THE LEADER
FALL ISSUE 2 2023
P. 24- A Christ-centered Christmas P. 36- Taking a piece of Hawaii home as students graduate P. 42- Compassion despite hardship FA LL ISSUE 2 2023 1
TEAM MEMBERS
THE LEADER
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Advisor Leeann Lambert Managing Editor Antoniette Yee-Liwanag Abigail Harper Editor-in-Chief Elijah Hadley Chrysanthemumolive (Lisi) Tiafau Copy Editor Manhattan Ethington Ranitea Teihoarii Journalist Chenoa Francis Linda Laulu Mutia Parasduhita Sharini Shanmuganathan Karl Aldre Marquez Cj Shinihah Nortarte Dorothy Tonga Settle Emmie Siebert Emelia Mike
Art Director Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra) Graphic Designer Yichi Lu Forrest Christensen Photographer Yui Leung Enkhtuvshin Chimee (TJ) Joseph Ariono Camille Jovenes
6 A love for science and a wish to cure cancer
38 Taking a piece of Hawaii home
10 Celebrating Christmas & New Year’s across cultures
40 Sisters navigating college challenges
14 Beyond Kiribati
42 Working towards the future
18 New Year’s celebration & superstitions
44 Compassion despite hardship
20 A fond farewell
50 Chiseled dreams
22 Christmas on the sand
54 Tales of a nomadic life
24 A Christ-centered Christmas
56 From trials to triumph
26 Learning to be happy
58 Academic Year 2022-2023 graduate statistics
29 Decorate Me Activity, Words of affirmation 33 Christmas food around the world 36 Entering the holiday season with songs
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NEWS CENTER: Box 1920 BYUH Laie, HI 96762 Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquiry: kealakai@byuh.edu To view additional articles, go to kealakai.byuh.edu
CONTACT: Email: kealakai@byuh.edu Phone: (808) 675-3694 Office: BYU–Hawaii Aloha Center 134 ON THE COVER: A senior from Philippines double majoring in psychology and social work, Shannel Paningbatan, with her husband, Jarom Perandos and daughter, admire the Christmas tree in their pajamas. Photo by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Forrest Christensen. BACK COVER: An ornament on a Christmas tree with a quote by Shannel Paningbatan. Photos by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Forrest Christensen.
ABOUT 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 65 years. The name means “the leader” in Hawaiian.What 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 more than 25 students work to provide information for BYU–Hawaii’s campus ohana and Laie’s community.
© 2023 Ke Alaka‘i BYU–Hawaii All Rights Reserved
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LETTER FROM THE
MANAGING EDITOR Dear Readers,
Antoniette Yee Liwanag
Have you ever thought of celebrating something before the year ends? It may be Christmas, New Year’s, graduation, finishing another semester, a wedding or any other celebration you have in mind. In my view, there’s always a reason to celebrate. It doesn’t necessarily have to be big or require spending a lot of money. I love celebrating even my small wins. I celebrate when I don’t snooze my alarm or when I drink enough water for the day. Simple yet fulfilling. In this issue, our team centers on various life celebrations. If you’re graduating, take a look at the unique features of seniors. With Christmas fast approaching, what dish do you usually prepare? Check out the different Christmas foods (p.48-50) for some ideas. Welcoming the New Year can vary in every country, so it’ll be very interesting to know about the New Year’s celebrations around the world (p.1013, 18-19). Working at Ke Alaka’i for quite a while now has not only helped me become better in what I love to do, but I have also witnessed worthwhile moments like getting to know a new co-worker, brainstorming new ideas, learning how to use a camera, printing a new issue and improving as a team. Seeing our work come to life is a celebration to me. I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to everyone behind this magazine. The time, creativity and effort that was put into having this in our hands is priceless. And to all the people who were willing to share their stories with us and our readers, thank you. Join me and my team in recognizing ways to celebrate life’s moments. Thank you for picking up a copy of our magazine. Happy reading!
Mahalo, Antoniette Yee Liwanag Managing Editor
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A LOVE FOR SCIENCE AND A WISH TO CURE CANCER Graduating senior Gerome Romero says he believes if there is creation, there is also a creator BY ELI HADLEY 6 KE AL AKA‘I 2023
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erome Romero, a senior majoring in biochemistry with an emphasis in neuroscience from the Antipolo, Philippines, said he plans to earn a doctoral degree and eventually become a professor. Romero said he contributed to a peer-reviewed journal with a team of researchers led by Dr. Georgi Lukov, a professor in BYU— Hawaii’s Faculty of Sciences.
Love of God and science Romero said he sees no conflict between believing in both science and the existence of an intelligent God. “I feel like science basically testifies of God. If you look around you, everything that is happening has a reason and scientists can only find an explanation at a certain point…And I feel only a divine creature can explain it [fully]. I find a lot of beauty because if you look around creation, it’s perfectly made and it just makes me feel happy.” Romero said this reminded him of a quote, “If there is a creation, that means there is a creator.” As Romero sets out to earn a doctorate in biochemistry, he said he desires to keep his faith just as strong as his earthly knowledge. He said wherever he ends up for graduate school, he will remember to keep his covenants and have faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Redeemer. He said although there are some people in scientific fields who do not believe in God, a person cannot let the opinions of others affect their faith. “I feel like if you have a strong perspective about God. Everything will work fine,” he said. Romero spoke about why he loved science so much. “I feel like there will be no engineering or there will be no technology if there’s no math and science because I think those are the foundations of the other two. So, I feel like learning or being proficient in science will basically open up bigger opportunities,” he said. As a child, Romero said he loved reading books and always knew he was meant to do something related to science with his life. “I was actually a chemical engineering student back home. But after my mission, I decided to transfer to BYUH and the closest one to my [engineering] major was biochemistry,” he said. His ultimate goal in life, he said, is to help find a cure for cancer. “I remember when I was a kid, both my maternal grandparents died of cancer. And I remember telling my parents, ‘You know what, Mom? When I grow up, I’ll be the one who discovers a cure for cancer.’”
and repetition involved. He said, “You always have to do your best.You have to work hard. That’s why we’ve been working for almost two years on this experiment. And after a lot of experiments, tears, hard work and a lot of effort, everything went well,” he said. Romero added in the field of science, “There’s one thing you should never do and that’s to give up. Never give up because quitting won’t benefit you. Have a lot of patience as well.” Romero said Lukov has been a great support for him throughout his academic career. He said he is grateful for the opportunity he had to be part of Lukov’s research team. “Without Dr. Lukov, I don’t think I’ll be able to do this experiment and be exposed to this type of research environment. Dr. Lukov is like a father figure, but a knowledgeable father, because he’s very nice and his critiques and suggestions are delivered in a way that will encourage and motivate,” said Romero.
Hard work pays off Recently, under the direction of Lukov, Romero contributed to a research team whose peer-reviewed research paper was approved for publication by MDPI Publications, a world-renowned scholarly journal. He said, “It’s amazing because we’ve been working on this paper for almost two years.” Romero shared the details of Lukov’s team’s effort to use a synthesized hydroxychavicol, a compound that can induce cell death, on cancer cells to see what part of the structure would affect the cancer cells’ growth. Based on the team’s research, a certain part of the hydroxychavicol compound was found to decrease the rate of the cancer cells’ reproduction. Romero said the results of the research “could basically open opportunities for cancer treatment.” Romero expressed science is a process a person has to stick with in order to learn. He said a researcher will not always get their desired result on their first try. In science, he said there are a lot of trials, errors
Gerome Romero does research in the Science Building labs and poses outside of it in his graduation robes. Photos by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra). FA LL ISSUE 2 2023 7
Becoming a Leader Romero said he arrived at BYUH in Winter 2020 with seven other Filipino students, only a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am very social, and I remember being stuck in my hale for almost five semesters,” he said. Romero said being in quarantine tested his mental capacity and showed him his inner strength. BYUH introduced hybrid classes in early 2021, which were conducted partly in-person and partly online. During this time, Romero said he decided to run for the position of president of the Filipino Club, where he served from Winter 2021 through Fall 2021. He said despite being a freshman, not knowing anyone and the lack of people on campus because of the pandemic, he still decided to run for the presidency. He added, “The other candidate was very popular at the time because he was the vice president of that current officership... I remember people telling me not to run for president because I’m too young and I’m inexperienced.” Romero ended up running and won 56 percent of the vote, he said. According to Romero, never before in the history of any club at BYUH has a club reached 360 members in one semester. This happened during his administration in Fall 2020, a major feat considering he was elected during the pandemic when many students were off-island, he said. During this time, Romero said he was very busy with his classes and working as a tour guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center. He said 8 KE AL AKA‘I 2023
the experience of being a club president helped him better manage his time. In the future, Romero said he believes he will be able to use the time management skills he learned to use his time wisely in his studies and research. Jasmin Meman Perez, an accounting major and a senior from Tuguegarao, Philippines, said she met Romero back in 2021 when he was the Filipino Club president. It was her first time on campus because the pandemic prevented her from coming to the university. “He never hesitated to reach out to me and ask me to be a part of his presidency, so I became his treasurer at that time. Ever since then, I’ve loved hanging out with Gerome. He’s such a good friend and such a good leader. Both my husband and I look up to him.” Shannel Paningbatan, a senior double majoring in psychology and social work from Quezon City, Philippines, said she also met Romero when he was the president of Filipino Club. “During that time, I saw how good he was with people and with leading. He’s very smart and a very social person.You can rely on him for anything that you need.” Paningbatan said Romero is a very spiritual person who often attended “Come, Follow Me” with her and other students and always had profound insight into what was being discussed. Perez said in preparation for her wedding, Romero volunteered to be the master of ceremonies. She said, “[My husband and I] had a hard time setting up for the reception because it’s just the two of us, and we didn’t really have family around to help us. But Gerome was just so kind and loving to be a part of our special day [as the master of ceremonies]. He is generous and loving.” When Perez’s son was born, she praised Romero for being a great godfather by showering him with gifts and caring for him. Admiring how Romero never wanted anyone to get left behind, she said, “When he leads, he’s not in front of you, but he walks beside you to get you along the way.” She described Romero as very influential and hopes he can always influence people around him to be better. Paningbatan said he can do a lot of good for his home country. “If he ever comes back to the Philippines, he will bless a lot of Filipinos, especially in healthcare in our country,” she said.
Future plans Although he has already been accepted into a Ph.D. program for biochemistry at BYU in Provo, Romero said he is also applying to other schools to have more options. However, he said he is leaning more towards going to a Church-run university. Romero said, “My plan right now is to go into [the] industry, like working in laboratories. As I grow older, I want to enter academia because teaching is one of my passions.” He said given the opportunity, he would want to come back to Laie and teach at BYUH in the future. To any underclassmen who might be struggling, Romero said, “Don’t be afraid of being rejected. Rejection is part of life…It’s part of your progress as a human being, and if you just continue moving forward and never give up on all of your dreams, everything will be okay and successful.” •
Romero smiles in front of the David O. McKay Building and browses the shelves at the Joseph F. Smith Library. Photos by Camille Jovenes.
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CELEBRATING
Christmas and New Year’s ACROSS CULTURES
BYUH students share German, Persian, Danish and more Christmas traditions that teach of Christ and bond families together BY MUTIA PARASDUHITA, SHARINI SHANMUGANATHAN AND EMMIE SIEBERT
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ebecca Sneddon, a freshman majoring in vocal performance from Germany, said in her country, Christmas celebrations start on Nov. 11, beginning with St. Martin’s Day. The four Sundays leading up to Christmas are associated with Adventskranz, she said. The Adventskranz, a circular wreath adorned with four candles with one lit each Sunday before Christmas, symbolizes the growing light in homes and the closeness of Christ, explained Sneddon. “Christmas [in Germany] is so magical…It’s not about gifts and not as commercialized,” expressed Sneddon. In the state of California, Jaleh Younessian, a senior majoring in cultural anthropology, shared her experiences growing up in the Los Angeles area’s “mini-Tehran” during the Persian New Year. According to the Rahavard Persian Journal, Nowruz, spanning seven to 13 days, symbolizes new beginnings and fertility.Younessian recalled, “Every member of the family takes part in contributing to the party. My sister loves to cook, my brother sets up the decorations, and I love to prepare and practice for the party.” The focal point of Nowruz is the Haft-sin table, adorned with symbolic items like Samanu, sweet wheat pudding, for power; Senjed, sweet dry fruit of the lotus tree, for love; and Sabzeh, sprouted wheat grass, for growth, according to the Rahavard Persian Journal.Younessian emphasized the significance of traditional attire, family gatherings and engaging in Persian customs during the festivities. “My favorite childhood memory of this celebration was when my dad danced with me,” recalled Younessian. Embracing his father’s Danish heritage, Gabriel Thorup, a sophomore majoring in biology from California, said his family’s festive celebrations on Christmas feature a special Danish rice pudding decorated with chopped almonds and a hidden whole almond his family members search for inside the pudding.
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Kamilah Pedersen holding a lit Christmas tree candle. One of her family traditions is to light candles while sharing testimonies about Christ. Photo by Joseph Ariono. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
Morgan Mickelsen (right) holding an ornament. Gabriel Thorup (left) posing by a tree. A handful of Christmas ornaments. Photos by Joseph Ariono. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra). FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 11
Rebeccca Sneddon embraces her German Christmas traditions. Photo by Yui Leung. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
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Thorup said the finder earned the privilege to playfully tease others and receive a sweet reward, a marzipan pig. “This is what Christmas is all about. Food brings people together. What better way to connect with family than cooking, preparing and making a mess in the kitchen? These are the memories and traditions I would want to incorporate when I have my own family,” said Thorup. Morgan Mickelsen, a senior majoring in history education from Texas, said her family tradition during Christmas includes daily Christmas story readings, crafting homemade treats, community caroling and festive rituals like opening new pajamas on Christmas Eve, followed by a dance party. “I see each tradition as an opportunity to learn and grow, particularly in areas like service, baking and family bonding. They have shaped me into the person I am today and I often find myself recalling these memories throughout the year, a reminder of the values I hold dear,” she said. Kamilah Pedersen, a sophomore majoring in intercultural peacebuilding from Canada, said on Christmas Eve, her family gathers in the living room, each holding an unlit candle. She said her mother initiates the ceremony by emphasizing the spiritual essence of Christmas and connecting it to Christ. Pedersen described how her mother lights her candle, shares a blessing from the past year and then proceeds to light the candle of the person next to her. This continues until everyone’s candle is lit, with each candle representing a testimony, said Pedersen. “She [her mother] also talks about how sharing our testimony with those present increases the light and warmth around us, creating a ripple effect of love and gratitude. We then close with a Christmas hymn to help keep the spirit with us as we go to bed,” shared Pedersen. She expressed, “I’ve had times when I couldn’t light my candle and the only light I could see was that of others. The only reason I knew God knew and loved me was because of the light and love I received from others.” Pedersen said being surrounded by Christlike individuals was a source of strength for her testimony. “It’s what has pulled me through some of the darkest times. I’m thankful for this tradition my family has to remind us of our infinite worth and Christ’s abundant, intimate love,” Pedersen said. • Gabriel Thorup carries on traditions from his father’s Danish heritage. Photo by Joseph Ariono. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra). FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 13
Beyond
KIRIBATI
At BYU–Hawaii, Tamuera Samuel Tune says he gained not only an IT degree, but also a family as well. Photos by Yui Leung. Graphics by Yichi Lu.
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Senior from Kiribati said his inspiration to study IT came from his dad, who is a BYUH alumnus and helps his community with his IT degree BY KARL ALDRE MARQUEZ
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eing inspired by his father, Tamuera Samuel Tune, a senior majoring in information technology from Kiribati, said he grew up assisting his dad with fixing computers, basic programming, networking and any other IT-related task. He said his early hands-on experience with his dad sparked his interest in pursuing an IT degree at BYU–Hawaii. Living in Kiribati for most of his life, he said he grew up in a typical Latter-day Saint family of seven, with three brothers and a sister, in South Tarawa, the main island in Kiribati. He said growing up, his family environment was one centered on the gospel and the importance of education for everyone. “We were challenged to pursue an education when we grew up, it is because my parents are professionals. My dad, who graduated here at BYUH, works as an IT consultant in our local government while my mom works as a teacher for Moroni High School,” he said.
Island life According to Boata Tenite, a close friend of Tune and a sophomore majoring in IT from Kiribati, the two became friends in 2014. “Coming from the same Church school, we grew up loving sports like basketball and we would hang out with other friends around the school,” he said. While at school, Tenite said they would take classes together and ended up in the same course focus studying art, history and geography. Although they were enrolled in the same classes, he said there were times when Tune shared his knowledge and experiences working alongside his dad. “Our friendship grew through the years we spent together studying and having fun with each other’s company. After high school, we decided to serve missions together. We both applied at the same time, and we received our mission calls and were both assigned to labor in the Philippines together,” he said. After their missions, Tenite said both decided to pursue their degrees at BYUH. Tune was admitted first, and after a few semesters, Tenite said he joined him.
Tune said his desire to work in IT came from his father. Photo by Yui Leung. Graphics by Yichi Lu.
Life at BYUH Tune said pursuing an IT degree is unusual for people living in Kiribati. He said Kiribati students would usually pursue degrees like political science, biology, chemistry and education. “Upon my arrival at school, never have I ever felt so excited to learn. A fresh start, a new place and a degree to work on,” he said. After a few months, he said in-person classes were shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said there were times when he wanted to go back home because of his current situation but took it as an opportunity to build up his skills in the IT program. He said during the lockdown when health restrictions were in place on the campus, he
met his future wife who was also studying at BYUH before the lockdown. “It was a time of reflection and worry for me. There came a point where my hopes and dreams were blurry because of the current situation. I had a positive mindset and was eager to just continue,” he said. When the health restrictions were lifted, he said he began networking with other students who had stayed on campus, until he met his future spouse in late 2020. Angelina Kum Kee, an alumna from Kiribati, said she met Tune on campus in 2020. She said upon their meeting, the friendship they had developed to date led to an eternal marriage in 2022. “Ever since we got married, all his time was devoted to his studies. Since his major FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 15
Angelina Kum Kee, Tune’s wife, said their lives have been blessed by the birth of their daughter. Photo by Yui Leung. Graphics by Yichi Lu.
demands a lot of time and effort to get a hang of it, I supported him in whatever he is doing,” she said. Kee said after getting married, they welcomed their baby daughter into the world. She said it was a blessing to have a family with her husband, and at the same time, a big challenge for them as a young couple. She said as they progressed in their marriage, they had to balance schooling, work and family. “When we had our baby, it was one of the biggest 1 6 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
blessings we had. Since I already graduated from school, I take care of the majority of chores at home and have him focus more on his classes. I normally do it for the whole week, and whenever the weekend comes, he shifts his focus to us and volunteers to help along with the chores,” she said. She said their experiences together have been tiring, but at the same time fruitful. She said their sacrifices made together brought opportunities for work and school after
graduation. She said she is grateful for their experiences together because they helped them to work better together as a couple. She added God is at the center of everything the two of them do for their family. Tenite said during their time at school, he and Tune had the chance to work together in the same IT department. He said while he works as a Network CSR technician, his tasks are a bit different. “While at work, I had the chance to meet with him and ask
for suggestions and ideas on how to work in our department. Every time I talk to him, he shows me snippets of things he does in the office, like programming, configuring switches, terminating and installing network lines, troubleshooting, answering tickets related to network issues and more,” he said.
Aspirations Upon the conclusion of his college life, Tune said he feels so blessed to have been able to improve and develop his skills in IT and at the same time meet mentors and network over the course of four years of study. He said his desire to further his knowledge in networking and cybersecurity became a reality when he accepted an offer to attend graduate school in Utah. “In the long run, I am taking all of my knowledge and skills back to my island and sharing it with the locals. I want to help back the community in Kiribati in educating them about cybersecurity and other useful scopes of networking,” he said. Tune said his plans and aspirations for the future are still being determined. He said since he is bringing his family wherever he goes, he wants to keep their family intact and strong in the gospel. He said he believes that whenever they put God first, everything will fall into its path for their family. “The future is still unknown to us. Although we had plans for our future, I still have to figure out the timing of our decisions. Even though there are worries, at some point, my wife always reminds me to stick with the covenant path and strive our best to keep the commandments,” he said. •
Tune and Kee say if they keep God at the center of their lives, everything will work out for their family. Photos by Yui Leung. Graphics by Yichi Lu.
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New Year’s
Celebrations & Superstitions Starting the New Year off in Thailand includes a water fight to cleanse the neighborhood, BYUH students say, while in Kiribati they dance to bring good fortune BY KARL ALDRE MARQUEZ
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YU–Hawaii students from Thailand, Palau and Kiribati said for New Year’s celebrations they have unique cultural traditions such as water fights and avoid picking mangoes. However, they also celebrate customs done around the globe like eating delicious food, noise-making, fireworks, and singing and dancing. While there are differences from country to country, they shared, they celebrate New Year’s with things that are signs of making a new, fresh beginning.
Superstitions & traditions Water fights and honoring grandparents are both part of the fun of New Year’s in Thailand, said Supicha Autamakul, a sophomore majoring in accounting. “We go to our grandparents’ house to wash their hands and feet, and in turn, they bless us,” she said. During Songkran, another name for Thai New Year’s, she said they have traditional water fights in the streets, symbolizing the washing away of sins and eliminating bad luck for everyone. In Palau, picking mangoes on New Year’s will bring bad luck, said Gonrod Ngirchemat, a sophomore majoring in 1 8 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
communications from Palau in Micronesia. He noted this superstition has been passed down for generations, and so no matter how drunk or silly a person may become during New Year’s in Palau, they still remember not to grab mangoes. Another superstition in Palau, Ngirchemat said, is giving away an Udoud er Belau (stone money necklace) to the female relatives on the father’s side. The necklace symbolizes wealth, status and other cultural ceremonies, and the beads are passed through generations as traditional treasured gifts, Ngirchemat explained. Tutera R. Boata, a sophomore from Kiribati majoring in TESOL, said in Kiribati on New Year’s, they will dance the Te Eitei to have blessings of prosperity and good fortune for the upcoming year. Before the spread of Christianity to their islands, Boata said her ancestors used to worship the goddess Nei Titubine, and Tabwakea, goddess of the sea. Some of this traditional belief still remains, she said.
Feasts & celebrations
Autamakul said people in her country celebrate public and
traditional New Year’s. “We celebrate the usual New Year’s on Jan. 1 and Chinese New Year in Chinese-Thai locations such as Bangkok and Phuket between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20, depending on the lunar calendar,” she said. They also celebrate Songkran, or Thai New Year, from April 13 to 15 with colorful or floral clothes, she said. All three New Year’s celebrations are spent with family and older relatives, she explained, as well as paying devotion and respect in temples. Compared to most countries, New Year’s is celebrated simply but meaningfully in Kiribati, said Boata. They have no fireworks or loud music, she said, but celebrate by dancing, singing, listening to country music and having a big seafood feast. “Since Kiribati is composed of several islands in the Pacific Ocean, it is rich with seafood like crabs, shrimp and lobsters,” she said, “which is our usual food for celebrations.” In Thailand, “Ngirchemat explained, “A famous spot in my country to hang out and celebrate the New Year is by the
bridge called Eungel a Idid, which means Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge.” He said he would gather there with others to watch fireworks, camp out and go paddle boarding. He added they create firecrackers out of soda cans that mimic the loud fireworks bangs but without the colorful explosions. For food, Thai people prepare barbecue, Beldak el Ngikel (fish soup), Kukao (taro), aho (coconut dessert), local vegetables, fruits like mangoes, coconuts and many more, said Ngirchemat. •
Photos of New Year lights, taken by, left to right, Federica Flessati, Zuza Galczynska, Shaughnessy, Alex Knight and Ian Schneider. Graphics by Forrest Christensen. FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 19
Picture of Mark and Sidney Gatus at Laie Point. Photo by Yichi Lu. Graphics by Forrest Christensen.
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A Fond Farewell
BYUH students say living in Laie helps them learn to follow Christ and like the banyan tree, people grow together in unity BY DOROTHY TONGA SETTLE
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or BYU–Hawaii students, leaving the place they have considered home for years during their university journey is more than a mere change of scenery. Instead, it is a heartfelt farewell to a place where they have grown and learned, they said, and a place that will forever hold a special place in their shared memories and hearts. Holding Laie Point as a special place where her and her husband’s journey began, Sidney Gatus from Utah who is a BYU-Idaho alumna, said, “This is where we officially began our journey together. It is bittersweet to leave as I remember my first visit to Hawaii to visit him while we were dating long distance.” Her husband, Mark Gatus, a senior from the Philippines majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said Laie has more beyond its beauty and landmarks. “It’s a place rich in history. I still see it as a place of refuge like those early pioneers that settled here in Laie,” he said. He added Laie is more than just a place but one with a fruitful history. “If you’re spending time here, really soak it in. It is a special place and its people are special,” he said. He said the experiences an individual will have in Laie is important and should not be taken for granted. Sidney Gatus said living in Laie allowed her and her husband to learn self-reliance. She said, “We’ve really learned to rely on each other and how to grow together without the influence of family around. It’s been challenging, but we’ve learned much about each other.” She added how living in a small close-knit community with the temple helped them center Jesus Christ in their marriage. As a result, they experienced strength in their marriage through difficult times. She said, “We are always taken care of, whether we are struggling financially or with classes and work, we are somehow okay with groceries and everything ends up working out for the best.” As a professional photographer and videographer, Mark Gatus said he will remember their times in Laie through every video and photo he took. “Every image of sunset and sunrise that I’ve taken here will serve as a reminder to me of this place, as well as friends and people I’ve met,” he said. He advised students who will stay in
Laie during their educational journeys to do things that will help improve the community. “We owe it to them and the kupuna who live here. Be a part of their community and respect and love them as your own.” Shawn Galiley, a junior majoring in psychology from Texas, shared his love for the people, the culture and the diversity on the BYUH campus. “Prophets of God...set in place BYUH so people from all walks of life from all over the globe could come together in a time when our brains are still developing to get to know each other and learn from each other,” he said. He explained as people unite, they share their lives, insights and cultivate a diverse community resembling a prototype of Zion. Laie is a special place because of the special opportunity to learn of Christ in a community centered around Jesus Christ, he said. His wife, Makayla Galiley, said she will miss the beauty and close friends she has made. “There is no other place like Laie, where the spirit of willingness to be more like Jesus Christ is everywhere, and it’s sprouted like a banyan tree,” she said. She expressed students have the opportunity to grow and create miracles as God’s miracle workers. “I have experienced the love that God has for others because I have been willing. We just have to be willing and that is something I have learned here,” she said. Using the metaphor of the banyan tree’s interconnected roots, Makayla Galiley said, people who go through Laie and BYUH come together, connect and grow together and leave Laie as a better individual. •
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Christmas on the sand
Spending time with friends and doing self-care activities, students say, help them with homesickness during the holidays BY CJ SHINIHAH NOTARTE
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espite being far away from home, BYU–Hawaii students said they still find ways to enjoy Christmastime by going to the beach, surfing and spending time with others. Christmas is supposed to be the time people spend with their families, said Jatuphon Phakdeerat, a sophomore from Thailand majoring in business management. “I feel two things about this. I miss my family but it’s alright. Everything is the way it is supposed to be,” he said.
Cultural differences Phakdeerat expressed gratitude for his family’s trust and understanding regarding his distance from them. He said he aims to repay their trust by excelling in his studies, achieving success and ultimately graduating. “We have a lot of holidays, and it happens every year,” he said. He said he can always spend the holidays with his family after he graduates. Phakdeerat explained back home, his family did not celebrate Christmas before because they were Buddhist, but later when he studied in a Christian school, they started celebrating it. He said, “My family would go to my high school and watch me dance, and after that, we would eat dinner together.” 2 2 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
Paula Graciella Butones, a freshman from Pangasinan, Philippines, majoring in psychology and social work, said the first time she celebrated Christmas far from home was when she served a full-time mission and the second time was when she came to BYUH. She said, “Christmas here is a bit different compared to the Philippines.” She explained even with the lights and the holiday greetings, she had a hard time feeling the Christmas spirit. Butones said she missed getting together with her family and relatives for Christmas. She said her family will all wait for the clock to strike 12 before eating and opening gifts together. Butones said she arrived on campus last year with other students from the Philippines on Sunday, Dec. 25, and the campus was quiet because most students were away on vacation. She said, “We ate at the cafeteria and slept most of the day.” Jiung Kim, a senior from Korea majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said her family doesn’t celebrate Christmas. “We just stay at home and greet each other with the phrase ‘Merry Christmas,’” she said. Coming to BYUH was the first time she did something for the holidays, and she said she had fun.
“I went to town with my friends, walked around the temple, ate food and visited the Christmas tree at the Flag Circle,” she said.
Ways to enjoy being away from home Phakdeerat said his self-care activities during the holiday season while away from home are doing what he loves most. He expressed one of the things he loves is going to the gym and exercising. “Exercising in the gym makes me feel relaxed and strong. It enables me to maintain good mental health and feel more enthusiastic,” he said. He noted another self-care activity he does is hanging out with friends and watching a movie. He said he considers this self care because it helps him relax as well. Lastly, he shared he loves to go to the beach, hike the mountains with friends and connect with nature to heal from all the stress of studying and working hard. Butones said she enjoys doing skincare as her Christmas self-care activity. She said, “I like eating fruits, riding my bike and spending time for myself.” She said although the Christmas traditions are different from her home country’s, not only her but also everyone away from home must try to incorporate the traditions they have and celebrate with friends to make it feel like home. Kim said she has never felt homesick but rather kept herself distracted. “When I am not
in a good mood [or start missing someone], I will stay in my room and watch YouTube or sleep.” Kim explained even though she does not like missing people, she still wants to talk to others with whom she can share her feelings with and make her feel better. Kim said she will be staying for the upcoming holiday and plan to experience surfing during the Christmas season. She said despite the changing seasons, the weather in Hawai’i is still hot compared to her home country. She said, “I think that is something unique in Hawaii.” • Left: Paula Graciella Butones says she enjoys eating fruits, riding her bike and having personal time during the Christmas season. Right: Jiung Kim says she goes to town with friends, takes walks around the temple, indulges in food and enjoys the Christmas tree at the Flag Circle. Bottom: Jatuphon Phakdeerat says he loves going to the gym and exercising. Photos by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Yichi Lu.
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A Christ-centered Christmas Remembering the Savior through music, activities, service, movies and pictures, are how students say they remain focused on Christ BY DOROTHY TONGA SETTLE
A star-shaped ornament gleams on the Paningbatan-Perandos’ Christmas tree. Photo by Camille Jovenes. 2 4 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
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hristmas holds profound significance worldwide, but it takes on added meaning for students at BYU–Hawaii who find themselves celebrating far from their home countries. Their shared Christmas away from home enables them to center their focus on Jesus Christ, who is the true reason for the season. Shannel Paningbatan, a senior double majoring in psychology and social work from the Philippines, said her most memorable Christmas was when she was young and her parents were still together. She said her parents’ families gathered together and had a huge feast where she played with her cousins. “The whole family was there. We had a lot of fun and a lot of food. I really miss [that time],” she said. She said after her parents’ separation, she sometimes would not even celebrate Christmas. Paningbatan’s husband, Jarom Perandos, an alumnus from the Philippines, said his love for Christmas comes from how it brings families together. “With families living on different continents, we could only meet up together for Christmas every five years or so,” he said. Paningbatan and Perandos both said Christmas has been difficult for them since moving to Hawaii for school. Paningbatan said last Christmas, they gathered with some friends and shared food together. It was most memorable as they shared their personal experiences of seeing Christ in their lives throughout the year, she said. Since then, Paningbatan said they made a resolution to focus their Christmas celebrations on Jesus Christ more instead of just putting up decorations. “We decided to focus on Jesus Christ throughout the Christmas season and not just on Christmas Day,” Perandos said. He added attending the temple, putting up more pictures of Christ in their home and ministering to others around them has made their home more Christcentered as they celebrate throughout the Christmas season. He said, “We hang up more images of Christ on our Christmas tree and have more pictures of us with a temple in the background.” Paningbatan said, “It is not about the gifts because I cannot remember every gift I get. But I always remember the happiness I felt from being together as a family and that is something I want my own little family to cherish.” She said having their first baby over
Perandos and Paningbatan say working to keep their Christmases centered on the Savior helps them be better parents to their daughter. Photo by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Yichi Lu.
the summer gave them a greater perspective on life as they became parents. Working on Christlike attributes like faith, patience and charity helped them focus more on Christ and helped them be better parents, she said. Dannisha Pili, a freshman majoring in anthropology from Utah, said her mom always made sure Jesus Christ was a central part of Christmas by having their family watch movies about Christ throughout the weeks prior to Christmas Day. “Our family used to have a little movie about Christ’s birth every year that we used to watch throughout December. When the Church came out with ‘The Christ Child,’ it became our family Christmas movie,” she said. She added Christmas is a great time to be with family and eat good food. Pili shared her favorite thing to do during Christmas is collect nativity displays to remind her of the reason for the season. She added her family loves music and their favorite Christmas
hymn is “Angels We Have Heard on High” because of its beautiful melody and lyrics that remind them of Jesus Christ, she said. Pili said in conversations, activities and music, her family strives to integrate Christ’s teachings and His life into it, and her mother always gets them gifts that help them remember Christ. “We would read the scriptures or a story about Christ’s birth from the Bible and then watch a video about it so the younger kids will understand better,” Pili said. She shared they remember why Christ is celebrated at Christmas through her mother’s influence in helping them understand the true meaning of it through books, visual aids and family activities. •
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LEARNING TO BE HAPPY Portrait of Eli Hadley sitting in front of the Cannon Activities Center with the Jonathon Napela and George Q. Cannon statue in the background. Photos by Camile Jovenes. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra). 2 6 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
Embarking on a journey from Delaware to Hawai’i, Eli Hadley says he sought to uncover his purpose and find true happiness BY LISI TIAFAU
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li Hadley, a senior psychology major from Delaware, said he came to BYU–Hawaii in search of a transformative experience. Coming from the second-smallest state in the United States, Hadley expressed a desire for significant change and a broader perspective throughout high school, feeling a pull towards discovering places beyond his familiar surroundings and meeting people from there. Despite the significant transition, he said he embraced it with gratitude. “[Attending BYUH] taught me that there is a lot more out there than my tiny home state. It changed my perspective on the world. Even if I return to Delaware or the East Coast, this experience has broadened my worldview,” said Hadley. He described BYUH as a meeting place for people from all over the world. “It is a good opportunity for anyone who might have prejudices formed in an environment where they did not have access to diverse voices to break those down if they wanted to,” Hadley said. As a domestic student, he sees his presence at BYUH as a special privilege, citing the generously funded tuition and the wealth of knowledge from the diverse faculty and student body. Recognizing not everyone has had the same opportunities, he reflected on the significance of acknowledging one’s privilege and using it to advocate for others. He said, “Recognizing your privilege isn’t enough. It’s doing something with that—being an advocate for people.”
The path to psychology and beyond Hadley said one of his lifelong goals is to find true happiness. He noted it is not something one finds by chance but rather something one must actively seek out and allow into their life on purpose. “You have to allow it to come to you because you find happiness,” he said. He said he chose psychology because of his father, whom he described as a great example of compassion and a school psychologist. Hadley said he was particularly interested in social psychology because he wanted to learn how societal issues affect human relationships and how they can be overcome. “I think psychology helps us see people as people, not as cartoon villains. They are as human as we are, and we are just as human as they are. They should get the same kindness we give ourselves, as this is a critical step toward healing a broken world,” said Hadley. While deciding on a career path, Hadley said he eventually came to see himself as a creative writing professor, aspiring to earn a doctorate in English. He said studying psychology gave him a lot of joy because it helped him better understand people and informed his choices as a storyteller. He expressed he would find it rewarding to encourage others to create solely for the sake of creativity. Lucy Torres, an alumna from California and fiancée of Hadley, expressed immense pride in Hadley’s achievements. She said, “I am so proud of him. Like other students, he has had this goal of getting his degree and working toward a bigger goal for a long time. His dedication to his education and his drive to always achieve more are inspiring to me and make me want to be a better, more educated individual.”
Overcoming personal struggle Hadley admitted his journey was not without difficulties. He openly shared his battle with depression since his early teens, a struggle that remained undiagnosed for some time. He confessed these feelings sometimes led him to actively harm himself and fixate on ending his own life. He said he would then feel bad about feeling bad, judging himself even more harshly. To find peace, he said he cherishes peaceful moments by the sea because he finds comfort in observing the rhythmic decrease and flow of the tide, which he compares to a heartbeat and serves as a constant reminder that life will go on. “I didn’t give myself enough grace and kindness,” he said. Adding to his challenges, he said, was the pressure he felt to go on a mission from people around him in his teenage years, whereas at the time, he just wanted to live his life and not live for anyone else. He described feeling pressured to make everyone happy and never feeling like he could give himself the time to consider what he truly wanted from life. “I had to stop living for other people and only being half alive,” he voiced. “If I was going to do anything, it had to be my own choice,” he added. “The friends and connections I made, as well as falling in love with [my fiancée] Lucy, all played critical roles in my healing process because they reminded me I was worthy of love,” Hadley explained. He said Torres was a source of inspiration and purpose through meaningful conversations he valued. Hadley emphasized the significance of these connections, saying, “I think all my friends were there for a reason.” Torres said she was supportive throughout his academic journey, as she encouraged Hadley to pursue his goals and provided a safe space for him to do so. “I encouraged his academic and career goals, just as he has always supported mine. I encouraged his enthusiasm for writing and teaching, and I tried hard to show him that he is capable of accomplishing anything he sets his mind to,” said Torres. Hadley said with the support of counseling, he has gained a more balanced perspective on his own worth. He said his counselor, Stacie Singh, helped change his life after a severe incident of self-harm on his mission. “It [counseling services] helped me think in a much more rational way,” he explained. His BYUH counselors, Kristin Myers, Rachel Kekaula and Mich Suyama, he said, have been a huge blessing to him over the past year. He expressed his gratitude for their patience and for allowing him to express himself in a non-judgmental environment.
Reflecting on memorable moments Hadley said his academic journey at BYUH was full of memorable moments he will never forget. One standout memory he shared was an impromptu trip to Japan with his friend and BYUH alumnus, Eston Dunn. He recalled, “He [Eston] found $200 tickets to Japan...I thought, ‘Why not be impulsive?’ Let’s go for it.” Hadley described their trip to Osaka and Kyoto as an adventure with only one backpack each. Despite his exhaustion, Hadley said he knew he was making memories and deepening his appreciation for the world’s beauty. J. Eston Dunn III, an alumnus from Tennessee and a close friend of Hadley, commended Hadley’s growth during his time at BYUH. He FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 27
said, “He [Hadley] fully embraced BYUH’s dedication to interdisciplinary scholarship.” Reflecting on their memorable trip to Japan, Dunn praised Hadley’s love for learning about others and his adventurous spirit. Hadley recalled significant moments of growth and self-discovery during his freshman year, which opened his eyes to the powerful potential for human beings to make a positive change. He compared this positive change to each individual putting a Band-Aid on the world, one person at a time. “It was nice to be around people who treated me the way I did not realize I deserved to be treated by others,” he said. Hadley reflected on his time as a writer, copy editor, and editorin-chief at Ke Alaka’i, cherishing the memories. He said he enjoyed witnessing his peer’s growth and learning about his own leadership style. Hadley fondly recalls his creative writing professor, Joe Plicka, who inspired him deeply and said, “I want to be just like him in the future.” According to Hadley, Plicka emphasized every creation, whether a masterpiece or a mess, holds its own worth.
Kenobi” in the final episode. He explained after Obi-Wan struggles to find meaning in his failure, he is met by the spirit of his mentor. He recalled the mentor saying, “Our purpose is always here. Sometimes we’re just not ready to see. We need to go through some hard times... And then we can truly see that they were worthwhile.” •
Passions and relationships During his spare time, Hadley said he has tried reading as much as possible. As of November 2023, Hadley said he has read about 150 books since the beginning of the year as part of a Goodreads challenge. He said his reading habit not only provides him with an escape to diverse worlds but also allows him to appreciate the creativity of authors. In the past two years, Hadley said he has poured his passion into writing three young adult novels. He said he wrote two during his free time on his mission in Singapore, and he recently finished his third, though he said his novels needed a lot of rewriting. In one of his novels, he said he tells the story of a young girl longing to excel in art. He explained, “She, Amelia [the character], really wants to be excellent at art, but she can’t seem to do it.” He said the girl wrestles with the frustration of not being able to transfer her thoughts onto paper or sculpture, when compared to a friend who seems to have it easy. He said sometimes, despite his efforts, success can feel out of reach and leave him with the feeling his creation is just a big mess. While he has faced rejections from over 10 literary agents so far, he said this is all part of the process. He said, “Even if I never become a published author, that’s okay.” For him, the act of creation is enough to be happy. Dunn said he noticed Hadley’s increased empathy and resilience gained through experiences like the pandemic and his mission in the Asia-Pacific region. Dunn said he applauds Hadley’s remarkable ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and noted Hadley’s flourishing social awareness.
Guiding words for students Hadley shared profound advice for fellow students, drawing on his own experiences and emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one’s individuality and the validity of one’s feelings. “Remember that you are an individual...Your feelings are real. They are valid...How you feel is how you feel,” he said. In moments of doubt and despair, Hadley recounted a powerful lesson he learned from his love of the Star Wars TV show “Obi-Wan 2 8 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
Portraits of Eli Hadley in his graduation gown. He quoted Star Wars’ Obi-Wan Kenobi show, where a character said sometimes people don’t understand their struggles until they look back at them. Photos by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
Encouraging words you can recite to instill confidence
Here are a few phrases you may repeat to improve your mood and determination:
“Don’t wait for the “Today’s a opportunity. Create it!” “Don’t stress. good day to You got this!” have a great day.”
“Your speed doesn’t matter. Forward is forward.”
“This is tough, but you’re tougher.”
“ Be good to yourself. And let others be good to you, too.”
“No matter what happens, you’re strong enough to handle it.”
“Take everything one day at a time.”
“Be positive, patient and persistent.”
“Don’t live off of someone else’s script. Write your own.” “A journey starts with one step.”
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Background photo from Unsplash. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
To decorate your pull-out Christmas tree with sticker ornaments, organize your sticker ornaments based on a chosen order, then start decorating from the top down, mixing colors and sizes for a balanced look. Step back periodically to assess and adjust. Personalize with additional decorations, and voilà- enjoy your festive and uniquely adorned Christmas tree!
Decorate Me
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Happy New Year
Mele Kalikimaka
Merry Christmas
“A journey starts with one step.”
“Your attitude determines your direction.”
“Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn.”
“You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.”
“Today will never come again. Look forward to tomorrow.”
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” “Every moment is a fresh beginning.”
“You have to fight through some bad
days to earn the best days of your life.”
“You’re in charge of your own happiness.”
“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”
“It always seems impossible until it ’s done.”
“Don’t let how you feel make you forget what you deserve.”
“If you stumble, make it part of the dance.”
Encouraging words from www.indeed.com. Old paper image from Unsplash. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
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CHRISTMAS FOOD Around the World
Christmas Food in Asia BY CJ SHINIHAH NOTARTE Japan Only Christians celebrate Christmas in Japan, said Kanon Tsuchida, a freshman from Japan majoring in information technology. She explained, “Chicken, beef, mashed potatoes and a gorgeous cake” are what they eat during the holidays with her family.
Indonesia Sarita Bella Pratama shared, “My mom usually cooks something special [and] she always asks what we want to eat for Christmas.” Pratama, a junior from Indonesia studying hospitality and tourism management, said they eat rendang and selat solo. According to the website Rasa Malaysia, rendang is a spicy beef stew made with coconut milk and selat solo is made from beef tenderloin, vegetables and hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise or mustard as sides.
Malaysia Wie Sheng Ng, a sophomore from Malaysia majoring in information technology, said his family celebrates Christmas at church more than they do at home. Ng said they eat Malaysian curry when they celebrate Christmas. “We use pork or chicken as our main ingredient,” said Ng. He also said their curry is more spicy and closer to the original curry of India.
Philippines Christmas in the Philippines is festive and fun, said Edward Salazar, a freshman from the Philippines studying psychology. It is not only about remembering the Savior’s birth, but it is also a time when Filipino families gather together, he shared. Salazar said the average Filipino usually has Filipino-style spaghetti, roasted chicken, barbecue, buko salad, mango float, sticky rice and puto when they celebrate the holiday. “Biko is my favorite,” said Salazar. “Biko is made with sticky rice, coconut milk and muscovado sugar. The sticky rice signifies unity in the family. Family members should stick together, especially during Christmas.”
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Christmas Food in Europe BY EMMIE SIEBERT
Spain
Portugal
In Spain, Lluna Garcia Risquez, a junior majoring in psychology from Spain, said people share a large meal called Nochebuena, meaning “good night,” on the night of Christmas Eve. Nochebuena is typically shared with the mother’s side of the family. The following morning, Risquez explained, is spent with the other side of the family. “You open presents and eat another huge meal,” Risquez said. According to an article in Good Housekeeping by Lizz Schumer, seafood and soup are traditional Nochebuena dishes in Spain, with turrón afterward. Turrón is made of honey, sugar, egg whites and roasted almonds or nuts, usually in a rectangular or circular shape.
Karolina Benidio said in Portugal, Christmas is a time of cherished traditions and delicious feasts. Benidio, an accounting junior from Portugal and Poland, said after exchanging gifts, her family gathers to play card games until around 3 a.m. To keep things light, she said they enjoy a comforting soup while they play. According to Benidio, the soup is known as “canja de galinha,” a Portuguese chicken soup with different versions depending on the region. It features a chicken broth enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, rice, orzo pasta and sometimes diced root vegetables like celery and carrots. Benidio said, “Portugal is a very Catholic country, so we absorb that into our Christmas.” One Catholic tradition Benidio shared is the practice of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve and eating lamb on Christmas Day.
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Christmas Food in Oceania BY DOROTHY TONGA SETTLE
Tonga
Papua New Guinea
Palau
It is not Christmas without a perfect juicy roasted pig for Stella Fungavaka Peleuale, a junior from Tonga majoring in hospitality and tourism management. The combination of its perfectly crispy skin and fatty meat with sweet potatoes and taro or ‘ufi, which is a Tongan yam, is the best part of Christmas gatherings for their family, she said.
The mumu, which is the main course for a Christmas gathering, is placed upon hot stones in an underground earth oven in Florence Gonapa’s home village. Gonapa, a sophomore majoring in business management from papua New Guinea, said the mumu can be crafted from an abundance of fresh garden produce, such as taro, bananas, sweet potatoes, cassava and a variety of greens, harmoniously complemented with a choice of succulent meats, including pork, chicken and beef. These are all covered in banana leaves so as to not let the ground seep through to the food, she said.
A delightful breakfast of tama tuu sets the perfect tone for a Palauan Christmas Day, said Kaela Olsingch, a senior majoring in psychology from California. These delicious banana donut balls are tasty and are a meaningful link to Olsingch’s place of birth and her father’s Micronesian heritage, she said. • Photos of foods created in Canva by Ranitea Teihoarii. Background image from Unsplash. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
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Entering the
Holiday Season with songs
Music connected to memories, center on Christ and invoke the Christmas spirit are why students say they get on their play lists BY KARL ALDRE MARQUEZ
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ith Christmas fast approaching, BYU–Hawaii students and alumni shared their favorite songs centered around the holiday season. Reasons to love their favorite Christmas songs included nostalgia for their childhood, reminders of the miracle of Jesus Christ’s birth and the way the tunes helped people feel the Christmas spirit. Brandt Shortland, a senior majoring in social work from New Zealand, said his favorite Christmas song is “Rivers of Babylon” by Boney M., because it is a song his family plays every year during the holidays. He said he feels grateful for it because it helps him to remember significant events, struggles, pain and the eventual triumph of the Israelites in their Babylonian exile. Taylor Wagner, from Colorado and a senior majoring in business, said his all-time favorite Christmas song is “Oh Holy Night.”
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He said this song helps him to be calmer and feel at peace because of its soothing sound and lyrics. “It makes me think of Jesus Christ and what He has done for mortality,” he said. Hannz Jayme Leduna, a senior majoring in political science from the Philippines, said her favorite Christmas song is “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” She said it became her favorite song because it is a yearly tradition in the Philippines to start celebrating Christmas as early as September. Leduna said it reminds her how Filipinos are excited for the holiday even though it is far from December, and she added the song has the same effect on her. It is a time when she prepares and buys Christmas presents for her relatives and friends, she said. Addison Allred, a senior majoring in social work from Virginia, said her favorite Christmas song is “O Holy Night” covered
For BYU–Hawaii students and alumni, favorite Christmas songs include popular ones by artists like Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé, along with religious hymns. Photo credits to the record labels. Graphics by Forrest Christensen.
by Bien. “I love this song because it reminds me of the power and purpose of Christmas,” she said. She said the lines, “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,” bring to her mind images of colored lights on houses, families gathered together, laughter and a reminder of how the birth of Jesus Christ made all their joy possible. Ammon Hetaraka Chan Boon, a junior from Australia majoring in social work and psychology, said his favorite Christmas song is “Feliz Navidad.” He said this song is his family’s jam at home, where a single strum of the guitar will trigger everyone in his family to sing together. He said this song sets and lights up the mood for everyone and reminds him of memories with his family. Cynthia Uvang Snelson, a sophomore majoring in TESOL from Malaysia, said her favorite Christmas song is “All I Want For
Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. She said she loves the song because of its jolly beats that makes her want to dance and sing. She said her experiences of singing and dancing with her mom while they decorated their Christmas tree made her appreciate the song more and be super happy for the holidays. Zavion Hubbell, a community member from Laie, said his favorite Christmas song is “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” covered by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé. He said this song is not usually played or heard in his neighborhood because it is more of a love song related to Christmas, rather than a Christmas song for families. Jatin Narayan, a junior majoring in information technology and political science from Fiji, said “Jingle Bells” is his favorite Christmas song. “It is catchy and has a joyful melody, with an upbeat tempo and repetitive
tune, which makes it instantly recognizable and perfect for a sing-along,” he said. Narayan added the song carries a strong sense of nostalgia, as it has been a staple of the holiday season for generations and is often sung in festive gatherings. He said it is a universal theme for sleigh rides and winter fun, along with its simple lyrics that gives it a wide appeal, making it very enjoyable for all people. He said whenever he hears the song, it is not hard for him to feel a rush of joy and excitement and sing along with other people. Andino Bima Mahreza, an alumnus from Indonesia, said his favorite Christmas song of all time is also “Jingle Bells.” He said the song brought him much joy and happiness every time he listened to it. He said the rhythm of the song tells him that Christmas is a time where friends and family gather and enjoy and have fun. Ian Carroll, a senior majoring in clinical psychology from Waianae, Hawaii, said he has two favorite Christmas songs, the first is titled, “When Christmas Comes” from his favorite childhood Christmas movie, “The Polar Express.” He said this movie is a yearly tradition for his family where they all watch it together and added it embodies the spirit of Christmas. Carroll said his second favorite Christmas song is the hymn “Silent Night.” He said this song reminded him of a devotional in the Missionary Training Center where it was mentioned that the greatest miracle that happened occurred on a silent night. He said listening to the song made him love the lines “Glories stream from heaven afar; Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia. Christ, the Savior, is born!” where it showed the greatest events and miracles can happen in silence. •
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Taking a piece of Hawaii back home
Memories, photos, spouses, flowers and shells are things student say they will take with them from Hawaii after graduating BY CJ SHINIHAH NOTARTE
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or college students, graduation and holidays are times for them to return home. Students shared about keepsakes they will bring with them to remember their time at the university such as seashells, letters, graduation caps and technology.
Remembering Hawaii Rabbanah Campos, a senior from the Philippines majoring in accounting, said jokingly the most important thing she will take home with her is her husband because they met and got married in Laie while going to school. In seriousness, she said the lessons she had learned through her years and experiences at BYU–Hawaii were some of the most important things she would take with her. She said much of her perspective about life and family changed while studying on campus. She continued, saying her journal, a place where her memorable experiences were engraved, was another important object she would take home. Campos said she would also bring a seashell and one of the fake flowers students place behind their ears to remember Hawaii after she leaves. Similar to Campos, Seon Woong “Danny” Hwang, a sophomore from South Korea majoring in biology, said he would be bringing a fake flower home with him. Bringing Hawaiian shirts home to wear would also help him remember Hawaii, he added. Ka Ho Au Yeung, a senior from Hong Kong majoring in biochemistry and biology, said, “I will bring flower seeds from here because the flowers in Hawaii have different meanings.” He added his desire to also bring a unique collection of seashells home with him “because the beach is nearby.” 3 8 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
Rabbanah Campos shows items that contain memories from her time at BYUH.
A tribute to families and friends
Responsibility to serve
Campos said she would make sure to take her diploma home with her, as it represents all the memories, learning and experiences she has gained at BYUH. She said she will also bring letters received from people she loves that she kept in a box with birthday cards, pictures and notes from the Hale moms, among other things. Yeung shared his graduation cap will be a tribute to his parents, which he will taking home with him. Hwang will bring photos with him to remember the good times and different activities he did with his friends, he explained, especially the most recent photos from when he went scuba diving.
Hwang said he will also bring technology that he will later use in inventions back home because one of his dreams is to develop technology that recycles plastic. He cited the university’s motto, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve,” as a call to use the education given to him to make the world a better place. Hwang feels he and other students have an “obligation to serve our home countries after we finish our studies,” he said. • Above: Seon Woong “Danny” Hwang contemplates the technology he might bring home with him from Hawaii. Left: Ka Ho Au Yeung anticipates bringing his graduation cap home to his parents. Photos by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Yichi Lu.
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Sisters navigating college challenges at BYU-Hawaii Two sisters from Connecticut who are graduating from BYU–Hawaii at the same time, shared insights into what they called a transformative college journey BY MUTIA PARASDUHITA Chenoa and Sarah Francis posing in their graduation caps and gowns. Photo by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra). 4 0 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
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ulture shock, loneliness, uncertainty of staying at BYU–Hawaii and difficulty finding purpose were experiences the Francis sisters said they both faced. Chenoa and Sarah Francis, graduating seniors from Connecticut, said the complexities of resilience, friendships and identity crises were cleared as they embraced their sisterhood. Chenoa studied English and Sarah studied social work, but both said university life presented difficult challenges. Chenoa reminisced about her high school years, saying she used to be studious and highly motivated to get good grades. During her sophomore year of college, she said her motivation for education vanished as she tried to find her purpose. She said she worried she had done something wrong to make her lose her motivation. She said her feelings got worse as she compared herself to friends who were more passionate about education. Similarly, her older sister, Sarah said during her freshman year on campus she experienced so much anxiety as she struggled to make connections with other students. “Most of the freshmen make deep friendships,” she said, and seeing posts of these friendships on social media made her wonder what she was lacking.
Finding life’s purpose through spiritual connection Sarah said she realized she not only had a hard time connecting with people but also had a hard time connecting with God. Recognizing this, she said she thought, “I long for a feeling of a deep connection. I need to take initiative in my life,” and chose to serve a mission. After her mission in Praia, Cape Verde and Salt Lake City, Utah, where she was reassigned because of COVID-19, she said she faced the question of whether to come back to BYUH or not. Sarah said she continually prayed about her future and had a dream of reopening her mission call with her BYUH friends. “For the first time, I felt the Spirit and felt really happy knowing the answer was so clear that I needed to come back and grab more opportunities in BYUH,” she said. While Sarah was away on her mission, Chenoa said she continued her BYUH journey while carrying the biggest question of her college life. She said she pondered the school motto, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve,” but she didn’t know how it applied to her. Chenoa recounted what a high school teacher had once told her, “Chenoa, don’t let the world change your smile. Change the world with your smile.” With this in mind, she said she turned to prayer and received the impression to get her patriarchal blessing. She expressed gratitude at receiving her blessing and said, “For the first time in months, I felt good and positive about continuing my journey at BYUH.”
Exploring the uncertain After understanding what God intended her to do, Chenoa said she decided to make the best out of her education and live more in the moment. She said she grew stronger as she asked herself questions such as, “Have I maximized my potential to develop more of my skills?” Chenoa said when she realized she hadn’t contributed much effort, she resolved to do new things. Chenoa said she became a nanny for a family in Laie, participated in the English department as a poetry editor and got involved in
Sarah hugging her little sister, Chenoa. Photo by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
the undergraduate research conference to immerse herself in the community. All of this helped her find belonging, she said. When Sarah came back from her mission, similarly to Chenoa, she worked on expanding her skills to connect with others. She added learning piano and writing poetry has been a powerful tool to keep herself on track. Together, Chenoa and Sarah reactivated the Afro World Club to make it a safe place for people from the African diaspora to share their struggles.
Developing friendship through sisterhood Sarah said her college life wouldn’t be as fulfilling as it has been if she didn’t have her sister around. “She is like my built-in best friend. She’s always the person that I can talk to,” said Sarah. She expressed how she treasured the personality differences between them. “I am stricter to myself and she is so relaxed, so I really value [her] perspectives because it really calms me.” Chenoa said, “My sister is my emotional support system here because I didn’t need to pretend to be someone els.” She added, “She made me feel the safest here. She motivates me and pushes me to do hard things.” Acknowledging not everyone has the same opportunity to have a sibling on campus, Chenoa said, “Give your energy to those who give the same energy to you. It gives you the feeling of home.” Loisi Nalesoni, a sophomore from Tonga majoring in biology, was Sarah’s coworker and roommate. She said Chenoa’s daily visits to Sarah made her admire their sisterly bond. “They are like best friends,” Nalesoni said about the Francis sisters. She witnessed them argue, but it always had a light and fun energy that brought laughter, she said. By watching them, Nalesoni said she learned the older sister does not always need to be the person who takes responsibility for everything. The Francis sisters helped each other, she said. “The way they work together showed me that their mother raised them really well,” said Nalesoni. • FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 41
WORKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE BYUH senior shares how her internship counseling school children changed and motivated them and also herself BY CHENOA FRANCIS
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his past summer, senior Sharini Shanmuganathan traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to do an internship in school counseling at the REAL Cheras School Campus. Shanmuganathan, a psychology major from Malaysia, shared her favorite part of the internship was “bonding with the children. I loved them so much. I think it was understanding them from their point of view...I feel like I was able to relate to them more.” When looking at internship opportunities at first, Shanmuganathan said she didn’t think she wanted to work with children. However, she said her internship and the time spent there changed her perspective on
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what she wanted to do in her life. “It really made me realize that I want to work with families and children mostly.” Shanmuganathan’s internship helped her realize how important families are, she said. She explained how important care and love are for young children. She stated, “If you don’t give them that attention, it can ruin their lives. I think that made me realize that I want to work with families and with kids, so I’m thinking of being a family therapist.” Shanmuganathan said she learned how important it is to have counseling for children. She said how counseling and being around them opened her eyes to the work that needed to be done concerning
children. She shared, “They don’t get that emotional support from their family. A lot of students, when they come in for counseling…it’s always something happening in their house that affects their education or mental health.” Puvaneswari S. Visuvanathan, Shanmuganathan’s mother and the head of co-curricular activities for junior students at REAL Cheras School, said she also noticed the passion her daughter developed throughout her internship. She commended her daughter, saying, “She is a very flexible person who can adapt to any situation and who can relate herself to the matters at hand. It is easy to communicate with her as she is very knowledgeable and knows what she is doing…She is able to share her views and ideas which makes it easier for us to handle tasks.” A close friend of Shanmuganathan, Jalini Vicky Jeyapathy, a molecular biology sophomore from Papua New Guinea, shared how Shanmuganathan’s character complements the field she is working towards. Jeyapathy exclaimed, “Sharini is someone [who] challenges me to be a better woman. She has her values and goals that she wants to accomplish, so she is focused on them. She is very loving and wants the best for her friends.”
Because of her internship experience, Shanmuganathan said she has never been more excited about her future endeavors and possibilities. She said she plans to apply for graduate school but first wants to build up her resume and have some fieldwork experience. She said if provided the opportunity, she would love to work with children again as she did during her internship. •
Creating special bonds During her internship, Shanmuganathan said she created special bonds with the children that impacts them to this day. Visuvanathan expressed how much the students miss Shanmuganathan. “She was adored and loved by them. It was easy for her to be connected with them, and she left with a strong impression of them. They still ask for her and have shared the many positive lessons she has given. She truly took the time to listen to them individually and shared many joyful moments with them.” Shanmuganathan said she spent her days with her supervisor working in classrooms and doing group therapy sessions. She shared they played games related to mental health, art therapy, sand tray therapy, poetry therapy and dance therapy. She also taught some basic English and science, she said. Shanmuganathan not only formed special bonds with her students, but also Jeyapathy said she applied what she learned from them to her own relationships. Shanmuganathan’s time at REAL Cheras School, according to Jeyapathy, has improved and benefited their relationship. “When Sharini returned from her internship, she applied some of her skills to our friendship. She would help me cope with my anxiety and other things I overthink. I think going for her internship is one of the best things she has done during her [time in] college,” Jeyapathy said.
Looking forward to the future Shanmuganathan shared the importance and benefits of going on an internship. “I would absolutely recommend students go on internships. I feel like it really helps you to understand people’s perspectives…and cultures.You [grow to] have more of an understanding of people.” Visuvanathan said, “An internship is a stepping stone for any student to be engaged in the desired field. It is a platform for them to sharpen the knowledge gained while studying and their skills and performance. All students should be encouraged to do it as this is where they will be tested. At the same time, it will build them personally in every manner.”
Sharini Shanmuganathan is pictured in front of the McKay Foyer. She says working with children was so fulfilling because of the relationships she built with them. Photos by Joseph Ariono. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
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Compassion despite
Hardship As she prepares to graduate, Fah Panasuto’s friends say she has remained loving throughout her trials BY ELI HADLEY
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or Nipawan “Fah” Panasuto, a senior from Thailand completing her interdisciplinary major with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and economics, her journey to graduation has been a difficult one. According to her friends, going through difficulties and working hard made her a kind and generous person as she became a mother to her son, never backing down from her trials.
Growth Kanda Kannasut, an alumna from Thailand who graduated in Spring 2023 with a degree in clinical psychology, said she has known Panasuto for three years. She first met her in the Thailand Club, she said. “I think she is a very confident woman. Confident and brave in the way she thinks 4 4 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
without any limits. She’s smart,very active and hardworking,“ she said. Kannasut continued talking about the love Panasuto has for nature, adventure and extremely spicy food. At the end of June 2023, Kannasut had to wait several days before her flight to Seattle to begin her internship, and since she graduated, she was not allowed to stay in the hales. Panasuto offered to let her stay in her apartment until it was time for her flight, for which Kannasut said she was incredibly grateful. After she finished her mission, Panasuto recalled she went home and said her cousins and other family members saw her as a failure. “Because there’s no job, no degree, they complain because they have good jobs they feel serving a mission is useless,” she said. She explained they don’t know the
spiritual rewards and blessings that comes from being a missionary. She added her life experiences have helped her understand the importance of her weaknesses. “Since I got married and had a baby, the gospel has shaped my life. I have so many weaknesses but God shaped our lives every day. It’s not easy the way He changed me. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes I’m too tired. Sometimes I just need a lot of patience. But I know if I’m patient enough, if I stay in this way, I will be better. In God’s way, not in my way,” she said. Jatuphon Phakdeerat, a sophomore from Thailand majoring in business management, said when he saw Panasuto at BYUH, he was amazed to see her growth, and he most admired her generosity. In general, Phakdeerat said Panasuto has made many
sacrifices in her life for her husband and having a family as a student. “When I went to her house, even though she needed to manage everything, she always shared…And every time we have a service activity, Fah will be the one to volunteer to participate and help with the activities,” he said. When Culture Night practices were being held, Panasuto said she was preparing for the birth of her son and could not participate. Nevertheless, she said she still encouraged the members of the Thailand Club as they prepared to perform.
Love for Her Child In February 2023, Panasuto gave birth to her son, John “Maui” Saruul Ochirbat. After he was born, Panasuto said she gained a new perspective on life. While she still knew having enough money was important, she said, “I am happier [now that] I have him [Maui.] I feel closer to God with him. He’s a pure spirit.” After she graduates, Panasuto said she and her husband are not sure if they will go to Thailand or Mongolia, but said she still has ambitions to start a business. “Actually I think a lot about the future before I go to bed…but sometimes when I read the scriptures, God sometimes tells us
“Some time s it hurts. Some time s I’m too tired. Some time s I just need a lo t of patience.” if we stay on the right path, wherever we go, He will provide a way,” she said citing the example of Nephi from the scriptures. In the future, Panasuto said she hopes Maui will stay strong in the gospel. “Maui’s first name is John. Maui is just his nickname.” She said his name was taken from John the Baptist because of how he prepared the way for the coming of Christ. “‘John’ means you help the work of God, prepare people,
Photos of Fah Nipawan Panasuto and her son, John “Maui” Saruul Ochirbat, whom she named after John the Baptist. Photos by Yui Leung (Louis).
[he will] prepare himself for the Second Coming,” she said. When he went to babysit Maui, Phakdeerat said Panasuto’s husband was sick, and she had to handle her assignments and take care of her son. Phakdeerat stated,“Becoming a mother is kind of hard because you need to handle everything.” He said whenever Panasuto is with her son, she always has a smile on her face and looks happy. He added seeing her handling everything by herself is the reason he recognizes Panasuto as a generous person with a big heart. According to Kannasut, Panasuto is an energetic and outgoing person. “When it’s time to take care of her son, she can become another person who is calm and relaxed and makes sure Maui feels warm and feels calm.”
Finding Love Panasuto and her husband, Saruul Ochirbat from Mongolia, met and dated, she said, for about three months before the COVID-19 pandemic began. She said when she had to go home to Thailand, the two of them broke up. She said it was a difficult time because, according to her, they were each other’s first loves. When she came back to Laie, after eight months of working and taking online classes, Panasuto said she listened to a devotional. She recalled the speaker talked about how he and his wife wanted a child, and how he went to the temple every week to show his FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 45
Photos of Fah Nipawan Panasuto. Photos provided by Fah Nipawan Panasuto.
commitment to God willing to accept whatever [God] wanted for his life. “So I did that. I said, ‘Okay, I will go to temple every week for a year to ask…’ And I did that every week for six months. At the end of the year, the last day of the year, I saw Saruul in the celestial room. He went to the temple also, but I was still hurt from him. And that time when we walked out, it rained and we had a chance to talk. We got back [together] that day,” said Panasuto. Even after that, Panasuto said she continued going to the temple weekly until she reached her goal of weekly attendance for a whole year. She and Ochirbat were married in April of 2022. According to Kannasut, “I think they are a very perfect match. It’s like they are opposites…Because Fah is like a fire, because she’s so active. But Saruul, he’s like water. Calm, kind. So I feel like when they’re together, it’s a perfect combination.” Kannasut explained how great of a friend Panasuto is. She said, “She loves God. And here for example, she married Saruul. The reason she decided to marry him was he’s a good guy. And Fah was always looking for a man who serves the Lord.”
A Rough Start During her childhood, Panasuto said she was completely focused on studying. She said, “I liked to study…My family had problems. My dad was an alcoholic, and my mom worked so hard for us.” Panasuto said she wanted to be a support to her mother, to make her proud and let her mom know she was grateful. “The only thing I can do is study, right? So I do everything. Study too much,” she said with a laugh. “So when I [was] young, [I thought] I needed to be the first one in the class,” she said, adding how she would wake up at 4 a.m. each day. She explained,“I kept [waking up at 4 a.m.] until almost high school. I stressed a lot. But I think my mom was the stressed one. If I relaxed, I felt bad because my mom was the only one stressed. So I thought I needed to do something to work hard like her, but I couldn’t work at that time.”
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Fah Nipawan Panasuto and Saruul Ochirbat on their wedding day posing in front of the Laie Temple. Photo by Munkhbayar MB.
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Panasuto’s mother, who ran her own business to help support the family, died of a heart attack at the age of 42. At the time of her mother’s death, Panasuto was 18 years old and her sister was 15. Her father’s alcoholism continued, so her aunt and uncle stepped in to support them, she said. Panasuto said she earned very high test scores compared with not only the students in her school, but also all of Thailand. She said this made her feel stressed and sick
because of all the rigorous work she was putting herself through. For high school, Panasuto said she wanted to move away to a boarding school to be away from her father. During her time at boarding school, she said she saw a difference from living with her dad. She said, “I learned how to be better balanced [in] my life.” Throughout high school, Panasuto said she felt a lot of expectations from people to become a doctor because of her high GPA. Later on, she said she decided becoming a doctor was not for her and opted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue business. Panasuto said she wanted to be like her mother but not go through all the stress she had gone through.
Mission Six months before her mother died, Panasuto met the missionaries and got baptized. She said, “I found the gospel. The gospel changed me…After I got baptized, I realized the way I lived my life was wrong.” At the time, she was in college in Thailand, but she was given a scholarship
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to study in Japan for about a month. After coming back from Japan, she received an offer for future employment there. She said again, she felt like it was not for her, despite the promise of a future job with a good salary. She added, “I prayed at that time [about] what I should do. I didn’t like the feeling I got [about the school]. And so, I stopped studying there and served a mission instead.” Panasuto served her mission in the Thai countryside and she said it helped her to consider what she wanted from her life when it came to marriage and education. On her mission, she said she was very focused on working hard and being obedient. “I worked too hard,” she exclaimed with a laugh. “I get used to it being strict and feel bad for some of my companions.” Phakdeerat said he met Panasuto when she was serving in his ward as a full-time missionary. At that time, I was a less-active member because I had a hard time understanding the gospel. I felt like it was hard for me to go to church and feel the Spirit because I felt alone.” Phakdeerat had been baptized earlier in the year he met Panasuto, but said he felt after his conversion, the other missionaries and members did not pay much notice to him. “These five or four missionaries came to my home, but it didn’t make me come back. I felt like they just came to teach the gospel without understanding what I was facing or my challenges. Fah tried to understand. And when she understood, she knew how to help me,” he said. During her mission, Phakdeerat said Panasuto would be the one to encourage the missionaries to be obedient and be a good example to others. He said, “I saw Fah as a good leader and a strongminded person.” For months, Phakdeerat said missionaries would visit him, but it was not until he met Panasuto that he felt needed and cared for and understood the Savior’s love and need for him. He explained, “She came to my home one time. She did not come to preach the gospel [at me]. She just came to get to know me. She made me feel like I have friends. And
Fah Nipawan Panasuto playing with her son. Photos by Yui Leung. Graphics by Forrest Christensen.
when she visited me the second time, third time, she tried to understand me. She didn’t [just] teach the gospel. She didn’t come and then open the Book of Mormon to share the scripture. Instead, she came to understand and then she showed me her love. And I felt a lot of love from her.” Because Phakdeerat lived far from his church building, he said he did not feel connected with the members and sat alone at the back of the chapel. He said Panasuto was the one who introduced him to the church members, comforting him and inviting him to participate in the missionary lessons for his younger sister. He explained, “[Fah doing all that] helped me to understand my role at the
Church.” A month after meeting Panasuto, Phakdeerat said his younger sister was baptized, which he owed to Panasuto’s commitment and love shown to him and his family. After serving a mission of his own, Phakdeerat came to BYUH and was reunited with Panasuto. “She is amazing. She is still very humble and has a lot of love, pure love of Christ.” Phakdeerat said if he did not meet Panasuto, his life would still have gone alright, but he would not have had the gospel in his life. He said, “From meeting Fah, it kind of changed my way back to the right path.”
AFter graduation Panasuto graduates in December 2023 and plans to move with her family to Utah a week later to do accountancy training at a Thai restaurant. Her husband graduated in Spring 2022 majoring in psychology. •
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Chiseled
Dreams
A BYUH graduate shares his inspiring journey and timeless dedication to arts and crafts in the studio to finish his degree BY KARL ALDRE MARQUEZ Fajardo posing next to his sculpture. Photos by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Forrest Christensen. 5 0 KE AL A K A‘I 2023 50
“Trying something new definitely helped me expand my skills and learn a lot about myself.”
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orn and raised in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Jimboy Mojica Fajardo, a senior majoring in fine arts, said his success at school came when he tried his hand at sculpting, painting and carving. “When I got accepted to BYU–Hawaii, doors full of opportunity came my way as different artrelated classes were offered. I enrolled first in a sculpting class, never knew a thing about it and now I am planning to pursue my masters in sculpting,” he said. Fajardo said he grew up living a simple life, near rice fields with few neighbors and cool friends with whom he played traditional Filipino games. He knew everyone in his neighborhood when he was growing up, he said. In a family of six, Fajardo was the oldest of all boys, he said. “I lived a humble life,” he continued. “My dad worked as a foreman in construction while my mom worked for the barangay (neighborhood),” he said. Everyone but his father was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fajardo said. His mom was the first to accept the gospel, he said, which helped him go on a mission at the age of 18 and enroll at BYUH.
Getting into art Around the age of 7, Fajardo said he was introduced to the arts. “I can still remember my first encounter with drawing,” he said. “[My family] visited our grandmother’s house and saw stuff my grandfather used as an architect. I was curious about every sheet and instrument that my grandfather had. Ever since that time, it sparked my early interest in arts, especially in drawing.”
After learning about his grandfather’s drawing supplies, he said he began drawing on walls, he said. His passion for drawing led him to do art for his elementary and high school’s editorial page, he explained, adding his first saved piece of art was an editorial cartoon for his high school magazine. When he got older, he said he enrolled in an engineering course during his first few years as a college student in his hometown. After three years of engineering classes, he said he dropped the program, saying he felt like it was not for him. He applied for a mission and said he challenged his interests while serving the Lord. During that time, his feelings, he said, pointed him back to art. He heard about an opportunity to study at BYUH and saved money for a couple of years before coming to Laie to pursue his artistic dreams.
Finding his path at BYUH “There is a lot to mention about Jimboy, but what impresses me the most is that he knows who he is and what he does,” said Jacob Jackson, associate professor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters and a mentor to Fajardo. “He does not wait for anyone to tell him what to do. He never gets discouraged and he just puts in the work,” Jackson said. Initially, Fajardo applied to major in graphic design because he wanted to digitize his art and make a career out of it. “I tried graphic design, hoping to learn a new path in art, but something inside me said that I should switch,” he added. The feeling was persistent, he said, until he switched his major to fine arts.
Fajardo said this switch led to a beginning sculpture class. “I never thought that one day I would be good at it,” he said. “Besides the progress I made in that class, I also came across wonderful people who guided and taught me the wonders of art.” He listed Jackson as one of those guides as well as two alumni with BFA’s in sculpture, Nnamdi Okonkwo from Nigeria and Leroy Transfied from New Zealand. “Upon entering BYUH, I only knew how to draw,” Fajardo said. “[But] after taking classes related to my major, I was able to better appreciate drawing and learn new things like painting, sculpting and now carving.” Camilla Marie Peterson, a junior majoring in political science from Utah who is engaged to Fajardo, said in his final semester, Fajardo took a carving class just so he could experience it. She said it amazes her how he wants to expand his skills and talents. He is always taking classes to add to his already existing talent, she said. Jackson met Fajardo in his Intro to Design class and noted how engaged Fajardo was in learning. “He is very cheerful and friendly in class,” he said. “He is just the type of student that you know will create wonders.” Jackson listed Fajardo’s positivity, resilience, ability to listen and take feedback seriously as admirable traits he noticed while teaching him. FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 51
Using art to tell a story Fajardo said whenever he creates art, he puts a story behind it, hoping to inspire his viewers. Moreover, Fajardo said there are times when his personal struggles and challenges affect the way he makes his art. “Although it was a struggle, it did not stop me from getting things done and seeking help from others,” he said. “We just need to be patient and dedicated to our craft.” Peterson started dating Fajardo in Spring 2023 after meeting at church, she said. “Getting to know him was exciting,” she said. “He told me about his passion for art and showed me his masterpieces. I was amazed at how talented he is.” It is incredible, she said, to see him take a piece of clay and create art. The arts and crafts Fajardo makes are nearly identical to the real thing, she said.
Life lessons learned in school Peterson said Fajardo is a very busy man. He has a church calling to fulfill, assignments to submit, work to attend to and time to spend with her. “With his busy
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schedule, we make sure that we put the gospel at the center of everything we do. I am a firm believer that if we put the gospel first, everything will fall into place,” she said. There were three main takeaways Fajardo said he had when he graduates in December 2023. They were the things that led him to finish his degree with “flying colors,” he said. One of them was putting God first. Like Peterson, Fajardo said, “I just had the confidence that if I served God and did my callings, everything would fall into place.”
Doing this let him balance work, school, and art, he said. Being open to learning new things was another lesson, he continued. “If I only focused on drawing, I am pretty sure that I would not have loved and learned other forms of art,” he explained. “Trying something new definitely helped me expand my skills and learn a lot about myself.” Last is building a network. Fajardo said he used his time at BYUH to learn from others and explore countless opportunities for graduate school and career. •
Left: Fajardo working on a sculpture Right: finished art pieces by Fajardo named from left to right: Mary Whitmer, Christ, Wang, John Morris Bowen, Sam: Brother of Nephi. Graphics by Forrest Christensen.
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Madison Nader posing in front of Indian sculptures. Photo provided by Madison Nader. Graphics by Yichi Lu.
TALES OF A NOMADIC LIFE Every boarding pass and visa stamp represents a new chapter in the life of a traveling BYUH student BY KARL ALDRE MARQUEZ
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rowing up in a nomadic lifestyle, Madison Nader, a senior majoring in communications, said much of her life was spent overseas because of her parents’ international business and work for the United States government. She said there were challenges moving from country to country, but because of her close relationship with her family, she was able to overcome them.
The Nader Family Madison Nader, who is half Arabian and half American, said she grew up in a typical Latter-day Saint family with four siblings. She said her dad, John, was originally from Dubai and her mom, Heather, was from Utah. They met at BYU in Provo and after that, their adventurous lives began, she said. She said her nomadic life started when she was very young. “My two older siblings, John and McKenzie, were born in California, while Jack and I were born in Utah.” She said by the time she reached the age of 2, she had already moved to a different country. Her parents’ international business was the reason they had to constantly relocate, 5 4 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
she said. “We moved to Dubai when I was 2 or 3 and spent almost eight years there, but we moved back and forth to Utah. ” After a few years, she said her parents transitioned to their second careers with the State Department, working for the U.S. Embassy overseas with the Foreign Service. “Since then, we have lived in various places: Kathmandu, Nepal, where I finished high school, followed by Nairobi, Kenya; Mumbai, India; and two different locations in Florida and Washington, D.C. Now, I am completing my degree here at BYUH, ” she said.
Cultural exposure Madison Nader said by visiting many places, she discovered a love for traveling. “On top of that, I learned to love the ocean. I have been surfing and diving. Other activities I learned to love growing up abroad are to take pictures and do ceramics,” she said. Mckay Cram, her cousin and a senior majoring in automotive technology at Utah Valley University from Tennessee, said he gets very excited whenever he hears his cousins are moving from one place to
another. He said their incredible experiences, stories and the people they meet make him feel like he has many friends worldwide. “ I remember looking over on social media and seeing them post an update they were in the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal, with a rhinoceros randomly passing by,” said Cram. Madison Nader said living in different places forced her to adapt to and practice some of the cultural norms. “I still use the languages in all the places I lived, especially catch phrases to talk to people in those places. While in Hawai’i, I make an effort to cook famous dishes from each place I’ve lived in before,” said Madison Nader. Her brother said, “We went to high school in Kathmandu, Nepal, together. Surprisingly, there were about 60 kids in that school.” Jack Nader is a freshman majoring in hospitality and tourism management and Madison’s youngest brother. He said they also became close friends with a student who was a descendant of Nepal’s ruler. “We would find ourselves at his palace swimming in his guitar-shaped Olympic indoor pool, walking around their enormous property and sometimes riding motorcycles in the outskirts of the Himalayas, which was a cool experience,” explained Jack Nader. Cram said another cultural celebration his cousin got to experience was the Dahi Handi in India, which celebrates the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, where people celebrate through fasting, praying, making a human pyramid and breaking pots filled with milk, curd, butter, fruits and water at a certain height. “This cultural holiday was shared with us recently and it always surprises me every time they share [about] cultural celebrations like the Dahi Handi,” he said.
The challenges of a nomadic life Cram said being far away from family members can be challenging at times. He said they maintain their relationship as cousins through their frequent family reunions. “Aside from the normal family reunion, our relationship as cousins is stronger, and I am proud to say that we were close growing up. We can go for years without seeing each other, but whenever we meet up, it feels like we saw each other the other day,” he said. Madison Nader explained, “Moving frequently means settling in somewhere and then having to leave shortly afterward. I attempted to learn the languages, but I struggled knowing we might move again in a few years. Apart from adapting to a new location, saying goodbye to new friends can be tough because you’re unsure when you’ll meet them again.” She added she attended five high schools in four years. “I started as a freshman in Utah, and by the time I reached sophomore [year], we moved to Florida, then got transferred to another school in the middle of the term. In my junior year, we moved to Washington, D.C., and then I finished high school in Kathmandu, Nepal,” she explained, saying her experiences in high school made her appreciate her nomadic lifestyle, which she has continued while serving as an intern for the U.S. Embassy since her junior year.
Left: Picture of Madison Nader in Kenya with her brother Jack and friends. Right: Picture of Madison Nader at Kenya. Photos provided by Madison Nader. Graphics by Yichi Lu.
differences and other factors, seeing her do that for the majority of her life, makes me comfortable and eager to see places in the world and maybe to live there as well,” Cram said. Madison Nader said studying at BYUH allowed her to connect with others facing similar situations, with families far away while attending college. She expressed understanding and appreciating oneself, getting acquainted with people and their culture, engaging in service and reaching out to others, as well as participating in school and other enjoyable activities, are effective ways to cope with the challenges of frequent relocations. “Make yourself busy and know that you are not alone.You have your family and new friends,” she said. Given the choice of continuing her nomadic life or settling in one place, Madison Nader said she is still dealing with both options. She said growing up and traveling a lot from her childhood to adulthood gave her an experience of a lifetime. She said heading into her final semester, she is still considering whether she should stay in a certain place or continue in the lifestyle she grew up with. “My plans after graduation were to move back to India, get a job as a consulate or along the lines of diplomacy where I spent my intern life doing it and maybe decide to settle or continue my adventurous life. It is still yet to be determined,” she said. •
Future aspirations and perspectives Cram said seeing his cousin’s experiences around the world for the majority of her upbringing puts him in a position to appreciate living abroad. “Though at times it is challenging because of cultural FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 55
FROM TRIALS TO TRIUMPH Graduating senior Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau shares how determination and family support can turn tough situations into opportunities for growth BY LINDA LAULU
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hrysanthemumolive Tiafau, a graduating senior majoring in TESOL from Samoa, said her journey at BYU–Hawaii was far from easy. Between shedding tears and facing challenges, she said, “From the start of actually being here, it wasn’t an easy journey because something always goes wrong.” She added, “I also believe that everything happens for a reason, and instead of dwelling on setbacks, I see them as opportunities for growth.”
Inspiration and motivation Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau’s mother is a BYUH alumna, she said, and she came to BYUH with her parents to finish her mother’s education. As a 10-year-old, she said seeing her mother wearing her graduation gown and getting her degree inspired her to become like her one day. “Seeing my mother, radiant in her cap and gown, waving at me from the stage, left an indelible mark. That day I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps,” said Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau. She said education was the cornerstone of her family’s values, instilled by her father, even during his battle with illness. “My father never forgets to say this phrase when we have family prayers every day: ‘If you want to eat good things, wear good things or go to places, 5 6 KE AL A K A‘I 2023
sharpen your pencil and mind,’” she explained. She noted her father’s words are embedded not only in her mind but also in her heart. “My mother taught her whole life, and even though she already had a job teaching in Church schools in Samoa, she still wanted to come to BYUH and get her degree,” shared Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau. She said her mother’s willingness to finish her education taught her that no matter the age, it is never too late to go back to school. “My father’s words and my mother’s willingness to finish school not only inspired me but also motivated me to follow my [mother’s] footsteps and make my father proud,” she said. Sulu Loreta Ufagalilo, Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau’s mother, said, “While we were at BYUH, she always shared with us, her parents, that she wanted to come back to Hawaii to study at BYUH.” Ufagalilo said seeing her daughter fulfill her dreams and graduate from BYUH makes her whole family proud. Ufagalilo said, “I wish nothing for her but all the strength to face challenges with confidence along the way and the wisdom to choose her battles carefully. I wish her many adventures on her journey and may she always stop to help someone along the way.”
Overcoming challenges Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau said when she applied to BYUH, she was already married and had a 1-year-old daughter. She shared, “It was very difficult communicating back and forth with the school and making sure everything was right before we came.” Without the help of many people at BYUH, whether it was the IWORK program, Financial Aid or others, she said she would not be able to complete her application. “That was the first challenge I faced. I almost gave up, but everything worked out,” she said. The world was then thrown into the midst of a global pandemic. Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau said COVID-19 brought unforeseen trials. “I was unprepared and very anxious about what would happen,” she said. She recounted being transferred to many different jobs after the Polynesian Cultural Center closed and said, “I was doing many jobs on campus, I was painting, sanding, weeding, packing... It was challenging but every hardship was a chance to rise.” One particular challenge that had an impact on her spiritually, emotionally, mentally and academically was when her father passed away during the COVID-19 lock-down. “COVID-19 was still ongoing and most of the Pacific Island countries were still on lock-down, so I was not able to travel back home. It was very frustrating,” she said. She recalled receiving a phone call from home about her father’s condition and feeling emotionally distraught because she could not be there. Sadly, she said her father passed days later and it took a mental toll on her. “I was depressed and lost sight of my purpose, not only here at BYUH but also in life,” said Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau. She shared, “I remember writing a long email to IWORK about quitting, but for some reason I could not send it, and it is still in my email drafts. Whenever I feel like giving up, I read that email again and contemplate, but never send it.” In addition to her various challenges, she said she had to balance her life as a student and mother. “It was not really a challenge having a child and attending school, but it was [hard at] times when I didn’t manage time wisely,” explained Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau. Despite this, she said having her family with her was the best decision she made because they were her biggest support system during her challenges. Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau explained the decision to bring her family with her wasn’t easy, especially since her husband already had a stable job. However, her husband, Iosefa Tiafau, expressed his unwavering support, emphasizing that the sacrifices made were entirely worthwhile. He said, “We would have family dinners, and sometimes she’d break into tears. Both our daughter and I would give her the warmest hugs…witnessing her struggle was tough, but I am immensely grateful to be by her side, supporting her throughout this journey,” he said.
Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau shared, “I learned so many valuable lessons while attending BYUH but one message that stuck with me was to take risks.” She said the hard trials in her life pulled her into a box. “I am an extrovert, but hard things in life slowly made me an introvert. It felt lonely and boring… I’m grateful for all the professors here at BYUH because they would constantly encourage me to take risks and I did and it made a big difference in my journey,” she said. Ufagalilo said she’s excited to see what the future holds for her daughter. She encouraged her and others, saying, “No matter which path you choose and no matter how long it takes, always listen to your heart. Hold up your light and don’t be scared to make a big impact. The kind of person you are now and who you’ll become is all about your inner self. With your dreams in your heart guiding you, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.” She expressed her gratitude to Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau for making not only her father but her whole family proud. Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau encouraged current and future students to seize the opportunities BYUH offers, take risks and know that every tear and sleepless night is a step towards something extraordinary. “I almost gave up on my goal to come to BYUH but here I am, about to walk on the stage my mother walked on.” She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to every person who walked this journey with her and said, “To all the aunties, uncles, co-workers, friends and families I met here at BYUH, fa’afetai fa’afetai lava.” She added, “To my family, thank you for everything.” •
Encouraging words for students Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau said her journey was filled with ups and downs but expressed her gratitude towards all the departments at BYUH for helping her in her journey. She said, “BYUH is unlike any other university. When I felt alone, there was always a hand reaching out, be it a bishop, a neighbor or a coworker.”
Above: Chrysanthemumolive Tiafau with her husband Iosefa Tiafau and daughter Vio Lauoletolo Loreta Tiafau. Photos by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
FA LL I S SUE 2 2023 57
ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023 GRADUATES
0.2%
26.2% 0.2%
642
Total graduates
Ke Alaka’i compiled percentages showcasing the various majors and continents represented in the past classes’ commencement booklets provided by BYUH Library archives. Statistics by Ranitea Teihoarii. Graphics by Sugarmaa Bataa (Kendra).
42.6%
29.9%
0.9%
Europe Oceania South & Central America North America Asia Africa
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"I cannot remember every gift I get. But I always remember the happiness I felt from being together as a family" -BYUH senior
Shannel Paningbatan