33 minute read
Messages of hope
President Nelson shared he remains optimistic for the future in his video “My Message of Hope and Love For You.” Photo taken from “My Message of Hope and Love For You.”
CHOOSING HOPE
Students and leaders share uplifting messages during global pandemic
BY LEIANI BROWN
With the rapidly changing nature of the global pandemic and surrounding circumstances, unprecedented challenges and stressors popped up worldwide. Amidst the chaos and panic, professors and students at BYU–Hawaii banded together to provide hope for one another.
“Some of you may be worried if you will have a place to live or food to eat in the next few weeks. You will. To those who worry that you won’t be able to enroll for classes in Spring Semester. You will,” wrote BYUH President John Tanner in a Special Student Bulletin on March 13.
“To those who wonder if the world will end tomorrow or if you will get married, I don’t know. But I wouldn’t plan on the former and I’d work toward the latter if you are single. So take heart. Remember the words of our old pioneer hymn: ‘All is well.’ The pioneers sang these in the face of trials, not in their absence.”
Following the announcement of classes being offered only remotely for the time being, professors also sent out words of encouragement to their students.
“All will be well. I have no doubt of that,” wrote Dr. Marcus Martins, a professor in the Faculty of Religious Education, to his students. “We have the word of the Lord and of one of his prophets about that: ‘Therefore, let your hearts be comforted ... for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God’ (Doctrine and Covenants 101:16).”
Martins also posted a video for his past and current students, in which he shared his personal impressions, faith and testimony during the current crisis.
“I can see that this is a time in which we need, more than ever, revelation and the exercise of priesthood authority and priesthood keys in ways never before seen in our lifetime. And this is my faith, that the Lord will grant us. He will grant us this inspiration, so that the work of salvation will not stop. Sure, our meetings are suspended, but the work of salvation cannot stop.”
“The Lord blessed us with technology. He inspired scientists and interpreters to make available to us technologies through which geographical distances are no longer an impediment … We are very, very close to each other because of the tools that have been made available to us. We can’t congregate in our buildings, but we can congregate virtually.”
Laura Hinze, a junior from Washington studying marine biology, said when classes were switched to online there was a lot of uncertainty and confusion with communication between professors. She said she was comforted by one of her professors who took the time to ask her how she was doing.
“He just genuinely cared, which was beautiful because most of the time teachers care, but they’re not that personable about it. It was very sweet actually.”
She further explained how many of her classmates and friends who chose to leave the island questioned her decision to stay, which caused her more stress. In speaking with another friend who is staying, she decided to get a priesthood blessing.
“Once I made that decision to get a priesthood blessing, I felt calm about it. That was one of the best assurances I got … It just brought peace.”
On March 14 President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, released a video and statement of hope on social media.
“These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways,” he stated.
Martins spoke about hope in times of trial in his video. Photo provided by Marcus Martins
President Nelson encouraged members to focus on Church initiatives such as Come, Follow Me and ministering.
In addition to messages of hope from leaders and professors on and off campus, students who were interviewed said they found hope in banding together as classmates to offer and receive hope and encouragement from one another.
Isabella Vincent, a junior from California studying intercultural peacebuilding, said she and some friends gathered soap and hand sanitizer along with some food for the homeless. “A lot of the time the homeless are already marginalized by society, and they are the most susceptible during a time like this, so [it’s important to keep] in mind the people who we’re maybe not thinking about. I think it’s just good to help others during a time where people really need help.”
Vincent added that while many are providing messages of hope and encouragement, there is still a lot of fear and anxiety going around.
“A lot of people are still pretty anxious and scared. I don’t know if that’s really been quelled by a lot of other people,” said Vincent.
“As someone who suffers from anxiety, I don’t really know if there’s a lot people can do. Sometimes it gets a little overwhelming when people keep messaging about stuff like that. I think the best thing you can do is just show someone you care and reach out to them. Let them know you’re there and do your best to help.”
Hinze agreed it is important to reach out to others during a time of crisis. “You don’t know who’s stressed and overwhelmed until you ask and give those messages of hope … It’s a pandemic - ‘panic’ being the root of the word. Even if it’s virtually, it’s good to reach out. Even that small little act can totally change someone’s day and get them in a calm mind space so they can make the right decision for them and their families.
“It hasn’t been just one person providing hope. It’s small snippets from 40 different people – professors, faculty, friends, priesthood leaders, family – it’s been a vast network of people. It’s kind of that ‘it takes a village’ principle. It’s not just one person, but it’s everyone working together.”
Martins added in his video, “We don’t need to fear. We don’t need to feel powerless. We were endowed with power from on high in the house of the Lord.
“We received great resources to accomplish the Lord’s will, so now it’s time for us to have that faith that will enable us to move forward in ways we never did before.” •
Graphic by Hannah Manalang
“So, during these uncertain times, be comforted by this promise from the Savior. He said, ‘I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say.’ I promise you that joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear Him and obey His laws.” - President Russel M. Nelson
“To those who wonder if the world will end tomorrow or if you will get married. I don’t know. But I wouldn’t plan on the former and I’d work toward the latter if you are single. So take heart. Remember the words of our old pioneer hymn: ‘All is well.’ The pioneers sang these in the face of trials, not in their absence.” - President John Tanner
“I can see that this is a time in which we need, more than ever, revelation and the exercise of priesthood authority and priesthood keys in ways never before seen in our lifetime. And this is my faith, that the Lord will grant us. He will grant us this inspiration, so that the work of salvation will not stop. Sure, our meetings are suspended, but the work of salvation cannot stop.” - Dr. Marcus Martins
COVID-19 cases worldwide as of April 24, 2020
2,790,986 Global # of confirmed cases
Total recovered
Total deaths 781,382
195,920
Statistics from the John Hopkins University & Medicine
Coronavirus Resource Center Graphic by Marvin Latchumanan
Kris cut
BY OLIVIA HIXSON
Kris Krisanalome shares how music mentors at BYU–Hawaii have helped him hone his percussion skills
loose
When he was 6 years old, Kris Krisanalome said he learned to play the drums from his father. Krisanalome explained this is both how he and his father became closer and how he discovered his love for all things percussion, specifically the drum set.
Krisanalome, from Thailand, is a senior studying music performance with an emphasis in percussion. He shared he applied to BYUH because of how much his mother wanted him to experience life at BYUH.
He expressed how he could feel his parents’ love and support, despite the miles between them.
“They love music, so they support me on this path I chose … Music kind of connects us together, even when we’re not living together.
“It’s been great [being at BYUH]. I really like it because it is very diverse, and also I think I made the right choice to become a music major because I have learned so much. I have come a lot further than I expected, and I feel like when I go home, I can do a lot of things there.”
Krisanalome said one of the main sources of knowledge in his college experience was his mentor Darren Duerden, who is a professor in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts and is primarily in charge of percussion.
After working together for more than three years, Duerden described Kris as independent, in that he is willing to set up his own equipment, take it down, take initiative in learning his pieces, and being on time for all of their rehearsals and shows.
“I’ve always thought the world of him. Whenever we have a rehearsal, I never have to think of if Kris will be there … He is always there, and he is always cheerful and willing to learn. In that sense, I would personally take him over any drum set player I have had in the past 30 years. He’s definitely bought into the BYU–Hawaii vision of things. He’s the poster child for BYU–Hawaii’s success.”
Kris Cut Loose
Duerden and Krisanalome shared how they were able to come together particularly through his senior percussion
recital, which took place on Jan. 25 in the McKay Auditorium. According to both of them, Krisanalome worked on his recital performances for about 12 hours a week since last year to master his art.
During this performance, Krisanalome said the recorded track for his last number did not work as they intended it to, so he decided to do an impromptu drum set solo. Duerden lovingly referred to this as, “Kris Cut Loose.”
Krisanalome explained, “I thought ‘Cut Loose’ was a cool name because that’s my specialty … Drum set is something I’m really comfortable with and I feel confident with it when I’m on it, so that’s why it was called ‘Cut Loose.’ I don’t feel pressure or any nervousness. I just let it go.”
Jennifer Duerden, an adjunct faculty in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts and another mentor to Krisanalome, said the main reason Krisanalome is able to be successful, outside of hours of dedicated efforts, is how well he listens to the music he is performing.
“The thing is, every time he would learn something it’s like he would retain that knowledge and learn a little bit more,” Jennifer Duerden said. “He does really well ‘in the moment’ because he comes so prepared. He really listens to the music and absorbs it, and he has learned so many things since he has been here because he is willing to be humble and to learn what there is to learn.”
Darren Duerden branched off of this when he explained Krisanalome’s unique ability to absorb his music. “A big difference between amateur musicians and professional musicians is their ability to listen while they play. Kris is a really good listener, so he always fits what he does to the music. He is never going to overpower it or try to do something to show off for himself.”
Both of the Duerdens commented on how Krisanalome is central to their steel band, salsa orchestra, and the street band because of the preparation he is willing to put into the music.
and said he wants to get as much exposure to the Recording Studio as possible to produce his own original content.
Krisanalome expressed his love for Jazz and Latin music and how much he wants to spread those genres to Thailand. “If I go home, I will definitely do more performing and maybe teaching. In Thailand, I love Jazz music and playing Jazz, as well as Latin music. Not a lot of people perform those styles in Thailand, so I want to spread more of that knowledge.”
Because she has worked so closely with Krisanalome for the past years, Jennifer Duerden expressed how she believes Krisanalome will be able to succeed in anything he sets his mind to, because of his peaceful disposition.
“He is just so easy and great to work with. He is the type … who, if we call and ask for help, will step up immediately and help. He is willing to volunteer and do things … He’ll do anything without even being paid. I think it is because of his personality that makes us love him so much.”
Above all else, Krisanalome said the main way to be passionate and invested in his art that has made him successful is the needed preparation and genuine joy he put into his work.
“I just would say love what you do and just be confident in what you are doing.” •
Plans for the future
After Krisanalome graduates in Spring 2020, he spoke about his aspirations to work in recording studios and performing percussion. He is currently working with Media Production
Driven by purpose
BY MADI BERRY
Sosefina Finau, a senior from Tonga majoring in human resources and organizational behavior, reflected on her time at BYU–Hawaii leading up to graduation. She said she was grateful for the opportunity to participate in Culture Night and gain work experience at the Polynesian Culture Center. She counseled students to find the right friends who will encourage them to be successful.
Understanding your purpose
Finau offered advice to students who are still continuing their education at BYUH. She shared, “Never give up, always set your priorities, and set a goal and work toward it.” She continued, “I know that coming from a poor family. I always remember where I am from and why I am here before I do anything. If you understand your purpose of being here, you can do it.”
Reflecting on the opportunities given to her by BYUH, Finau said, “I am grateful to have been chosen to come to BYUH because there are so many youth and students back home, but because of the limitation of the opportunities they aren't able to. So, if you get accepted, come. That is your blessing.”
Manu Panuve, a senior from Tonga majoring in business management, said Finau has been a good friend in her life. According to her, “Fina is such a great friend because she has a bubbly personality.
“I feel like she loves to make other people around her happy and that is just her and how she is. There are times when we are stressed, but when we talk [to each other,] she makes us laugh. So there are many times where we just forget about why we are stressed and enjoy the moment.”
According to Finau, her best experience at BYUH has been being in Culture Night. Her first time participating was in her junior year. Since then, she has performed in both the Fiji and Samoa clubs.“Not only does it remind me of my culture, but also I get to learn of other cultures as well.”
After graduation, Finau commented she is looking forward to furthering her education to a higher level, with human resources management being the ultimate goal.
She also shared she is looking forward to understanding what the workforce is like. As the PCC was her first opportunity to have a job, it has become much of a comfort zone, so
she said she looks forward to adjusting to the reality of the workforce outside of the PCC.
Sioa Tafengatoto, a senior from Tonga majoring in accounting, shared experiences she had enjoyed with Finau while the two had been in school together. She said, “When Fina is there, it is always fun. The conversations, the jokes, she keeps everything alive. I love having class with Fina because I know that I will go to class and enjoy it.”
Finau said her time at BYUH afforded her opportunities she would not have been able to find elsewhere. She shared there were two reasons she decided to enroll at BYUH. First, BYUH is a CES school and she was interested in having a “church-centered environment.” Second, Finau said she wanted to work at the PCC for the experience and the income.
Finau shared, “You feel developed both spiritually and physically when you come to BYUH.” She added how she was grateful for the opportunity to go to school and also work. She said, “Sometimes it is hard to do both at the same time, but I feel like it makes me more prepared for my future, independence, and self-reliance.”
Panuve reflected on what she has learned from Finau they are friends. Panuve said, “I think if there is one thing I have learned from Fina, it is to enjoy every moment that you have because they only come once. You might as well enjoy the current moment rather than planning to enjoy something else when it is not guaranteed.”
Finau also looked back on the individuals who helped her on her path toward graduation. She first expressed gratitude for her parents and added how the friends she has made at BYUH have helped her along her way to graduation. She said, “When you come here to school, your parents are not always able to tell you what to do, so if you pick the right friends, they will help you to be successful.”
Tafengatoto said Finau’s relaxed nature has helped her during her university experience. She said, “Fina is so easy going. She is a very good listener, not just with school, but with my own personal life. It is easy for me to share with her and she gives me feedback. I trust that what she says to me is for my own good.” •
Congrats!
Following an unexpected path
Though it was not planned, Raihau Gariki ended up at BYUH and says it changed her life
BY MADI BERRY
Raihau Gariki, a senior from Tahiti majoring in TESOL, said although coming to BYUH was not what she had planned for her life, the spirituality and experiences from the campus could not have been found elsewhere.
Gariki’s life took a turn towards BYUH when her original path for life did not go according to plan. She said, “I was never planning to come to BYUH. My plan was to go to France.
“It was a humbling experience that all of the doors were shut from the different schools I applied to. I decided to do the paperwork here, and I got accepted. Everything was extremely smooth. Once I was accepted, I got the answers from France saying I could go there. I told them I had already made up my mind, so I decided to come here.
“I think it was an eye-opener for me to be here. Even if the degree I have is not recognized at home, I will still come again to do my study here. I will get my siblings to come here because ... this is the Lord’s university and there is nothing else that can replace the spirituality of this place.”
Vainui Garbutt, a senior from Tahiti majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said Gariki’s and her friendship started years ago at home in Tahiti.
As Gariki graduates, Garbutt said, “I will miss her just being around and her sweetness. Every time I talk to her, she is like a mom giving me advice.
“We always talk about the future, our goals, and where we want to be. I will miss her coming to my house, making crepes and just having a Tahitian friend.”
Gariki said her best experiences at BYUH were her job, her classes and the temple. While she works as an online EIL tutor, she said, “My favorite job will always be being a tour guide. It was extremely demanding physically,
Gariki and her guests when she worked as a tour guide at the PCC. Photo provided by Gariki.
emotionally and cognitively, but it is also extremely rewarding for the people you meet and work with. Going to work was taking a break from school, and sharing my culture was a delight.”
Gariki added the classes she attended at BYUH have helped her better understand how the principles of the gospel are related to her future career. She said, “I loved my TESOL and linguistics classes. Because of these classes, I have learned how to incorporate the gospel principles to my schooling and how I want to teach.”
Cathrine Saga, an alumna from Malaysia, shared what she has appreciated about her friendship with Gariki. She said, “Some people say we look alike, so we think of ourselves as twins from different places. I will miss people calling me Raihau and her Cathrine. Her desk at work is also right next to mine, so I will definitely miss talking to her about teaching and how the future will be.”
Gariki also shared the impact the temple had on her school life in Laie. She said, “I have been able to walk for just 15 minutes to the temple and go almost every week. I was also able to serve as an ordinance worker for about a year. The most spiritual time I had while being here was being inside of the temple and reflecting on eternal truths.”
Daughter, grandma and mom
Garbutt shared, “Raihau is very unique and special. I told her that she is like our daughter, grandma, and mom.
“She is just everything. She is someone I like to be around because she brings a spirit I cannot find anywhere else. She is very special.”
Gariki offered advice to BYUH students. “Make the Lord part of your life, in every detail of your life.” She continued, “Every time you do something, ask for guidance.
“Make the Lord part of your life, in every detail of your life. Every time you do something, ask for guidance. Don’t lean on it, but show Him that you are humble enough to align your will with His will.” - Raihau Gariki
Saga shared special memories she and Gariki have experienced during their time together at BYUH. She said, “She was one of my bridesmaids, and I will always remember that. One other thing is she likes to know about other cultures. She is so open to getting to know other cultures, even if they speak other languages. She is still open to getting to know the people.”
Gariki with her friends Catherine Saga and Deedra Rama. Photo provided by Gariki
Gariki shared her plans that are in place after graduation. She commented, “Right now, my plans are to return home for an internship that I am in the process of applying for. I want to become an English teacher at the high school level.
“Ultimately, what I really want to be is a homemaker. What I want to accomplish is to go back to my community and help the younger generation develop their potential. Basically, to go forth and serve my community back home,” she said. •
Raihay Gariki is pictured on campus. The senior from Tahiti says next she will do an internship in her home country. Photo by Keyu Xiao
fitness
Holmes Finau details how his personal fitness experience helped carry him through college BY MICHAEL KRAFT journey
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As a freshman dancer in the villages at the Polynesian Cultural Center who was uncomfortable with his body, Holmes Finau decided to change his lifestyle in order to improve his body.
Years later, as a graduating senior, Finau said he is proud of his crafted body. Finau, who is from Tonga majoring in political science, said his fitness journey helped him in all aspects of life.
“Going to the gym isn’t just about lifting weights. It helps build discipline. It’s especially important because of the stress from school and work,” shared Finau.
Becoming more fit not only helped Finau physically, but also it supported him in his academic life as well. “I started eating healthier and being healthier, and it helped me focus and be better academically. I felt healthy and more focused. It gave me more structure.”
Recalling the start of his journey, Finau said when he arrived as a freshman and worked as a dancer at the PCC, “I had to be shirtless. I was kind of chubby and felt self-conscious about it.”
Since Finau was uncomfortable, he decided to go to the gym and lift weights to feel better about his physique. He said he did not know what to do at the gym the first time, so he decided to buy a pair of dumbbells and work out at home instead.
The initial workout was simple he said: bicep curls, push ups, and sit ups. Wanting to challenge himself, Finau said he decided to start out with the goal of doing 100 bicep curls, 100 push ups, and 100 sit ups each time he worked out.
Autele said he developed an eating disorder and cautioned others to understand the adverse risks of bodybuilding. Left: Holmes Finau Right: Ammon Autele Photo by Monique Saenz
Finau soon bought a pull up bar to use for his workouts in addition to his weights. “I took my weights everywhere,” he said. Finau said he was known for having weights in his bag and wanting to work out at every opportunity.
After several months of working out in his room, he decided the only way he could progress further was by going to the gym. He looked up different exercises he could do and returned to the campus Fitness Center.
At first, he worked out in the gym for one hour every day. Finau said, “On average, [now] I’m in the gym for three hours every time.”
While on his journey to build a better body for himself, Finau met Ammon Autele, a junior from American Samoa majoring in exercise and sports science. Autele had experience in bodybuilding competitions and told Finau he should enter a bodybuilding competition.
He said Finau’s commitment and dedication make him a great athlete. “It’s hard because you have to make a lot of sacrifices, but he’s willing to make them.”
These sacrifices include time and a normal lifestyle, he explained. The intense training regimen required to compete in bodybuilding competitions causes most people to cut out a lot of their social life, he said.
Autele also said the strict diet also makes it difficult to go out with friends because it limits the foods athletes are allowed to eat while training.
For Autele, he reached a point where those sacrifices were no longer worth it, and he decided to drop out of training for an April competition. However, he decided to help train Finau, so he could compete at a high level in April.
Autele said his family is one of the main reasons he decided to drop out. He said he would rather be there for his wife and baby boy. In addition, he talked about what he called “the dark side of the sport.” He said after his last competition ended, he developed an eating disorder.
“After I finished the competition, I stopped working out as intensely, but I couldn’t stop eating. I didn’t even realize I had a disorder. I just couldn’t stop.” Autele said he gained more than 45 pounds since his last competition.
According to Autele, bodybuilding is pushing your body past its natural limits, and because of this it can lead to adverse consequences, including eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. He said he believes this is why there is not a lot of longevity in the sport.
“Some guys just do one competition and then they’re finished,” he said. This is because they work intensely for months to train for a single competition, he said, which can make the following one daunting and less appealing.
“I would say if you don’t really want to do it, then you shouldn’t do bodybuilding.” He said it takes a lot of work ethic and determination to do well in the sport. Finau said he believes in having a good work ethic in every aspect of his life, including his job as a concession worker at the PCC.
His boss, Tonu Apelu, commented on his work ethic, “He’s a great worker who inspires his co-workers to become better through his work ethic ... [He] has helped our department in the short time he has been with us.”
Finau said he is grateful for all who have helped him along the way of his fitness journey. Without them, Finau said he does not know where he would be. He said the gym has helped him as he navigated relationships and breakups, poor work environments and the stresses of school and schoolwork.
“Sometimes you feel like giving up, [and say],‘I don’t want to go to school or work anymore.’ When I feel like that, I just go to the gym, and after a good workout, I don’t feel like that,” Finau said.
He explained fitness has made him successful. Finau said he defines success “as achieving your ultimate goal, whatever that goal is.”
Finau was set to compete in the Polynesian Natural Muscle Mayhem bodybuilding competition on April 4. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was canceled. Finau said the cancellation was “rough” and called it “a very sad ending for this semester.”
He said setbacks will not hold him back. After graduation, Finau said he will attend Utah Valley University's aviation program with the dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot and traveling the world. •
An example of dedication
Graduating senior Winston Lee advocates taking full advantage of BYU–Hawaii’s opportunities
BY SADIE SCADDEN
As Winston Lee wrapped up his last semester before his graduation, he expressed gratitude for BYUH, he encouraged students to take full advantage of the blessings of the university through dedicated study, and looks forward to future goals for his career and his family. Lee, from Cebu City in the Philippines, said he began studying at BYUH during Fall Semester 2016. He is an accounting major, which he called “the most fun major” with a laugh.
Lee explained he tried a few different majors before deciding on accounting, but he realized accounting plays to his strengths and satisfies what he is looking for in a career that will provide for him and his family. For Lee, “If you’re happy in what you do, if you’re satisfied with it, then that’s good enough. I’m pretty satisfied with my life so far.”
Privileges
Something on Lee’s mind were the privileges students have when they attend BYUH. “We’ve been given a lot of privileges here, [such as] being able to go to a university that’s not expensive,” he said. “A lot of the students here are IWORK students, [including] me, and so I [have been] thinking about being grateful for the privileges given to me.”
Lee urged his fellow students to make the most of these opportunities by applying themselves to their studies. “There are other kids out there who wanted to finish college but don’t have the means to do so.” He said he hopes all students with this privilege can “[take] advantage of those privileges and be thankful for them.”
“[Since] I was given the privilege of studying here, I think I should do my best,” Lee asserted. He encouraged everyone with whom he shares this opportunity to do their best, whatever that looks like for them. “The best for [one person] isn’t the same as for another. So it’s up to each individual to identify what are the best means for them and be consistent in working towards them.”
During his time at BYUH, Lee said he sought to do his best by setting a goal to graduate with honors. “There are some classes that are really hard. Even though I put in so much time, I still couldn’t get the grade I wanted,” Lee said.
He shared he is proud his perseverance in his studies are reflected in his grades. “I feel like I could have done a lot better, but I’m still proud of myself. When you overcome hardships, [whether] they’re big or small, you should celebrate those. I celebrate every time I get a good grade.”
Professors who’ve had Lee in their class said he has set a good example through his persistence and love of learning.
One of his professors said, “Winston is an excellent example of one who has fully taken advantage of his opportunities at BYUH. In addition to majoring in accounting, which is one of the most challenging majors, Winston will also earned four minors. He is not on the Holokai GE program, so the minors are not required for his graduation. He simply has chosen to earn the minors because he loves to learn and wants to take advantage of everything he can while he is here.”
Professor Jennifer Chen, in the Faculty of Business & Government, expressed similar sentiments. “Winston takes responsibility for his own education, studies to learn and incorporates the material instead of just for passing the exam,” she said.
Lee also noted how an important part of taking advantage of the blessings of BYUH is regularly attending church meetings and the temple. He said he feels gratitude for the ease with which they can be accessed.
As he works towards success in his career, whether in accounting or in the areas he has studied in his minors, Lee said he has in mind a long-term goal of creating a business that will share these blessings with people who need the same help.
“I was so inspired by the IWORK program. My mom is a teacher. She teaches in a public school with really poor kids who want to go to college but can’t afford to. I want to implement something like an IWORK program to help [students like them].
Family
Lee plans to return to Cebu City after graduation, though he is open to opportunities that could take him to new places. He said he hopes to find a job in a well-known company where he can apply what he’s learned and gain skills he can apply to future endeavors.
A driving motivation in Lee’s studies and many of his future career goals center around his desire to earn enough to provide for his family, both at home and the family he plans to build in the near future.
“I come from a family who’s not very well off. So, one thing that inspires me is [wanting] to make my current family and future family’s financial situation better,” he said. He also shared how video chats with his family each week have meant everything to him while he’s been at school, and he looks forward to using his education to make their lives better.
As Lee looks forward to his future family, he added how thoughts of his long-distance girlfriend come to mind. He explained how being in a long-distance relationship while in school has been both a blessing and a struggle. “When you’re in a long-distance relationship, you maintain the relationship [through] calling almost daily, video chatting, or giving gifts. It’s really limited how you can show affection in a long-distance relationship, and it’s hard because you can’t see each other.”
Despite the struggle, Lee expressed how looking forward to starting a family has motivated him throughout his time in school as well as taught him patience. “Usually here at BYUH, people get married really early, at 21 or 22. I am a little bit older than that, I’m 26, turning 27 this year. It’s a good age to get married … We have plans, and it’s what we look forward to. That’s what you hold on to in [a long-distance relationship], the plans you have for the future.”
Tips for current students
Lee left a few words of advice for current and future students. “Make a lot of friends while being here,” he encouraged. “It will help you in many ways. Friends help you get out and do fun things.” He said making friends with people of different cultural backgrounds and taking time to learn about and experience different cultures has helped him “be more open to other people and how they think.”
In one instance, he explained how he tends to get stressed out sometimes, but the Hawaiian Islands and their people have taught him to slow down and appreciate the beauty around him.
Lee also advocated for “[making] your teachers your friends. Not a lot of universities have the student-to-teacher ratio [we have here]. You can [build] close relationships with your professors. When you make them your friends, then you can be comfortable asking them questions when you need help. I did that, and I think it went well for me.
“Clean your room,” Lee exclaimed. “When you have an organized and clean room, it will help you in your studies and help you focus.
“For international students, develop your English and, if possible, learn another language. The more languages you know, the better you can communicate with people and express yourself.” •
