemical engineer. Since I was a little kid, I kind of wanted to invent stuff so I’m working on becoming an engineer.”

Antonio Cardona, a senior studying business management from Guatemala, said his dream career is to become an owner and CEO of his own fashion company. To achieve that goal, he said he strives to maintain a desirable educational transcript.

Cardona said prioritizing has been his strength in getting a better GPA. “If you want to maintain your GPA, just prioritize what needs to be done first and go from there. I set my time for when to go do my homework and when to have fun.”

“Also, mornings are the best to do homework because your brain isn’t tired. If you need a break, take a break, and you will be more efficient after.”

However, Cardona stressed that GPA is not the only reflection of knowledge of type of student a person is. “The GPA doesn’t really matter. My dad told me, ‘You can be the smartest kid, but if you aren’t responsible for what you need to do, you aren’t going anywhere.’”

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C ampus L i fe Students from BYUHawaii hold signs they created during the Peace Linguistics class from TESOL International Association President Andy Curtis. Photo

by Andy Curtis

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The language of peace Successful experimental class on peace linguistics leads to official new class in Winter 2018 B Y L E SL I E O W U SU

Peace Linguistics will officially be offered as a TESOL class at BYU-Hawaii starting in the Winter 2018 Semester after a successful trial version during the second block of the 20162017 Winter Semester.

Dr. Andy Curtis, professor of TESOL at Anaheim University and president of the TESOL International Association, taught the class and said he’s excited it will be part of the permanent curriculum at BYUH. “This has never been taught anywhere. Ever. There is a nice mix of students majoring in TESOL, peacebuilding, and English.”

The trial class went well overall, added Curtis. “We’re more excited to make it a solid part of the curriculum.”

Curtis said one of the themes they discussed was the notion that peace is the absence of conflict. “Well, where does the conflict come from? We think it comes from how people say things. A lot of conflict comes from language.

How does a 140-character tweet cause so much conflict?”

Students who complete the course will have a better understanding of how language and linguistics can be used to make the world a more peaceful place, said Curtis. “Think about how much conflict in the world comes from a misuse of language. The goal is to grow the class here at BYUH… and eventually it will go out to the world,” he said.

Eldon Brown, a senior international cultural studies major from Alaska, said the class focused on how the context of language promotes peace. Brown said peaceful language is important for students becoming teachers because “language teachers can be used to promote peace and not violence [by] using humanizing language that is going to help students collaborate and develop strong relationships.”

Brown said he learned how to create an environment where students can work together and use inclusive language to create a sustainable culture of peace.

Alysha Gurr, a sophomore from Canada majoring in social work and seeking certificates in TESOL and international peacebuilding, said the class was advertised as a

TESOL class but had elements from several different majors.

“Because it’s the first time this class has been taught, it was a learning process for all of us. Sometimes it felt like we were in a peacebuilding class, sometimes a linguistics class, and sometimes when we were analyzing text it felt like an English class.”

Mark James, associate professor of EIL, said Curtis was invited to come to campus by Professor Neil Anderson last year. “This course is a unique form of applied linguistics where we are taking linguistics and looking at the language of peace. If there was ever going to be a peace and linguistics class, this is the place it would happen. The timing is perfect.”

Curtis said BYUH is the most culturally and linguistically diverse place he’s been to. He said, “This is the first school that focuses so much on peacebuilding; it’s even in the university’s mission statement. The time and place seemed right. There is a lot of conflict in the world, maybe now is the time to be looking at the next stage of peace linguistics.”

James said getting students from different majors in the same room is a strength of the class. He said, “That cross-fertilization is something I was hoping would happen. The way the class is structured, some days the TESOL students would shine and other days the peacebuilding students would shine.”

Kaelei Haws, a senior TESOL major from Arizona, said, “The classes were entertaining. Dr. Curtis was always changing up the medium. He used songs, poems, lectures, and discussions. It was an open-question environment. We always talked about different aspects of linguistics and peace, because peace can relate to everyone. Even if you’re not in this major, you can apply something.”

Gurr said she hopes there is more advertising for the class on campus, “as learning how to create peace on so many levels - inner, interpersonal, intergroup, intercultural, international, and ecological - can benefit anybody in any major, and it goes hand in hand with President McKay’s vision for this university.”

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C ampus L i fe College students The sociology minor surf on the web will be discontinued while in Spring line. after waiting the 2017 Photo

by AP. Semester, said Dr John Bailey. Photo illustration by Hailey Rasmussen

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Sociology minor gets major cut Sociology minor will phase out to prepare for changes in the new GE program B Y ALYSSA O D O M

According to John Bailey, department chair of the School of Education, the sociology minor will no longer be offered after the 2017 Spring Semester so the BYU-Hawaii Social Work Department can focus its resources to benefit more students with the new GE program.

“One option would involve moving resources in the Sociology minor into another part of the Social Work program. If this is decided upon, then all students currently mapped for the sociology minor will have the opportunity to complete it within the near future,” said Bailey.

Students who are currently pursuing a minor in sociology will be able to continue their degree.

Jennifer Lane, dean of the College of Human Development, said, “With an inactivated minor, students who have already begun will be able to continue, and the department will find ways to give equivalencies or substitutions for any class that is not offered. However, students will no longer be able to start the minor.”

Jennifer Tam, a sophomore from Hong Kong studying social work with a minor in sociology, took Introduction to Sociology (SOC 111) in the 2017 Winter Semester. Tam decided to take sociology as a minor to help her with her ultimate career goals to work with children and teenagers.

She said, “I want to work with young people and help them through their challenges and get on the right path. Children will most heavily affect the future of society, so I want to make sure I can do all

I can to help them while they are still developing and growing.

“Sociology goes more in depth about the problems in society and how to deal with them, and I feel like that would really benefit my desired career path.” Tam said she will be placed into alternate classes to make up for the classes being discontinued so she can receive her minor.

Kelly Coleman, a sociology professor, said she has enjoyed her time teaching sociology and feels it is a beneficial subject for all students no matter their major or post-graduation plans. “I feel the social sciences are an important field of study for all students to help them understand their own lives more fully and to better understand those around them. By understanding the needs of others and the causes of those needs, one can learn to help others and work towards a society of compassion and equality.”

Similar to Coleman’s thoughts, Tam also said sociology is a diversely compatible minor. “I did not know much about sociology prior to this year, and I had never considered it as a major or basis for my career path. However, the more I have learned about it, the more I see that it can benefit anyone taking part in society.

“I know many people who are taking a sociology minor. It is sad to see the program go, but I know that the professors and administrators will do what is best for the program.”

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From love to engagement Finding love by buying a bike, sitting next to an empty seat in class, talking on Skype and more B Y B ROO KLY N RED D

Jordan & Alex

“I got so nervous and awkwardly left. So I left [for] home with no success and an extra bike.”

-Alex Moreno Alex Moreno and Jordan Porter. Photo by Chantal Hopper

NEE DLES S LY BUYIN G A B I K E

After a temple session and outside of the Laie Temple Visitor’s Center, Jordan Porter, a junior from California majoring in psychology, and her fiancé Alex Moreno, a junior from Mexico majoring in business management, told their love story.

Moreno said the first thing to catch his attention about his fiancé was her nose. “She has a beautiful nose,” said Moreno while his fiancé laughed. The two said they met in 2016 while working for BYUH Food Services. Moreno said it took him three months to get the courage to invite her to a game night with his friends.

Moreno said the first time he tried to ask Porter on a date, he got too nervous and backed down. He said one day she posted an ad for her bike on the BYUH Sell Your Stuff Facebook page, so he made a plan to pretend he was interested in buying so he could ask her out. He said, “I had a bike already,” to which Porter laughed and added, “And a longboard.”

Moreno said he was excited to meet with Porter for the exchange because it would be his first time seeing her outside of work. He planned 16

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to tell her, “No thank you,” for the bike, but he wanted to ask her out on a date instead.

“That was my plan,” said Moreno. “But when I got there, I was really nervous and I couldn’t say no to the bike for some reason. So I bought her bike for $50, $50 that I didn’t really have. I got so nervous and awkwardly left. So I left [for] home with no success and an extra bike.”

Porter said she thought maybe he was trying to ask her out when she would talk to Moreno at work. She said, “Whenever he would talk to me the first couple of times, he asked me for my name twice as if he had forgotten it.” He responded, “I didn’t forget. I was just trying to not be too obvious…but I knew her name.”

Moreno said he finally got the courage to ask her out, then a week later they decided to be in a relationship. They were engaged in December and will be married in June.

Porter said single people should trust in the Lord. “He has a plan for you. It wasn’t my plan to meet Alex this early in my life, but I am very grateful I did.”

Kamy & Kate

“When he first walked in, it was kind of like the movies.”

- Kate Hedrick Tekurio

Kamy Tekurio and Kate Hedrick. Photo by Olivia Tsan

A N E MPTY S EAT IN S PAN I S H C L AS S

The couple was inseparable as they entered the LDS stake center on campus for the interview; hands interlaced, both smiling brightly, teeth showing, dressed in matching shirts.

“We just love each other,” said Kamy Tekurio, a sophomore from Tahiti majoring in international cultural studies, who is engaged to Kate Hedrick, a senior from Oregon majoring in psychology.

Tekurio said he remembered the first time they met as if it were yesterday. When he arrived to his second day of class, he said the only available spot was next to her.

“I sat down, got to know her, and pretended I didn’t know anything about Spanish. I asked her if she could help me,” said Tekurio while Hedrick giggled.

Tekurio’s voice softened as he expressed how it was her kindness and calm, quiet personality that caught his attention. Looking directly at her face, placing his hand on her leg, he said, “She’s very sweet and gorgeous.” Hedrick responded smiling from cheek to cheek.

“When he first walked in, it was kind of like the movies,” said Hedrick, while Tekurio laughed. She said class had already started when in walked in a tall, handsome guy into the room.

Tekurio said he was nervous to ask Hedrick out on a date, but on Sunday, Nov. 22, he saw her at the cafeteria and found the courage to ask her on a date. He said they spent the rest of that Sunday at the temple, and ever since then his life was changed. The couple was married on March 1.

For single students, Hedrick said, “We think the best advice would be to work on coming closer to God yourself. When you are in your best stage in your life, God would put the person in your life that you need to go through life with. It sounds cliche but just pray about it. Ask God specifically to qualify you to be the right person instead of asking if the person you are dating is the right one.”

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Courtney & Ben

“We really work on our communication because that is literally all we can do.”

-Courtney Bow

Courtney Bow and Ben Nielsen. Photo by Chantal Hopper

SKYPE ST RENGT HE N S R E L AT I O N S H I P

For Courtney Bow and Ben Nielsen, a long-distance relationship is not impossible, they said.

Bow, a senior from California majoring in graphic design, and Nielsen, a senior from Mexico majoring in broadcast journalism at the University of Utah, said being distant from each other is challenging, but Skype helped strengthen their relationship.

“We really work on our communication because that is literally all we can do,” said Nielsen over a Skype call.

He continued, “Yesterday we Skyped for three hours. I set up my computer, and she set up hers. We talk while we are doing something else, mostly the entire time. To keep the relationship alive, we just keep Skype on,” he said.

Four years ago home from his mission for just two months, Nielsen said he met Bow at a BYUH basketball game. “It was my first semester at college. I was there by myself and didn’t know anybody. I met Courtney the first day, and she became my best friend in 72 hours.”

Since that day, the couple said they started to go on dates. “We 18

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spent most of our time going to the beach,” said Nielsen. “Hiking and going to the beach,” Bow chimed in.

Over the past four years, with Bow going on a mission to Africa and Nielsen transferring schools, the couple continued to write and keep in contact through Skype but dated different people.

Nielsen said by dating other people, he knew Bow was the one. “After meeting Courtney, everyone I talked to while she was on her mission was not Courtney. I knew because no one made me feel the same way,” said Nielsen.

Neilsen added, “It’s been a long time coming.” He said he has wanted to marry Bow for a long time, and he is finally getting his wish in May of 2017.

The couple said they are looking forward to a future together. They hope to eventually use the skills from their majors working for National Geographic as a partnership. This summer they will start by being counselors for the Especially for the Youth Program in a different country.

While there, they said they will make their first documentary together.

Tiffany & Spencer

“I swore to myself I would never do a blind date.That was the last thing I wanted to do.”

-Spencer Nielsen

Spencer Nielsen and Tiffany Greer Nielsen. Photo by Chantal Hopper

B ROTHER S ET S U P B L I N D DAT E

Tiffany Greer and Spencer Nielsen first met on a blind date set up by Greer’s older brother, Brandon. On that fateful day, the two said they spent an evening getting to know each other while watching the TV show “The Flash.”

As a tribute to the day they met, Nielsen, a senior from Oregon majoring in accounting, came dressed to the interview wearing his “Flash” T-shirt, holding hands with his fiancé Greer, a junior from Virginia majoring in elementary education.

Nielsen said, “I swore to myself I would never do a blind date. That was the last thing I wanted to do.” He said he tried to brush it off, but her brother Brandon continued to insist he get a hold of her.

Brandon tried to set the two up after Tiffany told him not to. She said her brother was very persistent, and one day she received a text from Nielsen. At first she said she wasn’t really interested, but decided to give him a try. She said, “I totally didn’t like him at first. I don’t know how [Nielsen] did it, but he got me to fall in love with him.”

Greer said she sees Nielsen as a gentlemen who knows how to

treat her well, mostly due to his experience being the youngest of seven sisters. “He definitely boosts my confidence a lot. Before I met him, I was kind of going through life like black and white. Now it’s full of color. Oh my gosh, that was so cheesy,” she said.

Nielsen said, “Not to sound shallow or anything, but I am not going to lie: before I called her, I did Facebook stalk her. She was super hot. She had the best profile picture. I was like, ‘Dang! I got to call this girl!’”

Nielsen said he wants single BYUH students to be open to opportunities. He said if he continued to be close-minded to the idea of a blind date, he would not have been nearly as happy as he is today. “Every opportunity, even if it’s not something you expect, it can lead to something,” he said.

The two started dating in October 2016, were engaged the following December and were married in February. “We hope to have a happy marriage, be able to progress forward spiritually, and have a family,” said Greer. About their decision to get married, they said when you know, you know.

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C ampus L i fe College students Over the years, people at the surf on the web university and the Athletics while waiting in line.

Program have helped nonPhoto by AP. member athletes join the LDS Church and find greater joy and happiness, said Athletics’ converts and personnel. Photo

by Olivia Tsan

“Through basketball, I was able to receive an education, become a member of the church…and get married in the temple. My experience at BYU-Hawaii was the start to my eternal progression back to my Heavenly Father.”

- Lucas Alves, 2010 graduate from Brazil

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Sports and sharing the gospel Athletics program provided a source for missionary work at BYU-Hawaii, say students and faculty B Y B RO O K LYN RE D D

BYU-Hawaii has had a lot of missionary influence on non-member athletes from all around the world, according to Sports Information Director Spencer Shamo. He estimated 11 athletes playing for BYU-Hawaii have been baptized into the LDS Church from 2010 through 2016.

Current BYUH athletes and alumni, who joined the LDS Church during their time in Laie, said their coaches and team members led to their conversion. Shamo said non-member athletes are also influenced by the LDS culture and exposed to the church, which leads them to ask questions. He added, “It is sad to see [the Athletic Department] go. Sad to see that influence stop.”

Shamo recalled an experience with the men’s basketball team when they played in South Korea in 2014. For the entire week they were there, the team played several professional teams and was featured on national news.

Shamo said the team was interviewed and able to discuss what BYUH represents.

Coach Ken Wagner, the previous athletics director and basketball coach, said he estimates the basketball team had averaged one baptism per year. “Not only have the coaches seen the blessing of baptizing non-members, but also they have seen the blessing of strengthening the testimonies of a lot of young men,” he added.

Lucas Alves, a 2010 graduate from Brazil, was quoted in the book “BYU-Hawaii Prophetic Desitny” by Alf Pratte and former BYUH President Eric B. Shumway. Alves said, “Through basketball, I was able to receive an education, become a member of the church…and get married in the temple. My experience at BYU-

Hawaii was the start to my eternal progression back to my Heavenly Father.”

Alves added, “Knowing very little English and being far from home, my adjustment to BYU-Hawaii was relatively easy thanks to the aloha spirit on campus and the generosity of many people.”

Alves said he had felt alone after tearing his ACL and prayed to ask if the church was true. He says he received his answer and was baptized on Nov. 21, 2009.

In 2012, Shamo said Jia Yuan, a Chinese student on the tennis team, was baptized. A year later, her mother was also baptized.

Brad Jones, director of the Athletics Department, said, “I grew up seeing the influence that college athletics had over non-members and even members.

“People cannot believe that we are closing down because of the success we have had here.

Schools would kill to have the type of success we had here with national championships.”

Sinamona Tonga, a junior from Hawaii majoring in TESOL and a previous team captain of the volleyball team, said, “A lot of athletes who come here are non-members and feel a difference here. This campus holds the spirit.

A lot of my teammates ended up becoming members because of the standards we hold here and the examples we set for them.”

BYUH 2014 graduate Hsu Erh “Ariel” Fang, a volleyball player from Taiwan, was baptized while playing at BYUH and has been married in the temple. She recounted, “I knew when I came here [as a non-member] that this was a church school, but I didn’t really think about it.” Two weeks after Hsu arrived to

BYUH, she said she came into contact with the missionaries.

On top of feeling peaceful while meeting with the missionaries, Hsu said she could feel love and peace from her teammates when they shared their own personal beliefs. She also noticed how her teammates would pray before and after every practice.

Hsu said she is grateful for the Athletic Department for recruiting non-members and for the opportunity to be able to learn about the LDS Church.

Dalton Stanger, a junior from Utah majoring in psychology and team captain of the BYUH golf team, said, “A kid on our team who was not a member of the church got baptized last year and is going on a mission after this year.”

Shamo and Jones both said there are a few potential baptisms for this year as well. Shamo said for the last six months, about six different athletes were taking missionary lessons.

Chen “Michelle”Ying Chun, another volleyball player and BYUH graduate from Taiwan, shared about how both of her coaches applied gospel principles within the team and influenced her as a non-member. She said her coaches’ efforts helped her understand the principle of family coming first, and brought her to the realization that there is more to life than volleyball.

Chen said, “I think this program brings a lot of opportunities for those who are international students. I feel that this program not only brings non-members, but [brings] more of an understanding to those who don’t know about Mormons.”

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C ampus L i fe College students Royden “Roy” Christensen surf on the web Nielsen’s place takes Dr. Doug while waitingofinHealth line. Services. as director Photo Photo by

by AP. Olivia Tsan

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New doctor in the house The new director of Health Services makes a long-anticipated comeback to Laie B Y L E SL I E O W U SU

Royden Christensen, the new director of Health Services, said he is happy to be back in Laie and is devoted to taking care of the patients and staff at BYU-Hawaii. He said, “As the new director of Health Services, first and foremost my responsibility is to take care of the patient.

“No. 2 is taking really good care of the staff. Without No. 2, No. 1 can’t happen. I’m a believer that the customer is always right, but I want to make sure the staff isn’t ignored.”

The youngest of five boys, Dr. Christensen was born in Tonga while his father was serving as a mission president, but he grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dr. Christensen said, “For the last 15 years, we have lived in Prosser, Washington, with our three kids working at a small town practice. We loved it there, but we always felt Laie calling to us. Every couple of years, I’d call Dr. Nielson and ask, ‘Hey are there any openings?’ to which he would reply, ‘No, not right now,’” said Christensen.

In preparation for Dr. Doug Nielson’s retirement, the job position was posted and Christensen’s sister-in-law, Perry Christensen’s wife, Martha, informed them about it.

Roy said, “I applied, and for my cover letter, I wrote about both my wife and I. After reviewing my application, they even asked me, ‘So are you or your wife applying?’ So I wrote a new cover letter. They asked me for an interview, and I recently found out that they liked everything in the interview, but they didn’t like my hair.” At the time, he said he had longer hair and was out of Honor Code standards.

“After the interview, I didn’t hear back for two weeks. I thought that I didn’t get it, but my

wife remained faithful and knew. She would tell me, ‘You got the job. Don’t worry about it.’ She always knew. I’m like doubting Thomas.

“They overlooked the hair and hired me,” he added.

Dr. Christensen said he officially became the new director on Jan. 9, and his favorite thing so far is having good conversations with people here. “In my previous job, most people weren’t LDS, but you could still feel the Spirit [talking with them about personal things].

Often times, symptoms were related to mental health and a lot of mental health issues are related to the Savior.”

He said no matter how many scriptures you read, depression and anxiety can still endure. “I loved talking to them about it. I often asked, ‘Do you believe in God?...What are you doing about it?’ I found that a lot of people weren’t doing anything about it. They believed, but they didn’t take action.”

Coming to work here is not the first time Dr. Christensen has lived in Laie. His family moved to Hawaii after he graduated from high school for his father, James P. Christensen’s, new job as the president of the Polynesian Cultural Center in 1988, according to lds.org.

Christensen then studied at BYUH as a premed student.

When asked how the transition to an island has been, he said, “Small town medicine is kind of what we do already. In Washington, it was as if we were on an island already.

“After I got the job, I wanted to talk with Dr. Nielson. I came here in October. He gave me a complete history of the clinic. He was here for 33 years. We’re totally missing him. He was such an incredible and giving man.”

Christensen said, “I want people to know that they are very welcome to come to the clinic. Our mission is to take great care of the students, staff, and anyone who walks through the door. That’s our pledge to give great care.”

Perry Christensen, an associate professor who teaches EIL, TESOL, and religion, is one of Christensen’s older brothers. He said, “He was the student body vice president while he was a student here. I claim that I rigged the election. I had him and his running mate attend an EIL lecture series and talk about the importance of voting. They didn’t tell the audience to vote for them. They just talked about voting in general, but I think when the students who attended went to vote, they didn’t know anyone else on the ballot so they voted for Roy. I got him elected.”

Dave Kader, a medical assistant at the Health Center, said, “Having Dr. Christensen here has been great. He is really kind and takes his time with patients. It’s nice to work with someone who has that much care and passion.

You can tell he loves his job.”

Marie Yagin, a registered nurse at the Health Center, said Dr. Christensen has a good sense of humor and likes to teach. “He is always smiling and he has a lot of compassion. I feel like I’ve known him forever.”

Dr. Christensen said, “My favorite thing about BYUH is eating at the cafeteria with my brother every Tuesday and Thursday.”

While he is not working, Christensen said he loves to sleep and has an impeccable talent for snoring. He also likes to exercise and eat.

His son, Nathan, is a freshman at BYUH and his wife and two younger children will be joining them here in June.

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THE

GOOD & BAD OF BYUH

Students share what they like and dislike about BYU-Hawaii B Y G OS UK E KAWANO / P H OTO S BY O L I V I A T S AN

Mariana Rudyk Freshman|Political science|Ukraine Like: “Since it’s located in Hawaii, the students have the amazing opportunity to spend a lot of time outdoors, like going to beach.”

Dislike: “It’s far away from town, so if you don’t have a car you would have to take a bus, which is very slow.”

Tyrell Gammell Sophomore|Psychology|New Zealand Like: “I like how BYU-Hawaii is an international school that has huge amount of diversity. Never did I ever think I’d be sitting in a classroom with a Tongan, a Malaysian, a Mongolian, and a NewYorker! It’s an amazing way to broaden our vision of the world and see things how other people see them.”

Dislike: “I dislike how the Wi-Fi sometimes doesn’t work on campus, which is pretty frustrating.”

Nainoa Biggs Freshman|Computer science|New Mexico Like: “I like how many activities such as dances, intramural sports, Food Fest, etc. are held here.”

Dislike: “I don’t like that the staff is sometimes too lenient with specific individuals who fail to comply with certain standards when those standards would otherwise be upheld.”

Beiarung Taungea Freshman|undeclared major|Kiribati Like: “One thing I like about BYUH is it’s a church school and close to the temple. Whenever I have problems, I can go to the temple where I can always feel the Spirit.”

Dislike: “I’m satisfied with everything.”

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Megan Tingey Freshman|Biology|Washington Like: “I really love the diversity, how every person I talk to has a totally different background, and how they all bring something different to school.”

Dislike: “There aren’t always new people to meet, many things to do, or places to go.”

Wai Yan Ng Senior|Psychology|Hong Kong Like: “The small scale classes and the close connection with faculties. This is unique compared to other schools.”

Dislike: “I don’t like how inefficient some of the departments are.”

campus events

in this section The production of “Into the Woods� reveals double standard at BYUH Secret Service agent and BYUH alumni shares stories from his training

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Elder Oaks tells Winter 2017 graduates to push back against the values of the world

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Renovated and enlarged Hales 4 and 6 are dedicated by Elder Oaks

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BYUH Dance Instructor Nina Foster is working with students for her annual Dance Extravaganza

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Musical reveals double standard Student actress receives backlash for her role in the BYUH production of “Into the Woods”

BY BROO KLY N R E D D

Why did you cheat on your husband?

I didn’t. I was portraying a character, but did you realize that the prince also cheated on his wife?

I mean… I guess. It just didn’t bother me as much as you did.

Brinley Barrett played the Baker’s Wife.

Photo by Chantal Hopper

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rinely Berrett, a junior music major from Colorado who starred as the Baker’s Wife in the BYU-Hawaii musical “Into the Woods,” said she received negative comments in regards to her character for kissing Cinderella’s Prince, while the actor who played the prince received none.

After the production, which was performed in the McKay Auditorium on Jan. 26-28, Berrett received a private Facebook message saying, “Why did you cheat on your husband?” Berrett replied, “I didn’t. I was portraying a character, but did you realize that the prince also cheated on his wife?” The anonymous sender replied, “I mean… I guess. It just didn’t bother me as much as you did.”

Berrett said, “A lot of people believed I [actually] cheated on my husband. I had to keep clarifying that to people.

“Throughout rehearsals, I didn’t really realize people would hate my character, but then that first night when I died and heard somebody yell, ‘Yes!’ I thought, ‘Shoot! What is going on?’”

Valerie Lafaele, a senior from Idaho and music major who played as the Witch, said, “I do remember the first night when she died and the girl yelled, ‘Yes!’ I was backstage at that moment and very shocked. I feel very defensive towards the Baker’s Wife that people don’t understand her character.”

Jeffrey Guy Mellor, a junior biomedical major from Washington who starred as Cinderella’s Prince, said he received no negative feedback but did get a lot of positive feedback.

“In my opinion, guys get away with tons more than girls do. It’s kind of sad. It shouldn’t be that way,” he said.

One comment sent to Berrett over Instagram said, “I know this is random, but I wanted to tell you personally good job at the musical; however, I did not enjoy your character.

It really bothered me that she would cheat on her husband when they finally had the baby together.”

Berrett said it was only one of the comments sent to her, while most were made to her in person. “Every time somebody messaged me on Facebook about it, I would ask them, ‘Well, the prince was just as married as my character Continued on page 28

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was, so why didn’t you have a problem with him?’ They would respond, ‘He is a prince.You kind of expect that from him.’”

Lafaele said, “Even though you expected the prince to do this, you are allowing it to happen. Why aren’t we holding our men to a higher standard? It’s almost an insult to them to say, ‘Oh this is how men are.’

They can be better than that. It’s frustrating I think.”

She continued, “It was funny how people only reacted strongly towards the Baker’s Wife and no one else. The prince was married…Not only did they both cheat on their spouses, they actively went out and sought another source because they were unhappy with their own marriage.

“To me that is a very clear double standard in society. As a woman, it was one of those things that made me realize I need to stand up for it a little more.”

Lafaele said while her character drags her daughter across the stage and grabs her by the hair, she thinks people were more disgusted with the Baker’s Wife because of their expectations for the character. “With her, it was such a big deal for whatever reason.”

Directing her first musical on campus, Kristl Densley, assistant professor of theater, said, “Berrett made the Baker’s Wife a real character and I think that is why people reacted negatively.”

She said, “I would really hope that [audience members] would at some point say, ‘Hey wait! I feel this way about the Baker’s Wife, but the prince did that too.”

Densley said she believes the negative reactions were due to social and cultural conditioning. She said in the United States, the LDS Church, and internationally “the response to infidelity is quite strong, but that’s good.”

The woman who yelled yes was proof Berrett was successful in acting, said Densley. “I was four rows back from the woman who yelled yes... She was actually invested in that character’s life, which means Brinley was doing a great job of telling the truth. That’s a triumph.

My job is to tell a story and allow them to be invested like that woman.

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“I do think it is more of a successful moment when you can have an immediate reaction like that from the audience.”

For one of Densley’s theater classes, she had students write a reaction paper to the musical. “I had a student who wrote a paper and reaffirmed that he has a terrible fear of infidelity and how he is going to deal with that. He got that from watching ‘Into The Woods’ and through introspection in his own life because of a musical.” She said it helped him to ponder how he is going to avoid infidelity in his own life.

“The point of theater is to see something and then to go home then think about it and decide how your moral compass is going to guide you.”

Densley said, “More than one person in [Berrett’s] class commented on the Baker’s Wife’s adultery. I said, ‘Interesting. How did you feel about the prince…who also committed adultery in the forest?’ They hadn’t even thought about him. Not only did he commit adultery, but he sought it out.”

Mellor said, “My view is when you are a character you completely become that character, but it is absolutely not who you are.You have to differentiate when you are acting as a character.You are not yourself.You are someone else.”

Mellor said he thinks people should “stop hating. If you have really strong emotions, hate on the character.

Don’t hate on Brinley. She would never do what she did in the musical. She is a good person overall.”

At first, Berrett said she was upset with the comments but eventually learned something from it.

“I guess I did my job right,” she said. “If somebody believed I was that character and believed what I was doing was real, then that is what an actor aims to do.” She said she started taking the feedback as a compliment.

To those who said negative things about her character, Berrett said, “Thank you for believing what I did and believing in my story, but realize that there was a lesson to be learned in my character. There is repentance, and even when someone succumbs to that tempting, there is always a way to get back out of it.”

I M PO RTAN T PLOT D E TAI L S

“Into the Woods” depicts a story with main characters from popular fairy tales like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood who all embark on separate but intertwined adventures to fulfill their wishes. The two primary characters are the Baker and the Baker’s Wife. The wife is unable to have child because of a curse placed on the Baker’s father by the Witch, who tells them she’ll remove the curse if they help her find the ingredients she needs for a potion that will make her beautiful again. After they and the other fairy tale characters get what they wished for at the end of the first half, the consequences of their actions have negative results in the second half. During the second half, the Baker’s Wife, having given birth to a son, is alone in the woods at one point and runs into Cinderella’s Prince, who seduces the wife. The two kiss, and after the prince leaves she realizes her mistake and decides she wants to go back to her happy life with the Baker and her child. However, she is killed by a giant.

The Baker’s Wife, played by Brinley Berrett, and the Baker, played

by Spencer Grubbe, go into the woods to undo a curse.

Photo by Rocky Woo

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Secret Service Agent Training BYUH alumni shares stories from his training, remind students to focus on family B Y JO SH M ASO N

A former Secret Service agent and BYU-Hawaii alumni said he went through rigorous training such as being shot by a shotgun with a bulletproof vest on, but he advised students to choose a career path that allows them to have a family. During a forum sponsored by the Political Affairs Society on Thursday, Feb. 9, the agent, who worked under Obama’s administration, said he couldn’t share his name or personal information for security reasons concerning his family. He said he’s grateful for the career he’s had but wished he could’ve spent more time with family.

In relation to why keeping his identity secret was important, the agent said the recent change in presidents makes his current situation “a vulnerable time right now. We don’t know what’s going to happen with this new presidency.” The agent said he or his family could get hurt. “I don’t care as much about me but more my family,” he added.

Family was the main message of the entire event. Even though the majority of his talk was spent discussing Secret Service training, the agent said his biggest advice for students was to focus on their families.

He advised students in the room to choose a career that lets them focus on their families more than their work because of how demanding his job was.

“It’s really easy to get wrapped up in work,” he said, “especially in the Secret Service.” He shared a story about how his son was born in TVA and “next thing I knew, he’s about to graduate and go on a mission.”

Brendan Scott, a senior political science major from California who attended the forum, said, “I think he was advising for work in general, because that’s not just a Secret Service thing.”

TH E TRA INING P RO G R AM

The agent said one of the funniest moments of his training was his polygraph test. “You feel like the worst person in the world,” he said before laughing. He said one of the exchanges involved analyzing his relationship with his wife in order to see how easily irritated he’d be. “They asked, 30

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‘Do you have any arguments with your wife?’ and I was like, ‘Well, yeah.’

Then they said, ‘It must frustrate you,’ and I was like, ‘No!’ and they responded, ‘Why are you getting upset?’” The test was four hours long.

One experience he said deeply inspired him was during a long run the trainees had to perform. The snow was “basically going sideways,” and an ambulance followed them so if anyone gave up, they could opt out and quit the training. One of the trainees was a 38-year-old single mother. At one point, she decided to give up and started walking to the ambulance.

The group looked over at her, and all of them decided to run back and pick her up before she could reach the ambulance. They carried her the rest of the way. He said the trainers were very impressed and said the real point of the test was to see if they could become a close group.

Once they finished, they were escorted inside to a warm room with available drinking water. As they started to relax, the trainers sprayed pepper spray in their eyes and started hitting the trainees. At the beginning of the training, the trainees were given a safe word that if they said at anytime would automatically disqualify them in the training. The trainers beat them and yelled, “Tell us the word!” The agent said while they were beating him, he shouted, “Don’t anyone tell them the word!” He compared the point of the exercise to the participants “being detained by another country and giving [their] keys to the White House.”

He thought things couldn’t get worse, but it did. He said he was shot by a shotgun while wearing a bulletproof vest for the next part of the training. He said the first thing he thought was, “What’s that safe word again?” The entire training involved getting shot in the chest by the shotgun, removing the vest immediately afterwards, handcuffing a guy by the wall, dragging him across the room, and then jumping up and down to say they’re done.

When he was shot, he said he wet his pants the instant the rounds hit his chest. “The pain was ridiculous,” he said. By the time he had to jump, he said he was exhausted but still pulled through.

In addition to the physical training, one requirement was to memorize all the laws and rights U.S. citizens have. Because he had been out of school for a long time, one student confronted him and said he was bringing the whole class down because of his poor scores. The student told him to study in a group and not alone. “All my free time in college was spent at home studying because I was married,” he said. During his first study group, he was assigned only two pages out of the total 27 they had to read; the other students studied two pages each and summarized what they read. “That present was the best thing that was ever given to me. Out of all the other stuff, the hardest stuff was going back to school, even more than getting shot.”

LI FE AT BY UH

After graduating from BYU-Hawaii with a degree in special education, the agent said he was struggling financially. He was married after his freshman year and wanted to play baseball professionally but had been playing on the basketball team at BYUH. He said he met a Secret Service agent who told him about the job. He was given the application, which was 85 pages, and the deadline was three days away. He was able to apply within the three-day limit, so he only had to compete with 500 other applicants as opposed to thousands.

Being a professional baseball player was always his dream, but the agent said he saw the job opportunity as beneficial to his family life. “The moment I decided I was going to choose my family over my dream and take the government job, I cried like a baby for three nights... It was the hardest decision of my life.”

During the first week of training in Maryland, he said the organization tried to weed out the weak. “The first week, they beat you up. They make you run, getting into your mind... It’s all pre assessments.Your actual training is in Georgia, but the first week is to see how mentally tough you are.”

The trainers said applicants had to complete seven months of training to get the job.

Applicants came from all over the country, the agent said, and the trainers told them, “Listen, during training you’ll have tests you have to study for.You can have two grades less than 80 percent. If you get a third one, then you’re out.”

Despite the harsh conditions, the agent said, “They don’t want to get rid of you. They spent all this money getting you to this point in the training. The polygraph alone was about 20 grand... the background check was 20 grand alone too. They flew you out there, financed the rental cars, hotels, and so on.”

for Trump, according to Fox News. The agent said she would probably go “into retirement,” making quotation signals with his fingers. He said the comment could make things worse for the Secret Service because people might think they can shoot President Trump without the Secret Service interfering. “It was a really stupid thing for her to do, as far as her career,” said Scott.

ARRAN GI N G TH E E VE N T

Erica Knight, president of the Political Affairs Society and a senior political science major from Utah, said one of the agent’s neighbors arranged the event. The neighbor noticed he was gone for long periods of time, so she decided to ask him what he does. When she learned about his career, she contacted the Political Science Department to get it in contact with him.

Knight said the event almost didn’t happen because the society disclosed his personal information while advertising. “We found out it had to be totally secret because we had been advertising with his name and photograph beforehand - because there couldn’t be any photography, and people couldn’t post on social media that they met a secret service agent. He found out we’d been using his name and photo, and then really late one night he forwarded us an email saying, ‘I can’t be on social media,’ and no one could know his name.

“We had already sent in the request for the event to be in the Student Bulletin and handed out fliers, so someone ran and tore down all the fliers. We ran into the Student Bulletin [office] right before they submitted it.”

Scott said he attended the forum because he finds security trainings interesting. “It’s always fun just hearing the stories of the hiring process.

The tests are always a lot more complicated. It’s also fun to hear about it because I don’t have to experience it. I don’t have to get tased, pepper sprayed, or get beat up while not giving in to revealing secret stuff.”

The entire training involved getting shot in the chest by the shotgun, removing the vest immediately afterwards, handcuffing a guy by the wall, dragging him across the room, and then jumping up and down to say they’re done.

TH E S ECRET S ERV IC E TO DAY

During a Q&A session, Dr. Brian Houghton, professor of political science, asked what would happen to Kerry O’Grady, a senior Secret Service agent who posted on Facebook that she would not take a bullet

STU D E N T RE ACTI O N S

Though it was fascinating for him, Scott said, “I wish he would’ve shared more about personal experiences like interactions with the presidents and their families, but I think a lot of it is related to confidentiality. I think about 98 percent of what he does is probably confidential. He tried to share with us as much as he could, but there’s only so much he could share legally.”

Scott said on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being no interest in a career with the Secret Service and 10 being absolutely interested, he would rate himself as being a 2 before the forum. After the forum, he said it was a 4.

“I’m more interested in work with the state department and diplomacy,” he said while sighing.

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Elder Oaks: Push back Apostle gives graduates five ways to battle against the standards of the world B Y BRO OK LY N R E D D AN D J O S H M AS O N

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Diana Tan walks out of the Cannon Activities Center as graduates around her celebrate.

Photo by Olivia Tsan

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A collage of photos of the 2016-2017 Winter Semester Graduation Commencement. Photos

by Kyungji Kim, Olivia Tsan and Dorothy Chiu

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From left to right: Elder Oaks tells the graduating class to push back against the world’s values; graduates stand as Vice President John Bell officially announces them as graduates; Elder Oaks shakes hands with graduating student Jashon Fabia. Photos by Kyungji Kim and Olivia Tsan

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raduating students were advised to work hard and to push back against the world

by BYU-Hawaii President John Tanner and Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, at the Winter 2017 Commencement in the Cannon Activities Center on Saturday, Feb. 25. The graduating students said they were happy with their experience and ready to move on.

Elder Oaks told graduating students to “push back against the worldly values and practices that are contrary to gospel teachings at covenants”

President Tanner, who conducted commencement, reported 204 students received bachelor’s degrees and 52 associate’s degrees.

He said the graduates were from 19 to 53 years old and came from 29 countries. The countries included India, Brazil, China, Fiji, Australia, and more.

Similar to previous commencements, Tanner asked graduates to stand as he asked if they fell into different categories such as speaking multiple languages, being a part of the I-WORK program, or if they are converts to the LDS Church. When he asked if they were the first to graduate in their families to stand, 36

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several graduating students stood as the audience applauded.

Rosaline Tupou, an aunt of Ana Noelani Fonua, a graduate in political science from Tonga, said Fonua was the first of her immediate family to graduate. She said the entire family came all the way from Tonga to celebrate.

Tupou said, “Education is the opportunity for a future and blessings.” She said she also graduated from BYUH and said the school is supportive even though it’s not easy to get an education. She said she hopes Fonua can make a difference in Tonga and apply what she learned to build God’s kingdom.

TAL K S

President Tanner spoke to students first and said there are three principles they should always remember: work, grit, and grace. He said work should always come before play and self-discipline should be applied. In regards to grit, he said passion and perseverance is far more important than talent, and “effort matters far more than genius.”

Tanner said everything students do should always be complimented with grace.

He said everyone needs the enabling power of

Christ. “Power enables us to become like Him [Christ].”

Mariah Walsh, a senior from Minnesota who graduated in English, was the student graduation speaker. In her speech, she said, “BYUH has prepared you to be strong and build wherever you may be.”

Elder Kim B. Clark, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy and commissioner of the Church Educational System, said in his remarks to graduates, “If you are not converted to the Lord, the world will get into your heart.”

He referred to Alma 37:36-37 that encrouages people to counsel with the Lord in all that they do, and reminded graduates to ask themselves: “Does this passage describe my life?”

The final speaker was Elder Oaks, who advised students to practice five principles in order to do so.

The first was to properly observe the Sabbath Day.

Second, he advised the graduates to stand clear of communications of hate - especially online. However, he said members of the LDS Church should not be discouraged from discussing and debating policies or positions they believe to be wrong, but to refrain from doing

so in meanness and ugliness. He told them to avoid worldly prejudices and to love one another.

Third, Elder Oaks counseled the graduates to keep the commandments of God. He included a warning of cultures contrary to the gospel culture, saying members “must push back and separate ourselves from them.”

Fourth, he asked the graduates to not become a part of the culture of dependency.

He advised them to not expect to be dependent on extended family, the community, or the government. He also said students should be concerned with the moral environment of society just as much as they are concerned with the physical environment. He referred to global warming and its effects on the physical climate and compared it to pornography and profanity’s effects on the moral climate.

Fifth and finally, he encouraged students to value of lifelong learning because it “is promoted and directed by eternal priorities.

Beyond increasing our occupational qualifications, we should desire to learn how to become more emotionally fulfilled, more skilled in our personal relationships, and better parents and citizens.”

He said learning should not be restricted to formal study or new technologies like the Internet, but should include “experiences with people and places, conversations with friends, travel, visits to museums, plays, and concerts, and opportunities for service. Graduates, expand yourselves and enjoy the journey.”

G R AD UATI O N & CE L E B RATI O N

After Elder Oaks’ talk, each graduate walked across the main stage and shook hands with Tanner, Clark, and Oaks as their names and country or state were announced. Fijian graduates kneeled before Oaks and clapped three times as a sign of respect. Lasarusa Tokona, a freshman from Fiji majoring in computer science, said, “When a Fijian kneels, it shows deep respect, representing humility and gratitude.”

After degrees were awarded, families and friends embraced the graduates outside of the CAC. Some carried giant signs with pictures of the graduates and covered them with leis made from flowers, candies, and even popcorn.

Tupua Ainu’u, barely able to speak from being covered with numerous different kinds of leis, said the commencement speeches made it one of the most beautiful programs he had

seen. Ainu’u, a senior from Las Vegas who graduated with an interdisciplinary studies degree that combined music with theatre, said, “It was relatable, understandable, and honorable.”

As people gathered outside, Daniel Henderson, assistant professor of Music, led his ensemble, the BYUH Street Band, in three songs.

Several faculty and family members gathered around to watch and record the performance with their cellphones.

Henderson said, “Street Band is about celebration, bringing the community together.”

Students from New Zealand were also recognized and honored with a traditional haka performed by fellow students.

David Stratton Waite, professor of Accounting, said he loves graduation and seeing the students walking in the line prior to graduation. He said, “There is nothing better than seeing students graduate. I love them; seeing them happy and achieving their goals.”

Diana Tang, a senior from California who graduated in international cultural studies, said her greatest advice to fellow students preparing to graduate is to “get to know as many people who are different from you and come to understand and love them.”

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C ampus Eve nts Top: Elder Dallin Oaks speaks to the crowd before dedicating the two renovated hales. Bottom: The new three-story Hale 4 .

Photos by Olivia Tsan

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Old hales are made new Apostle dedicates reconstructed dorms, one renovated and one rebuilt entirely

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Elder Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, offered the dedicatory prayer for the rededication of the student residential buildings Hale 4 and Hale 6 on Saturday, Feb. 25. Alongside President and Sister Tanner, Elder Kim B. Clark, commissioner of Church Education System, and an original labor missionary who helped construct the building back in 1955, Elder Oaks said, “The dedication of a building is like setting a person apart... setting them apart from the normal activities.”

Stephen Spiegler, a project manager for Okland Construction from Pupukea, said he appreciated the dedication ceremony for the buildings he helped build. He said 300 to 400 different people and 20 to 25 different subcontractoring companies were involved on the construction work over the course of construction - as well as the BYU-Hawaii staff who helped them coordinate this project. He said he enjoyed being “in the presence of one of the general authorities.”

President John Tanner said, “I felt when I first came to this university I wanted to build on the foundations that have been laid. I hope and pray that everyone associated with or living in these buildings will radiate light.”

Elder Clark said, “My hope is the apartments reflect the principles God taught us in this life and the eternal life.”

He said the buildings would become places where the Holy Ghost could reside to “teach others to build the eternal families.” He concluded his remarks, “We want them to go forward and create eternal families.”

Jessica Birch, a sophomore from Maui majoring in biomedical science, said, “Non-church colleges don’t do this kind of stuff, and I think it makes me more like Christlike and makes sure we are doing the right things.”

Joan Rey, a freshman majoring in information system from Philippines, said, “[Since] the building was dedicated by someone special such as one of the apostles, the Spirit can reside within the building, especially if the students make the

effort to help the Spirit reside there by making their personal study more special.”

Siegler said Hale 6 was completely demolished while Hale 4’s infrastructure was kept in place, and the building was reconstructed.

“Originally, Hale 4 and Hale 6 were both two story buildings. So for the renovation of Hale 4, we stripped the roof off, took out everything inside basically and just left the shell. Then we framed the third story on the top and turned the building from single student dorms, which were just beds, to actual apartments.” He said the dorms also have whole kitchens and bathrooms in each unit.

For Hale 6, the whole building was torn down “and rebuilt because of its proximity to the flood zone,” Siegler said. “We actually took the original Hale 6, crushed it up, and turned it to gravel, and that’s what we used to build [on top of]. So, Hale 6 is literally built on itself.”

Hanseul Jung, a junior from South Korea studying business management, said, “I think it’s really good for girls because everybody cooks their food on their own.”

Rey said, “It’s very convenient and everything is accessible compared to the old ones. They have kitchen in each unit, so they can cook whenever they want, and they have two sets of rest rooms and showers.”

Spiegler said the first floor of Hale 6 “was always wet” when the flooding occurred in the past, but thanks to this renovation work, it was “built up about three feet and additional drainage was put around the building.” If any major flooding happened, he added, “it would still be able to take it out to the ocean instead of into the building.”

The rededication of Hales 4 and 6 signal the completion of the first phase of housing, said Spiegler.

He continued, “Now all 10 Hales are built, so the growth on campus can now continue as far as putting the students in housing on campus.”

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The 8th Annual BYUH

Extravaganza Dance Concert Dance teacher invites all to contribute in upcoming performance in May

BY HA ILEY RAS M U S S E N / P H OTO S B Y STO P K H E M TH O RN

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tudents are scheduled to perform dances from around the world, like Bollywood, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, freestyle and ballroom, at the eighth annual BYU-Hawaii Extravaganza Dance performance on May 10.

Nina Foster, a BYUH dance instructor and director of the event, said the performance is an all-out production with full costume and lighting in the McKay Auditorium. “We have had 50-to-80 students participate in the past.”

“I’ve had students come up to me after the performance who were said they didn’t know about it ahead of time. I want to spread the word so everyone who wants to participate can,” she said.

While her classes require a final performance at the end of each semester, Foster said this semester’s performance is going to be particularly spectacular.

Nick Fifita, a senior from Tonga studying social work, said there is a lot more passion, energy, and work that goes into this performance compared to the others.

He participated in last year’s performance. “Overall, I think students put more effort in for the big production.

There is more motivation to push yourself to be really good. Last year we did all we could to prepare, and everyone was happy in the end.”

Some of Foster’s previous students said they participated in around 10 different group numbers for the performance. Foster said at the Dance Extravaganza event they “showcase some individuals by giving them 20 to 30 seconds to perform, but it’s all combined into one number.” Fifita said some dancers specialize in one genre, but that doesn’t keep them from trying others. “Sometimes we have hip-hop dancers doing ballet.”

Foster said she likes to utilize talents students already have. “Each person has a thing they’re good at.” One student helped edit the music last year, and other students contributed their ideas to costume designs. She said some students were pretty creative, but it took them time to learn the movements in the dances. “Everyone is different but they are all special to me.”

Foster said this event is important to her because she wants to “create a beautiful memory for students

to take when they walk off campus.” Kathryn Omae, a sophomore studying information systems from Papua New Guinea and a former student of Foster’s, laughed as she said, “There was one time everyone in the class was dropping it low. I dropped it low and I didn’t come back up! Everyone in the class was laughing!”

Austin McIntire, a freshman with an undecided major from California who is also a former student of Foster’s, said he enjoyed Foster’s Modern Dance class last Winter Semester. He said he hadn’t taken a dance class before enrolling for this one. “I saw it and thought I would give it a try,” he said. “If you’re thinking about enrolling in the class, just try it out. If it’s not for you, go ahead and drop it, but I don’t think you will want to.

“I know it sounds cliché, but we were really all like family in the class,” he said.

Foster said, “Students who participate build longterm friends. I have students who come back and visit me still. They feel at home here.”

Omae said participating in the dance class made her feel free. She said she would stay after class to keep working on the dances. “I had a desire to get better and Nina was so encouraging. The class is way better than breaking your brain cells writing essays. Sometimes we would lay face down on the ground and give each other back rubs.

This class is for anybody who thinks dancing is fun.”

For students who want to participate, Foster said students should enroll in EXS 186 Modern Dance, EXS 288 Intermediate Dance for Theater, though she said the class focuses more on hip-hop dance, or EXS 298 Advanced Dance. “I can work with committed students if they can’t fit these classes into their schedule. We can hold extra practices on Tuesday nights, but it is better if the students can come to the classes,” she added.

Some students in class were dancing in front of a crowd for their first time, said Omae. “In this class, you are free to express yourself. As time went by, I could dance in front of people in the class. Once I got comfortable with that, I could dance in front of anyone.” Omae, Fifita, and McIntire said they highly recommend students take a class.

Left: The 2016 Dance Extravaganza was performed in the McKay Auditorium on May 21. This year the concert is scheduled for May 10. Students not in Dance Instructor Nina Foster’s classes can also participate in the concert, she said, by attending an open rehearsal night she holds each week.

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Dancers perform during last year’s Dance Extravaganza performance. Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEWY9iJjZKZY to watch the entire performance.

Photos by Stop Khemthorn

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lifestyle

in this section Students start scavenger hunt dating business that plans the date for you

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Students say new LDS dating app Mutual hasn’t helped them start a relationship

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BYU-Hawaii student sells jewelry made from green stone to share Maori culture

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Instructions on how to renew student ecclesiastical endorsement

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L i fe st y le College students Colton Roney prepares surf on the the clue forweb a customer’s while waiting in line. “facilidate.”

Photo Photo by

by AP. Olivia Tsan

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Let someone else “Facilidate” Students start scavenger hunt dating business that plans the date for you B Y B RO O K LYN RE D D

Trevor Harrison, a junior from Washington majoring in hospitality and tourism management is the founder of North Shore Facilidate, a small business that sets up scavenger hunts for dates.

“We realized there is a dating issue here, and people are pretty lame when it comes to dates,” said Harrison.

Harrison said, “Basically what we do is set up scavenger hunts with notes in a bottle like a treasure hunt style, and we will lead people through these scavenger hunts.” Holt said this concept of a scavenger hunt allows the couple to both be surprised without having to put any of their own planning into it.

Fred Parker, assistant professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, said he overheard Trevor in one of his classes discussing his plans for the business. He said he thought it sounded like a lot of fun and wanted to do it with his wife.

Parker said, “I didn’t have to do anything except pay for it and that was it. It was super fun - the right amount of time, the right amount of challenge, and the food was great.

The best thing about it is he can tailor it to whatever your needs are.

“The location that they found for us to have dinner was perfect. It was right at sunset, so the time couldn’t have been better.”

For Parker, his favorite part about the date was he didn’t have to worry too much or put an incredible amount of effort into planning it.

Parker said Harrison allowed him to personalize the scavenger hunt, putting notes he wrote for his wife with the scavenger hunt clues.

Harrison said, “This is a date that honestly all they have to do is show up. It will be the date that they always wanted.”

Parker said, “It is fun for anybody, and Trevor can match it to any person’s income, time, or transportation level.

“I think it’s a great activity that is reasonable for students to do on dating. I think the things you normally do on dating don’t allow you to talk a lot. With a scavenger hunt, it allows you to talk all the time.”

Colten Roney, a senior from California majoring in psychology, said he works with Harrison as a “facildater,” meaning he plans and helps organize the dates.

Roney said, “I remember we were talking about the best dates we have been on, and there was this one date we went on where [Harrison] basically invited me on a double date. We went on a scavenger hunt, and he had some great ideas. I told him, ‘Hey you are a really great planner and good at coming up with ideas.’”

After that experience and conversation, Harrison decided to make the idea into a business. Roney said, “We both have awesome ideas and always wanted to start a business together.

“Trevor is a good friend of mine, and I definitely would do a business with him and support him 100 percent.”

Emily Holt, a junior from Utah majoring in hospitality and tourism management, worked for Facilidate as a waitress for Parker’s date. She said she hopes to continue as a business partner with Harrison. She said it’s hard for people to do different dates around Laie.

“I think [the business] will take off because it’s different and exciting.”

Harrison said each scavenger hunt is different since it is adapted to couples and their preferences. “We allow people to choose where they would like to end their date. We try to make them as personalized as possible.”

Roney said, “My favorite part is seeing how happy people are about it afterwards. It is fun to see that the word is getting around and starting to take off where people like it.”

Harrison said they offer a basic package starting at $35; a picnic package with a coldstyle picnic at $50; and a beach picnic for $100 that comes with a warm dinner and waitress in a location the couple prefers.

The service is for all students, said Harrison. “It’s not just for people who are getting married or in a serious relationship. We set it up so if you want it to be, it can be a serious thing or casual first date. We don’t want to make it awkward, so we are definitely here to make it perfect for the students depending on what they specifically want.”

To contact Facilidate, visit www.facebook. com/northshorefacilidate.

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L i fe st y le

10:00 AM

10:00 AM

Graphic and photos by Lexie Kapeliela

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Mormonized Tinder falls flat Students say new LDS dating app Mutual hasn’t help start meaningful relationships B Y K E L SY SI M M O N S

BYU-Hawaii students say they are disappointed with the new LDS dating app Mutual because it introduced them to terrible dates, connected them to people too far away for a realistic relationship, or they didn’t make any connections.

Like other students interviewed, Sullivan Quinn, an undeclared freshman from Utah, said setting up his Mutual account started as a joke.

Quinn said the app led to several conversations and one date within three months. “It turned out to be one of the worst dates of my life,” he said. “So from that point on, I’m like, ‘I don’t think I’ll do this little dating app thing anymore.’”

The function of the Mutual app is similar to Tinder. A user is given the picture and profile of a person. Once a user has felt like they know enough about the person, they swipe up to say “Yes” or down to say “Not for me.”

If two users swipe up on each other, they will be “matched” together and linked so they can message each other.

Baily Jin, a junior from China studying international cultural studies, said she heard about Mutual from a friend. After she downloaded the app, she said she only used it twice because it was “boring and weird.”

“It’s kind of really superficial,” Jin expressed, “because you want to talk to this person just based on their appearance. I’d rather get to know people first.”

Besides the picture, creating a profile is uniquely tailored to LDS Church members.

Along with the regular information of name, age, and where you are from, it also asks where the user has served their mission.

Drexlerlee Leduna, a senior from the Philippines studying hospitality and tourism management, said he likes it because “they have

information about themselves, and you can sort which ones you like, [like] for example, if they have served a mission or not.”

Quinn agreed the app definitely has its perks. “Some good things are that it connects you to people here at school.You already have the base of the gospel.You are not wondering, ‘What are this person’s standards?’” he said.

The profile also includes a line where users can slide a mark to indicate relationship interests anywhere from “down for dates” to “relationship ready.”

Mutual users can pick a search range anywhere between a 5-mile radius to 249 miles.

The only option larger then 249 miles is an infinity sign captioned as “distance is no obstacle.”

Quinn said one weakness of the app is he feels people can be too picky and a bit too judging. He said he felt like a person needs more face-to-face interaction to get to know someone.

“You can only get so much information from a profile picture. There is a lot more chemistry and a lot more ‘person’ when you actually meet one-on-one in real life. People can be really different from their profile pictures.

“I will recommend trying it as a joke. Do not expect marriage from it,” he said while laughing.

Brendan Smith, a junior biochemistry major from Nevada, said at first he swiped up and down, then he had an epiphany. “If you swipe down, all odds end there. If you swipe up, the possibilities are endless… I swipe up on everyone. I like to call it fishing, just seeing what I catch.”

He said this landed him with 250 matches, but he had no idea what to do with them.

“After much talking to lots of girls from the

mainland, I decided that it was too much work and very unrealistic to date any of theses girls.

So, I just never message anyone anymore.”

Smith said though Mutual was a confidence booster and better than Tinder, he now only uses it to get followers on his Instagram.

Farina McCarthy-Stonex, counselor at the BYUH Counseling Center, suggested the reason students like online dating is because they lack social skills. “Who wants a relationship with a computer?” she asked.

Leduna said Mutual is just a way for him to reach people, not a way to get to know them. “After I get a match, I usually set up a date to meet up and introduce each other in a traditional way,” he said.

Leduna said the app is simply another way to find people who you know are comfortable talking to you as well. “Conversations and introductions must be done personally. I’m not really sure if that’s how it works, but that’s how I ride.”

However, after using the app for about three weeks, Leduna also described the app as “not really effective.”

McCarthy-Stonex said she believes a better way to connect with people is to start by being pleasant and helpful. She referenced the hymn “Scatter Sunshine” and said, “You can scatter sunshine.You have to reach out and be a friend. That’s how you build relationships.

Then, you build on that friendship.

“Every one of us has somebody there for us. Don’t give up. Keep trying to find the one that’s meant for you.”

McCarthy-Stonex advised students to be prayerful in their endeavors of finding their soulmate. She said, “The Lord will help us find someone.”

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Blending culture and business Student sells jewelry made from green stone to share his Maori culture

BY BROO KLY N R E D D

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Moananui Kadarmia shows a his green stone necklace. He said in his culture, green stones are given to others with love.

Photos by Chantal Hopper

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Moananui Kadarmia, a junior in biochemistry from New Zealand, sells jewelry made from Maori green stone as a part of his own side business, which he started to share his culture with others.

“If people are going to buy from me, I want them to at least have a sense of what Maori culture is,” said Kadarmia.

He said he started selling green stone when he noticed a bunch of Hawaiians were at the [Polynesian Cultural Center Hukilau] Marketplace buying the stone. The customers told him they really like Maori green stone, but it is really hard to come by. He decided to experiment and started taking the business more seriously back in November.

“We believe green stone is supposed to be given in love. A lot of Maori people believe if you give green stone to other people, then it is a really meaningful gift,” Kadarmia said. He said there are many types of green stone that have their own force and energy.

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“I think sometimes the price isn’t the most important thing. I recommend people buy what feels right. I encourage people to hold them and see if it feels right for the person they are buying it for,” he said.

Michelle Campbell, the administrator assistant for Arts and Humanities and Human Development from New Zealand, said she purchased a few items from Kadarmia. She said, “I think it’s a good way to share the Maori culture because the green stone can only be found in New Zealand.

Green stone is usually passed down from family members, according to Campbell.

“My great-grandmother had a heartshaped greenstone she used to wear on a very long chain that went down past her waist.

When she passed away, the green stone got passed to my grandmother, then mother, and then she passed it to my sister. I would have liked it, but it went to the oldest daughter,” said Campbell.

Kadarmia offers different shapes in jewelry, each with different meanings. For example, he said he sells fish hooks that are made from cow bone. He said it represents new birth or a beginning and that jewelry gives prosperity and good fortune to the wearer. He said in ancient Maori days, the people would use whale bone, but due to whale hunting being illegal, they now use cow bone instead.

Kadarmia’s family works with carvers in New Zealand to make the jewelry, and he has sold his products in Hawaii and Australia. He said he is working towards selling products on the mainland.

Campbell said, “Moanaui has a really good sense of humor and is a very likable person.”

She said he was not pushy at all, and she never felt pressured to buy from him.

Sylvia Matayoshi, a BYUH alumni originally from Hawaii who lives in Washington, first discovered Kadarmia when he posted on the Facebook “BYUH Sell Your Stuff ” page. She

Left: Kadarmia sells Maori-inspired neckalces for his side business. Right: Kadarmia shows the variety of products he sells. Photos by Chantal Hopper

said, “Everything he has is so beautiful. Not only beautiful, but it also has a lot of cultural significance.”

Matayoshi said she has bought a lot for both herself and her family. She hopes to continue to purchase from him since green stone is hard to find. She said his post was the first time she has seen it offered in the United States.

“I thought he was very easy to work with, especially considering I am all the way here [Washington] and he is all the way there [Hawaii],” said Matayoshi.

She said since she went to BYUH, the green stone reminded her of her friends she went to school with and the close relationships she had on campus. She said, “I have great admiration and respect for the Maori people.”

Kadarmia said, “Another motivation for me is I like talking with people and helping them find what they are looking for.”

Kadarmia said the most important thing for student entrepreneurs at BYUH to know

is to care about their business. “If you want to Manumaleuna when purchasing a gift for her be an entrepreneur, then you should look for mother. She said he is hilarious and an outgoing things you are actually passionate about... try person who is not afraid to get out there. seeing where there is a need for something and Kadarmia said the biggest struggle for how you can meet that need. Explore, look him has been advertising. He hopes he can crearound you, and see what interests people.” ate a website or Instagram page to help people

“To be successful in business, I feel it has become more aware of his culture and his busito be founded upon the Savior. The Atonement ness. and the light it brings us helps us realize we

“I feel blessed with the opportunity to are not perfect and we can be better. Overall, I share my culture with others,” said Kadarmia. feel as we follow the gospel - and secondly, as “I have always wanted to do it in a way I can we follow the Savior’s example - people will show that I am proud to be Maori. I feel here at gravitate to us because of the light we have,” he BYU-Hawaii, people would appreciate that.” said. 

Students should not be afraid to start their own businesses, said Kadarmia. “It’s fun and good for me because I can earn a profit.”

Celeste Manumaleuna, a sophomore from Alaska majoring in social work, is a friend and customer of Kadarmia’s. “I think he is great. He is very kind. He showed us a lot of opportunities and variation in the different jewelry,” said MA RC H 2 0 1 7

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BISHOP’S ENDORSEMENT DUE BY MARCH 21

Photo by Monique Saenz

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H O W DO I G ET ENDORSED? - The Office of Honor is in the hallway next to the Seasider, and the staff there will help you get started with the process. It takes about 2 minutes.

- Or to do it yourself:

1. Go to endorse.byuh.edu

2. Complete the steps

3. Get interviewed

- This process puts you in your bishop’s que. Then you can schedule an interview with him.

- Only your Winter Semester bishop can endorse you, or the bishop you have been with for the past 6 months.

DID YO U K NOW THAT YOU NE E D TO REN EW YOUR BISHOP’S ENDOR SE M EN T IN ORDER TO REG ISTER FOR FALL S EMESTER? - You can’t receive your endorsement unless you log on and submit your request online.

- After March 21, all those who are NOT endorsed will be blocked from registering for classes.

- Seniors should act now to avoid disappointment.

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D ID YOU KN OW T HAT E A R LY R E GIST R AT ION FOR FA LL B E GIN S M A R CH 2 1 ?

FOR M OR E IN FOR M AT ION - Please contact the Office of Honor at 808-675-3493 or at honorcode@byuh,edu.

community & world

in this section Beached seals on the sand along Kamehameha Highway, says professor, are often pregnant

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Students disagree on whether building a wall on U.S.-Mexican border will benefit economy

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C ommu n it y College students A Hawaiian monk seal surf on the web rests waiting on Temple Beach. while in line.

Photoby byAP. Yukimi Kishi Photo

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Protected seals in Hauula Beached seals are often pregnant, says professor, and are to be protected B Y K E L SY SI M M O N S

A pregnant Hawaiian monk seal beached in Hauula near the fire station causes volunteers to section the area off with caution tape in hopes of protecting the seal during its resting period.

“The Hawaiian monk seal is an endemic species to Hawaii,” said Dr. Brad Smith, assistant professor of the Natural Sciences Department. “You don’t find them anywhere else in the world.”

Smith said when seals come to the beach to sun themselves, they usually lay very still. He said the barriers are put up to prevent people, who are not paying attention, for mistaking them as a rock and walking right into them.

Similar in the effort for sea turtles, people in Hawaii are dedicating effort into conserving Hawaiian monk seal populations as well with laws and regulations to protect them. “Generally, if you are really cute, you are going to have a lot of laws,” said Smith.

Dr. Benjamin Jordan, an associate professor of Natural Sciences, said of the seals, “They are considered one of the most endangered species on Earth.” According to the Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance website, the monk seal is also the most endangered mammal in the United States. The website says there are “only about 1,300 seals left” on the face of the planet.

The seals are more likely to be seen along the North Shore and Waianae Coast in the less populated areas, said Smith. “During the day, they will come up on the beach and sunbathe.”

Smith said there have been times when he has been on his way to surf and walked right by a seal when he was not paying attention. He said Hawaiian monk seals typically do not move, especially when they are pregnant.

“They look like they’re dead. I’ve had people come up on the beach that have been nervous about it and wanted to go up to check to see if it’s dead,” Smith stated.

According to Smith, it’s not a good idea to approach the seal to check. However, if a bystander is concerned, they

can call the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at 808-220-7802.

NOAA is in charge of monitoring sea life. Because NOAA is working to survey monk seal behavior, their website, NOAA Fisheries, asks Oahu residents to call and report any sightings.

People can also call if they are concerned a seal is in any danger from humans, said Smith. “If you see someone walking too close or trying to take a selfie, there is a number you can call and report it.”

Jordan said his wife were part of a local volunteer conservation group for two years. “Just web search ‘NOAA Hawaiian monk seal.’ They are always looking for volunteers.”

He said whenever a seal beaches itself to rest, the organization will try to send someone to ensure no one disturbs it.

“They have volunteers go and pretty much just hang out and look at the big lump on the beach to make sure nobody gets too close,” said Jordan. He said volunteering in the program is a really good experience, especially for students.

Yutong Wu, a sophomore from China studying international cultural studies who lives in Hauula, said, “I think having barriers put up around them is a good idea because Hawaii has so many visitors from all over the world. Some people don’t even know they shouldn’t touch them. It’s a good way to protect them and educate people from all over the world.”

The first time she saw seals on the beach in Hauula,Wu said she took a photo “because they are so cute and fat!”

Monk seal pups will stay with their mothers for about a year after they are born, said Smith, and the moms will be protective of their babies.

“If you see a cute little small seal, a lot of people will want to touch it,” Smith cautioned. “The mothers are big.

They can do some damage if they bite you. They will bowl people over and knock them down.”

For more information on Hawaiian monk seals, visit www.monkseals.org.

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C a Wo m p ur lsd L i f e

Lexi Breen wall talks Trump’s about her students experience divides BYU-Hawaii students disagree on whether Trump’s with adoption help others U.S.-Mexican border wall will benefitto the American economy

BY G Asays BR I Ereading L F RYAR aAN D AL E X M AL D Obirth N AD Omother was a turning point Student letter from her

BY LES LIE O W U S U

Workers raise a taller fence in the Mexico-US border area separating the towns of Anapra, Lexie Breen says while she if open about Mexico and Sunland Park, New Mexico on Nov. 10, 2016. U.S. Customs and Border talking about adoption, others are not as Protection said Feb. 24, that it plans to start awarding contracts by mid-April for President comfortable. Photo by Lexie Kapeliela Donald Trump’s proposed border wall with Mexico. Photo by AP

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resident Donald Trump has flexed his executive muscles through and executive order calling for the construction of the U.S.-Mexican border wall, according to the Washington Post. Some BYU-Hawaii students said they agree with Trump’s plan because they believe it will help the economy and improve security, while others worried it would be too expensive and create prejudice.

Zoe Rounseville, a freshman peacebuilding major from Arizona, said she’s less than positive about Trump’s action. “I understand Trump’s initial concern of an overflow of illegal immigrants in the United States,” she said.

“However, I think there are a lot other ways to enforce legal immigration without building a wall, like Social Security cards with strict sanctions or a tamper-proof national ID. Not only will it cost a fortune, but there still isn’t any promise that people won’t climb over it or blow a hole through it. A wall will require constant surveillance and upkeep, which just means more money.”

Blake Fisher, a senior Pacific Island studies major from Texas, said he supports the wall. “I am for [the wall]. It will be there to improve security and limit illegal immigrant traffic.

Illegal immigrants come and take advantage of the systems that we have in place. Do they do so maliciously? No, I do not believe so. I am in cultural studies and am very compassionate and empathetic towards the plight of our international neighbors. I want to help them, but they do put quite a strain on our economies. By providing healthcare, welfare, jobs, education, police protection, and other benefits to them, we use large amounts of our capital to support them without them participating in the taxes which fund these programs.”

Political Science Professor Dr. Troy Smith rationalized, “I think the point of the wall is more a symbolic exercise. It makes the claim and statement that America has walls and boundaries and that these borders matter.

Probably something more similar will happen where they will build part of it then call it good; although Trump seems pretty dedicated to fulfilling these campaign promises.”

According to CNBC, Senate Leader Mitch McConnell estimated the total cost Continued on Page 58

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Left to right: A woman chants during an immigration protest outside of a detention center in Elizabeth, N.J.; Trump protesters chant from across the street from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol station in McAllen, Texas; a man holds a sign prior to the start of an immigration protest outside of a detention center in Elizabeth, N.J. Photos by AP Continued from Page 57

of Trump’s wall will be somewhere in the $12-$15 billion range. To contrast, a report published by the National Academy of Sciences titled “The Economic and Fiscal Consequences of Immigration” says, “Immigration drains the government, sapping as much as $296 billion a year from federal, state and local taxpayers while depressing wages, at least in the short run.”

Lauren Gale, a freshman biology major from Texas, said she is concerned with the wall even though she’s Republican. “I think the money that’s going into creating this wall would be better spent in the vetting process and reforming how immigration works. That’s what I would prefer seeing my taxes going towards, improving the immigration policy.”

Rounseville worried the wall would create prejudice. She said, “There are psychological effects building a wall will have on our generation and generations to come. It feeds a negative ‘us vs. them’ attitude.”

In contrast, Fisher said, “It’s not just a wall. It’s a symbol, a deterrent, and one of the many steps that are necessary to protect the 58

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rights of born citizens, naturalized citizens, and legal immigrants alike.”

Shawn Pahulu, a senior information technology major from Hauula, said, “I feel like border control is a good thing, not necessarily as a symbol of hate or racism, but exclusivity and safety. People should have the chance to enter the country but legally and without having to compromise [safety].”

President Trump said the wall will be funded by Mexico, but Mexican President Pena Nieto said, “I have said time and again, Mexico will not pay for any wall.”

Gale said she doesn’t see how the wall will be funded in a diplomatic or professional banner. “I think this will cause a rift between the U.S. and Mexico... So ultimately, it will just cause the U.S. to go into even more debt, which is what they’re trying to prevent in the first place.”

There are alternative methods for having Mexico finance the wall, Smith said. He said, “Mexico is not going to deliver a check to America for the cost of the wall. However, there are a number of potential ways America

could set up procedures to get some out of Mexico.

“You could tax remittances. That’s the money sent out of people here back to their families back in Mexico.You could create tariffs on products sent from Mexico into the United States. Some Republicans are talking about a tax adjustment that taxes consumption on imports. However, in the end who pays things like tariffs, it comes back around to the consumer.”

A recruit for the U.S. Army, Gale said, “There are some ways that immigrants can and should come into the U.S. legally. Some people I know have gained their legal citizenship through joining the U.S. military.

“I think Trump has some good intentions, the biggest one being trying to save money through stopping illegal immigration. It’s important to address that we do have an illegal immigration problem, and Trump is the first to really fight to change that.”

Coming from a family of immigrants, Louisette Waiane, a sophomore social work major from Vanuatu, said, “My Grandpa was an immigrant from New Caledonia to Vanuatu. For

me, I am so grateful that my family was able to migrate to a different island with a whole new culture and group of people. I was able to go back into my history and learn about both cultures. I think it’s important to celebrate your heritage and culture, and this is not what this wall will accomplish. America is known around the world to be a haven for immigrants, but building this wall proves otherwise.”

Several conservatives view the spark in immigration interest coming from within the media, said Smith. “There is an identity of being American, and that identity is defined by the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Anyone [from] any culture can become an American.

“In America, it’s one of the few countries where the identity is shaped on ideals and values. The problem is that if you let in too many outsiders too quickly, you dilute that identity of America. However, Smith also said, “What unites America is this enormous amount of diversity under these similar ideals and principle. So the problem for conservatives with immigration is really assimilation.”

“Beginning today the United States of America gets back control of its borders...We are going to save lives on both sides of the border,” declared President Trump during a visit to the Department of Homeland Security on Jan. 25.

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Elder Dallin Oaks dedicated the renovated Hale 4 on Saturday, Feb. 25. Photo by Olivia Tsan