Ke Alaka'i- February 2020 by Ke Alaka'i News

The Leader

I s s u e 2 . Vo l u m e 1 2 5 . F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0

FEBRUARY 2020 • VOLUME 125 • ISSUE 2

LeeAnn Lambert ADVISOR

Dani Castro

Kevin Brown

Esther Insigne

Noah Shoaf

Bruno Maynez

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

COPY EDITOR

Haeley van der Werf

Eli Hadley

Brad Carbine

Sadie Scadden

Hannah Manalang

COPY EDITOR

ART & GRAPHICS

Carlene Coombs

Olivia Hixson

Serena Dugar Ioane

Michael Kraft

Marvin Latchumanan

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Madi Berry

Leiani Brown

Eden Jones

Emily Cassler

Brooke Guryn

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Lilinoe Gomez

Cody Bruce Barney

Ho Yin Li

Chad Hsieh

Keyu Xiao

VIDEOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

KE ALAK A ’I

Letter from a graphic designer Ke Alaka‘i has been a great experience for me. Coming here to this school, this job was probably the last thing on my mind. However, it is funny how things work out and I’m happy for the time I’ve had here as I am getting ready to graduate in April. I’ve learned how much someone can learn from something visual and the creativity needed for that. I am constantly blown away by the ideas and creativity my co-workers’ bring forth. The writers consistently work hard to create great content. This month’s magazine has interesting articles such as doctors in Kahuku using virtual reality technology (Page 18). With February also being the month of love, there are great articles about how to love yourself and keep the right balance (Page 32). All in all, the Ke Alaka‘i office is full of people who work hard, have fun and share great news. Ke Alaka‘i has taught me lots about graphic design and greatly increased my familiarity with the design softwares. I hope you, the readers, enjoy this issue’s content.

Brad Carbine - Graphic Designer

NEWS CENTER

BOX 1920 BYUH LAIE, HI 96762 Pr int Ser vices Editorial, photo submissions & Distribution inquiries: k e a l a k a i @ by u h . e d u . To s u b s c r i b e t o t h e R S S F E E D or to view additional ar ticles,go to k e a l a k a i . by u h . e d u

CONTACT

Email: kealakai@byuh.edu Phone: (808) 675-3694 Fax: (808) 675-3491 Office: BYU–Hawaii Aloha Center 134 ON THE COVER:

Angela Deanie Kinga serves cake to members of the BYU–Hawaii ohana on Feb. 12 in the Aloha Center to celebrate the 65 anniversary of the university. Photo by Keyu Xiao and Graphics by Sadie Scadden

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

65th

Highlights

Pg. 20 - Seeing double: Twins and triplets at BYUH

Genuine Gold: Rose Ram

Since starting her journey at BYU–Hawaii in 1982 as a student, Ram said she has seen Heavenly Father’s hand in the university’s changes.

Parenting is a heavenly calling Student couple shares how they manage raising three kids while committing to church and academic success.

David O. McKay mural Discover the miracles and the faith in the making of the David O. McKay mural before the dedication of campus inn 1958.

KE ALAK A ’I

Contents Campus and Community Genuine Gold: Rose Ram

Seeing double

Inclusion through differences

Octo Pasta extravaganza

Campus professors define feminism

Connecting through digital dating

Being present

Campus resources for mothers

Hands-on prep with VR tech

APCC schedule

Love and the 65th anniversary of BYUH Selfishness vs. self-love

Timeline of changes made at BYUH

The universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feline residents

Campus construction

Tales of true love

David O. McKay mural

Feeling Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love

30 years of service: Iggy Santeco

Parenting is a heavenly calling

What is an oath?

BYUH alumna becomes new Seasider manager

February: The Mahalo issue

As a staff, we will be continuing themes for the rest of the year. This month features the 65th anniversary of the university as well as different types of love seen around campus.

FEB R UARY 2020

Scroll Up and Down

Open up my Facebook Scroll up and down my finger Positive and negative feeling Posted on everywhere Shining and brightly engagement ring She received and posted Oh, how wonderful news Ongoing my empty finger Scroll up and down Pictures from delicious food They checked in where they ate Hungry noisy stomach Hurry me up to breakfast Not my pictures hanging around everywhere But I can tell my life Full of enjoy and adventure.

C RE AT I V E W R ITING/ART/P HOTO SUBMISSIO N Otgon Badrakh, a junior from Mongolia studying accounting, wrote this poem for her English 101 class.

Share your art, photos, or creative writing with us and we may feature it in our next issue. E-mail us your high-resolution photo or work with a caption at kealakai@byuh.edu

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

KEA LA KA I.BYU H.EDU

KE ALAK A â&#x20AC;&#x2122;I

Campus Comment:

How has working at BYU–Hawaii helped you gain a better sense of gratitude in your life?

Kathy Pulotu, an Institutional Research & Assessment Manager: “It has helped me see how much Heavenly Father loves His children from all over the world... That’s from 15 years of observing. He loves us, and He has provided this place that somehow, with its size and its challenges, it works. It’s a miracle to me.”

Yifen Beus, a professor and dean in the Faculty of Arts & Letters: “I am grateful for having the opportunity to work as a faculty member here. Being able to teach students from different backgrounds… is a very fulfilling endeavor. In particular, I am delighted to see students treat their education here not only as a springboard toward future employment but also as a laboratory to explore. They seize the opportunities to learn and ‘taste’ different disciplines that will help them become life-long learners and develop talents and passions for activities that will help them contribute meaningfully to their immediate and their larger communities. … Seeing students accomplish these aspects of learning and living, in turn, helps me to want to be better at mentoring and helping them succeed. Learning to love and loving to learn are two inseparable activities to both teachers and students.”

Scott Springer, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Business & Government: “I am most grateful to be working with such high caliber students. I have taught at several universities, and the students of BYU–Hawaii are the best I have ever worked with.”

Jonathan Shute, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work: “My sense of gratitude has greatly increased as I have been part of BYU–Hawaii over many years – as a student here 30 years ago, and as a faculty member. I have had the opportunity to work with and get to know many wonderful students from ethnically diverse places around the world… I have been blessed through my work at BYUH to be associated with many of the students, teachers and principles at the Church schools… The entire endeavor of the work that goes into educating these wonderful youth in the Pacific, the selfless service provided by these missionaries and the long hours of work done by

Community

BY OLIVIA HIXSON

the principals and teachers, have all combined to strengthen my sense of gratitude. My gratitude has increased the most over many years from knowing that our Savior, Jesus Christ, makes all things possible. All our lives are connected through the power and mercy of Jesus Christ.”

FEB R UARY 2020

Genuine Gold

How to truly appreciate BYU–Hawaii, according to Rose Ram BY OLIVIA HIXSON The Associate Academic Vice President of Curriculum & Assessment, Rose Ram, said she started her journey here at BYUH in 1982 as a student after leaving her home and family in Guam. After serving her mission in Los Angeles and graduating from BYUH in 1988, Ram worked at various positions and was the lead of many projects throughout the 30 years she has been a part of BYUH’s ohana. Here, she shares her beloved stories and advice she has gained along the way. RamALAK said Ashe 8Rose KE ’I stayed at BYUH for 30 years because she felt a responsibility to help the ‘Lord’s University.’ Photos by Keyu Xiao and provided by Rose Ram

What have been some of your favorite memories or experiences over the years at BYU–Hawaii?

“As a BYUH employee, I have to say my favorite memories and experience come from watching, working and learning from others… They teach me to be humble and to be aloha with whoever we come in contact with. I have a huge degree of respect for them...

“I remember one time… we [had a quilt given to us, and Brother Mo’o from Physical Plant was able to help us hang it]. Every time I saw the quilt, I thought of the many hands that helped to create and hang it. It was just a reminder of aloha, just the love that emanates from this place when

What has been the main reason you have stayed with BYUH for 30 years? “I can’t believe I’ve been here for 30 years. I would say the main reason I stayed at BYUH is because I love BYUH and its mission. The idea I get to help prepare students to be leaders in their families, community and country is simply an amazing opportunity. The more we do for others, the more it gives us a great

How have you been able to gain a better sense of gratitude and hospitality in your life by working here?

“I remember learning a lesson from Noa Au on both Hawaiian hospitality and gratitude. She said to me, ‘Rosie, when we show others aloha, it goes a long way.’ “Noa is now on the other side of the veil, but she could tell that as a young faculty member I had a lot to learn. She took the time to teach me that to have a sense of gratitude one must be humble and know where all blessings come from. Hospitality comes from loving and treating others the way you would like others to love and treat you.”

feeling inside. As a student, I would often hear how we were handpicked to be here at BYUH. As a faculty member, I feel my responsibility was to help those who come here recognize and see how God loves them... I do know, if you teach with love, your students will feel it and they will want to learn.”

What is your favorite project or position you have had here?

“Most people do not know that I am an oral historian of over 20 years. My focus was on Pacific Island women. That resulted in a book, a couple chapters in another book and numerous conference presentations. Other projects included helping the institution with accreditation-related meetings, reports and reaffirmation… All in all, the projects were wonderful because of the people I was able to work alongside with. It really was the experience that made it rich and memorable… These projects have truly been successful because God’s influence was right there. [God] loves BYUH.”

we live the law of consecration and when people are selfless and serve each other with love. “I think, to me, that is the greatest memory, that I will walk away from this institution one day knowing I labored with so many great people who truly live aloha.”

What has made BYUH so special to you over the years? “It has just been so awesome to see God’s hand at His university. I remember distinctly how there was a period of time, maybe in the ‘90s or early 2000s, where BYU [in] Provo and BYU–Idaho were going through so much growth and construction. [This made] some people on campus say, ‘What about us?’ I always had in my mind it just was not our time and our time would come, and it has. I just think He has always been mindful of us, and God always knows what our needs are. “I’ve also learned about things that are special… Like the people. It’s these relationships, and honestly, it’s all about the relationships. Those are important. When you stay at a place long enough, you want to make sure you take care of people. “I think that was something my mom taught me growing up in Guam and being Chamorro. She taught us an overarching Chamorro principle, ‘Fan inafa’maolek yan fan aayuda.’ It means to take care of each other and to help each other.”

What do you want students of BYUH to know about the goals of this university? shy away from hard things. I’ve learned to be humble. I’ve learned to have God’s help and to ask for God’s help. “It’s amazing, both the secular and spiritual elements here. Both the academic and co-curricular can help build a student

so they can make a huge difference in this world and really live out that prophecy... It is in the little things, and we just need to be mindful of the little things because it’s the little things that decide whether or not we are going to be genuine gold.” FEB R UARY 2020

Graphics by Sadie Scadden

“I love the mission of this university and the prophecy from David O. McKay. This idea that as we learn and grow in this BYUH living laboratory, we are actually being built to become genuine, genuine gold… I’ve learned about integrity. I’ve learned not to

Inclusion through differences Nonmember female students discuss the accepting campus environment and Honor Code during their time at BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hawaii

G S a d ra p hi c i e S s by ca d den

KE ALAK A â&#x20AC;&#x2122;I

BY CARLENE COOMBS For BYU–Hawaii students who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a welcoming campus and student body have made them feel accepted through religious differences. While they seldom felt excluded, nonmembers said campus elements like the Honor Code and constant church invitations were an adjustment. “When I came, all I felt was love. That’s the general feeling of the campus. It was just a bunch of kind spirits. No one knew I wasn’t a member until it came up in conversation, and even in those times, I didn’t feel left out or anything,” said Lina Legorreta, a sophomore from Jordan majoring in information systems. Panninee U-thaiwan, a junior from Thailand majoring in marketing, said even though she was Buddhist, she never felt judged by her peers. “I don’t really feel different in this school. People are the same. They treat me nicely, and they don’t judge.” Leilah Mouna, a junior from Canada majoring in political science, said she chose to come to BYUH because of her desire to travel and get out of her comfort zone, as well as the small class sizes. “BYUH was the choice over the University of Hawaii because it was a smaller school than what I was used to. It was a chance to get to know professors and get to know a different dynamic than what I was used to.” Mouna said she is thankful to be able to go to BYUH and for the experiences she has had so far. “I’m grateful to study here. There are really great opportunities here, like the trips I

get to go on this semester, the jobs I’ve had, the professors I’ve been able to network with. I feel really lucky.” She said she gets to go on two trips this semester with the Political Science Department: one to Thailand and another to Chicago. Mouna shared how the Honor Code, specifically the dress standards, was an adjustment for her when starting classes. “I think that the dress [code] was the most difficult for me. I remember the first Sunday I wanted to go to church, to see what it was like, and I wore this long dress, super modest in my opinion, but my shoulders weren’t covered and I wasn’t allowed to eat in the Caf. I was really upset, but I realized that wasn’t necessarily the Church. It was more the Honor Code.” She said although she has never been dress coded around campus, she has seen male students have to leave class during an exam because of small amounts of facial hair, or girls whose hemline was just above their knees being told to change. “People are here to learn for the most part, so those types of things hurt people and make them not feel great about themselves rather than continuing the uplifting spirit that BYUH wants to be.” Mouna said though she never felt excluded, sometimes the constant invitations to church and ward activities could be a bit overwhelming. “I do get a lot of Facebook messages saying ‘Hey come to church’ or ‘Hey come to FHE,’ and I feel that the pressure is a little much sometimes. I’ve even gotten notes on my door or mail. And that’s not exclusion,

but over-persistence. I’ve never really felt excluded.” U-thaiwan said while others pressured her to meet with the missionaries, most people were respectful when she declined. “Some really pushed me to take the lessons, but most of them aren’t really like that. They just kind of accept my decision.” Legorreta said when she first started school, she often would avoid church invitations by coming up with excuses not to attend. “My friend… would always invite me [to church], and I would always make excuses not to go. One time I went because my friend was speaking in church and I actually really enjoyed it. It was such a good experience.” Legorreta later joined the Church after spending time at BYUH, and said the examples of those on campus and taking the Book of Mormon class are what led her to become baptized. “I got to know what the gospel was all about. For me, I wasn’t going to go investigate for myself, but the Book of Mormon helped, and people’s examples were just so amazing. People were so kind. It touched me.” •

FEB R UARY 2020

Campus professors deﬁne feminism Times have changed and feminism should be about equality and self-discovery say BYU–Hawaii professors

“A lot of our life experience of coming to the earth as mortals and the covenants and ordinances of the Gospel are universally shared. We’re all coming unto Christ. We are all making covenants, and part of what the Atonement is for is to allow us to receive all of the blessings of exaltation.” - Dr. Jennifer Lane Graphics by Sadie Scadden 12

KE ALAK A ’I

BY OLIVIA HIXSON With the Church publishing a short statement on its views on feminism in the January 2020 issue of the New Era, faithful female members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faculty of BYU–Hawaii shared what it means to them to be a part of a church with a difficult past when dealing with the term “feminism.” The Church’s statement says, “Men and women are equal—one is not superior to the other.” It also says, “Now, feminism can mean different things to different people. Sometimes it refers to efforts to ensure basic human rights and basic fairness for women, as well as efforts to encourage women to obtain an education, develop their talents, and serve humankind in any field they choose. Latter-day Saints support these things.” Dr. Rebekah Kay Strain, an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Religious Education, touched on, what she described, a sticky history of feminism within the Church by pointing out how feminism has become highly politicized and has been viewed as an increasing “danger.”

Similarly, Dr. Esprit Saucier, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Sciences, shared how much of an underlying bias is found among church members, in which members say they support the total equality of women in both society and the Church, but they have a harder time practicing what they preach. “I think changing that norm and that narrative is the biggest thing standing in the Church’s way,” she said. “I think we certainly have the right idea that both gender’s efforts are valid and worth it, not that one is superior over the other. But until that comes into practice, then it’s never going to get better.” Feminism is equality for all Strain and Saucier both said feminism is a diverse and all-encompassing term and that it is almost impossible to define because it means many different things to individuals. However, both said feminism can be boiled down to one main focus: equality for men and women. Dr. Rand Blimes, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Business & Government, conceptualized this completely.

He said, “Being a feminist means you believe that women and men are equal. One is not better than the other. One does not dominate the other. One does not deserve more opportunities than the other. That’s what it really means to be a feminist.” Blimes also said it is almost impossible to be a follower of the Gospel without fully supporting women, which Saucier also expressed is imperative for living truly as Christ did. Since she is a convert to the Church, Saucier shared she has a different perspective on how feminism and equality play into the Church. “It’s not about how a man does a better job because he is a man, or how a woman does a better job because she is a woman. In terms of equality, equal efforts and contributions to society should be recognized.” In terms of being in the Church, Dr. Helena Hannonen, a professor in the Faculty of Business & Government, warned the role of women should never be overlooked in the general narrative of females and what they can contribute to the Gospel. FEB R UARY 2020

“Women are a critical and a driving force in the Church,” said Hannonen. “They make things happen and have capabilities that are valuable. Feminism is an individual choice… Women need to understand that doors are to be opened more than once.” Individuality through equity Dr. Jennifer Lane, the dean of the Faculty of Religious Education, expressed how she sees equality of the genders being a great addition to the spirituality of the Church. She specifically explained how so many of the ordinances and blessings members of the church participate in can be seen as gender neutral or available to both sexes. “A lot of our life experience of coming to the earth as mortals and the covenants and ordinances of the Gospel are universally shared. We’re all coming unto Christ. We are all making covenants, and part of what the Atonement is for is to allow us to receive all of the blessings of exaltation,” Lane said. Strain also supported this concept by sharing the scripture from 2 Nephi 26:33, which partly talks about how all are alike unto God, regardless of gender, race or life circumstances. Strain said this scripture always comes into her mind when defining what feminism is to her.

KE ALAK A ’I

Strain said, “My value is just as much in God’s sight as a male member’s in the Church. My contributions are just as important, and God loves me just as much. My value is equal in God’s eyes, heaven’s eyes and eternity.” Likewise, Hannonen said she grew up believing in herself and her own unique opinions, which she encourages all women and men to do for themselves. “I have always had a voice. I have had role models who are both men and women, and I have always been a ‘player,’ not just a ‘cheerleader’ for men…,” said Hannonen. “No one should be a token. It is all about merit and competencies. This means sometimes women have to work twice as hard to be heard and seen in many countries and companies. “I love being a woman. I have fun being a woman. I enjoy being a mother more than anything else, and I am thrilled to see the love and respect God and Jesus Christ have for women,” Hannonen said. With a focus on women continuing their educations and excelling in their chosen careers, both Strain and Hannonen shared how difficult it can be as a professor or mentor to see women giving up opportunities to reach their full potentials in life. Strain referred to this issue as her soapbox and how much she wants this idea for women

to change. She said the education of women is just as valuable as any man’s. “It is not a backup plan, and it’s not that [women] are here to find a husband and learn how to support him. This is for [their] own personal growth and enrichment because [their] souls and [their] minds are just as valuable as his. We’re just lifting everybody up, and when we lift everyone up, I think we’re just so much more effective in doing God work.” For today’s times With all of this in mind, Blimes said there are still some underlying biases that can be found in the Church toward women and their purposes in life. One such bias he is trying to combat is the idea, which he said he often hears over the pulpit, women are by design better than men. “I really try to push back on this narrative that women are inherently better people than men [because] it’s not good for women,” said Blimes. “It’s not good for women because it sets expectations. Once we embed that, it frames

how we think about women in terms of if a woman does something selfish, we judge her harder than a man that does the exact same thing.” As she was growing up, Strain said one of her biggest struggles in Church was the narrative she received as a young woman. She said most of what she was taught was rooted in the support of men and their priesthood responsibilities, as opposed to what she could be doing to better herself. However, she expressed great love and gratitude that her daughters are not receiving that same education. “[My daughters] are learning about priesthood power in their lives and how they can utilize in their roles in the Church and what they need to do. It’s about self-discovery and not being swallowed up in helping him, but self-improvement and progression.” With concerns about past teachings in the Church about women, Lane expressed how much she loves the new messages being distributed to women in the Church, both young and old. She said while messages in the

past can be troubling, she prefers to focus on what is being taught at present. “What we have to do is live today with the light and knowledge we have been given today. We don’t have to be stuck 50 years ago and be frustrated by what was taught 50 years ago because we don’t live 50 years ago.” Lane continued, “What we have today is what we should be living out and rejoicing in. My value or anyone else’s value is not tied to a historical moment in time. It’s an eternal and infinite quality and potential.” Strain mirrored this concept in her life by talking about how much hope she has for the future of the Church and the eventual full realization of women as active and participating members of The Church of Jesus Christ. “I think now we are pushing to a place where we [as women] want to step up and see equality as equal voice and as contributing more than just supporting… I think women are able and capable, just when the culture and the people are.” •

“Being a feminist

means you believe that women and men are equal. One is not better than the other. One does not dominate the other. One does not deserve more opportunities than the other. That’s what it really means to be a feminist.” Graphics by Sadie Scadden

- Dr. Rand Blimes

FEB R UARY 2020

Being present A couple at BYU–Hawaii pays students to go on dates free of technological distractions

BY CARLENE COOMBS

Graphics by Bruno Maynez

After being challenged by a married couple to have a date without distractions, Jason and Lindsey Bliss started their journey of encouraging others to remove cellphones from their human interactions and connect with their loved ones. Since they began challenging others years ago, they estimate hundreds of people have participated. The couple currently teaches entrepreneurship classes at BYU–Hawaii and has integrated the “cellphone free” challenge into their curriculum. Jason Bliss said they give students $50 to take someone on a date or have dinner with friends with the condition they all have to put their devices away. “We have been able to challenge hundreds of individuals to remove all distractions, including their phones, and be in the moment as they dine out on us,” said Jason Bliss. “From family members, random people, employees, friends in the community, and students we teach, everyone responds differently and most are shocked that we are giving them money with no expectation to repay it.” 16

KE ALAK A ’I

Mariel López, a BYUH alumna, said she attended their entrepreneurship class and took her auntie out to lunch as part of the challenge. “I felt I had a lot of time and space to talk with [her], and there was more privacy and sincerity. We were more open, and the environment was a respectful environment. “When we were there eating, she told me all about her family and her kids ... I remember she told me she was happy to be my friend, and the time we were together was good.” Along with challenging students, the couple also encourages friends and family to participate. Lindsey Bliss said they gave a friend with a terminal illness $500 to buy his family dinner and connect without distractions. Jason Bliss commented on what happened, “He bought food for his family and took a picture of it and had one of the most amazing experiences. He said all of his kids put their phones away … He said for hours they just sat around and laughed.”

Lindsey Bliss added, “You get this time with each other.You have these connections, these relationships. If you don't cherish them now, you might not have time later.” She shared another student’s story who, after taking his wife out to dinner, realized he needed to be more present in their marriage. “There’s a Chinese couple, and he took his wife out,” she said. “When he talked about not just putting your phone away but listening to somebody and learning about them,… he almost started crying when he was telling me about [his experience].” Jun Rui Dang, a senior from China majoring in computer science, said he and another friend in the class had dinner together. They learned to listen and make an effort to learn about each other. “Through this experience, I feel if we listen more, our friends will be happier. They get to explain themselves very well.” Jason Bliss said, “We’ve had several students come back and say this is something they are going to continue. They’re going to pass it forward. That, for me, is pretty enlightening.” According to López, because of her experience, she currently continues to make an effort to put her cell phone away when she's with friends and family.

“I felt I had a lot of

time and space to talk with [her], and there was more privacy

and sincerity. We were more open, and the environment was a respectful

environment.” -Mariel López

Please

No cellpho nes

Jason Bliss said he and his wife both make a conscious effort to practice what they teach and be more present in their lives. “For me, when I realized [my cellphone] was such a distraction, I removed the internet, I removed email capacity and just used my phone for calls, texts, and calendar. “It changed our life. It changed our marriage. It changed the way we treated other people. I think it was life-altering.” They want to challenge everybody to go on a date or bring out a friend without any distractions, said Lindsey Bliss. “When you’re interacting [with others], just be present. Be there listening, put away your devices and actually have a conversation and connect,” she said. • FEB R UARY 2020

Graphic by Michael Kraft

Hands-on prep with VR tech Dr. Jason Hughes uses virtual reality as tool to help educate students in Kahuku BY MICHAEL KRAFT

KE ALAK A ’I

Kahuku Medical Center’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jason Hughes said he has invested in a virtual reality system because it makes difficult concepts easier to understand for local students who come to learn at the hospital. He said they now use it in connection with Kahuku High School’s Healthcare Career Pathway program. “We’ve talked about it for a couple of years, how to use tech for education. Once we

turned it on, we realized it was more than what we had ever hoped and dreamed it would be,” Hughes said. Recalling the first time he used the system, Hughes described, “I probably spent an hour in it, just laughing and crying. It’s mind-blowing.” Hughes said he is excited to use VR technology in the medical field because it presents complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand. Erika Allred, a teacher at Kahuku High School who works with the Healthcare Careers Pathway program, said she would like to see VR used more in the classroom. VR is a fun way to test students’ knowledge, she explained. It makes people excited and want to learn more about their bodies. “Anything that helps people understand their body better is a positive thing,” remarked Allred. Hughes said, “It’s fun to think that this small North Shore hospital has this technolo-

gy… We’re not huge, but we can try and make a difference in the community.” Currently, Hughes shared, he has three applications he uses to help teach students. The first is a virtual reality video, which takes participants on a journey through the human body. He described it as being similar to Joanna Cole’s “The Magic School Bus.” The second application takes users inside of the human body. It allows them to explore different organs and systems inside the body. Andrew Whetten, a student in the Healthcare Career Pathway program, described the experience as strange but exciting. “It’s weird because you know it’s not real, but it looks so real.” The program not only allows users to look at the different organs and systems, but also to step inside them and see what they look like on the inside. Whetten said, “When you’re in it, the whole room looks like you’re in a heart.” Hughes described the final application as a textbook. It places the user in a classroom and allows them to look in detail at the human body. It allows users to take apart the body and look at individual bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and gives the user information about them and their functions.

Healthcare Careers Pathway program Allred said she loves the program because it shows students, “they can be a lot more than they think they can be ... I always try and drill that into them.” The Healthcare Careers Pathway program is a three-year program. Allred described how in the first year, students learn the basics about healthcare. In the second year, there is more hands-on learning, and finally, in the third year, students spend one hour a week at the hospital. During their final year, students rotate throughout each department of the hospital. Each student is placed in a different department and shadows an employee during their time there. Students do hands-on learning in each department and get to see if it could be a potential career for them, Allred explained.

After two weeks, students rotate and move to a new department. By the end of the year, every student has been to every department. The Healthcare Careers Pathway program prepares students for college along with giving them an opportunity to see if healthcare is what they want to do, said Allred. She then added, “I wish they had a program like this when I was in high school.” Kahuku Medical Center is fortunate to have this program, said Hughes. It allows them to inspire the students who will one day grow up to be healthcare professionals, he explained. “I’ve always looked to be a source of good for the next generation of doctors … If I can spark an interest [in students] to find something they are passionate about and make the world a better place, that’s my ultimate goal,” he said. •

“When you’re in it, the whole room looks like you’re in a heart.”

FEB R UARY 2020

Graphic by Brad Carbine

- Andrew Whetten

Seeing double

Siblings say being twins and triplets gives them companionship, but contrary to popular myths, they don’t like the same things or read each other’s thoughts BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE

Hikaru and Akari Oshiro are twins from Japan and are both majoring in accounting. They said they were born one minute apart from each other. Photo by Chad Hsieh 20

KE ALAK A ’I

Despite coming from different cultures around the world, twins and triplets at BYU–Hawaii said they experience many similar things, including being confused for the other, fighting for identity, people assuming they have magical powers and being best friends. Different cultural perspectives Different cultures have different beliefs about multiple births, said students and online sources. Up until the 19th Century, the Igbospeaking people of Southeast Nigeria feared the birth of twins. Whenever twins were born, their parents had to leave them at the “Evil Forest” to die, according to artifactsjournal. missouri.edu. Similarly, Hikaru and Akari Oshiro, sophomores from Japan both majoring in accounting, said in the past, Japanese people used to believe

having twin children was considered bad, so they used to kill or put one up for adoption and keep only one. However, over time that belief vanished, the Oshiros shared. They are identical twins, separated by one minute. Bayartsogt Lkhagvajav, a sophomore from Mongolia majoring in human resources, shared in Mongolian culture they believe twin’s souls are connected, so they separate it by a Buddhist ritual. “We hold a v-shaped tree branch and break it together to disconnect our souls,” he said. He has a fraternal twin brother, Bayarbat Lkhagvajav, who lives in Mongolia. They do not look the same and his twin is taller than him, he added. Amanda Chipman, a junior from Idaho majoring in psychology, and Mattea Chipman, a junior from Idaho majoring in English, are fraternal twins who were born three min-

utes apart. Their mother is Samoan, and their father is American. Amanda Chipman said both American and Samoan cultures believe having twin children or being a twin is fortunate and exciting. Common misconceptions Toni Shipp, a triplet and a junior from California majoring in communications, shared, “People think we have some magical powers like reading each other’s minds and feeling each other’s pain, but this is just a misconception.” Hikaru Oshiro said, “Sometimes people ask stupid questions like, ‘If I hit you, does your twin feel the same pain in the same place?’” Amanda Chipman shared, “People assume twins like the same things, but it is not true. My twin and I have very different personalities and interests.”

One of a set triplets, BYU–Hawaii junior Toni Shipp says some people think triplets or twins have the magical ability to read each other’s minds or feel each other’s pains, but she says this is not true. Graphic by Brad Carbine

FEB R UARY 2020

However, Pei Chia Wu, a junior from Taiwan majoring in exercise and sports science, and Yu Chia Wu, a sophomore from Taiwan majoring in graphic design, said sometimes they finish each other’s sentences. They believe it is not because they are twins, but it is because they have spent so much time together ever since they were born. They are identical twins separated in birth by 11 minutes. Vika and Sela Funaki, juniors from Tonga both majoring in biochemistry-neuroscience, said they have an intuition for each other. Vika Funaki said, “Sometimes I think about her more often than usual, and after that, I usually find out something bad happened to her.” Fight for identity Shipp said she is identical with her sister and fraternal with her brother. “In middle school, we reached a point where we wanted to find our own identity. For so long, we were grouped together as one and called ‘Shipplets.’ We tried so hard to be different from the other two. Especially my sister, who was so sick of being mistaken for me all the time.”

Narantsatsral Ganzorigt, a sophomore from Mongolia majoring in exercise and sports science, said when she and her twin were in high school they tried to be different from each other by having different hairstyles, wearing different clothing, or going different ways. “Our mother is a tailor, and she always sewed similar clothes for us. We also went to the same school all the time. Eventually, we [became] tired of being stared at by strangers in the streets and hearing their whispering of how similar we were. Even though we are identical twins with the same height and weight, we tried our best to look different.” Confused identities Being confused for each other is another common thing for twins, shared those interviewed. Pei Chia Wu said she works at Pound-

KE ALAK A ’I

ers Restaurant, and Yu Chia Wu works at the BYUH Cafeteria, but people asked her if she has two jobs. Narantsatsral Ganzorigt said it is common for strangers to greet her. “I know they may confuse me with my sister, so I just greet everyone.” She was born 10 minutes apart from her identical twin Narantuya Ganzorigt, who lives in Provo, Utah. Amanda Chipman said even though she is a fraternal twin scientifically, she looks like her sister. People mistake them a lot, so she answers to both of their names, she added. Best friends Twins interviewed said the blessing of being a twin is having a best friend all the time. Bayartsogt Lkhagvajav said having his brother is like having the Holy Spirit all the time. “We wish the best for each other and correct each other’s mistakes and bad behavior.” Pei Chia Wu and Yu Chia Wu said they were adopted when they were 3 months old. They said their adopted mother was planning to adopt one child, but their birth mother begged her to adopt both of them. “Our biological mother [asked our] adopted mother since we were separated from her. She wanted at least us to be together,” said Pei Chia Wu. They both like to play table tennis and are good partners, they shared. Amanda Chipman said when they were in junior high school, all of their friends changed and were getting into trouble. “It was hard to lose our friends, but we got through it because we had each other.” Also, having a twin prepared her to be a missionary, she said. “Having a companion 24/7 was not a hard transition for me.” Bella Reed, a sophomore from Oahu majoring in secondary education and history, and her identical twin sister, Alex Reed, a sophomore studying elementary education, said they love being twins. They have been best friends with another set of twins since they were 4 years old. Toni Shipp shared, “Growing up, I never got bored. I have two same-aged people always around me, and one has the same face as me. They are usually my classmates and partners in crime.”

Sela Funaki said recently she broke her knee, and her twin is taking care of her. “We are roommates and best besties. We don’t hide anything from each other. We understand each other very well and gossip together.” •

Twins Pei Chia Wu and Yu Chia Wu say they like to play table tennis together and they are good partners. Graphic by Brad Carbine Photos on next page starting at top going left to right: The Shipps - Photo provided by Toni Shipp The Wus - Photo by Vivian Choi The Funakis - Photo provided by Funakis The Lkhagvajavs - Photo provided by Bayartsogt Lkhagvajav The Oshiros - Photo by Chad Hsieh The Chipmans - Photo by Gordon Chipman The Ganzorigts - Photo by Batbaatar Norjmaa

Twins and triplets at BYUH

FEB R UARY 2020

Octo Pasta can be found on Instagram @octo.pasta and is sold every Thursday. The cost is $5 for pasta dough, $6 for cut or shaped pasta ready to cook, and $6.50 for gluten-free pasta, says its information on Instagram. The two BYUH marine biology majors said they started the business to pay for their internships. Photos provided by Grace Tuthill. Graphic by Hannah Manalang

KE ALAK A ’I

“...One of the goals we had when we did it is we wanted to keep it sustainable, so low plastic [and] low-waste. That was a big thing.” - Grace Tuthill

Octo Pasta extravaganza Enthusiasm for marine life led two BYU–Hawaii students to make and sell eco-friendly homemade pasta BY CARLENE COOMBS

A passion for marine biology is why Kendra Nelson and Grace Tuthill decided to start a business selling homemade pasta in Laie. The two BYUH students began selling pasta as a way to fund an internship and trips to observe and research marine life. Grace Tuthill, a junior from California studying marine biology, and Kendra Nelson, a senior from Arizona majoring in marine biology, started the homemade pasta business that they named Octo Pasta. They offer a couple of variations of noodle shapes, as well as infused pasta flavored with various olive oils. “We tried to find a unique, niche area because we did notice there are a lot of cookie businesses [in the area]. We wanted to find something more unique,” said Nelson. Tuthill said they started selling mid-semester in Fall Semester 2019 and broke even with their start-up costs within two weeks. Tuthill shared how she plans to use some of the profits they make to finance an internship she is doing in the Bahamas for four months. “It’s a field station in Bimini with a bunch of shark scientists,” she said. During the internship, her job will be assisting with research on lemon and hammerhead sharks. She will be a part of behavioral observations, tagging, and driving boats. Nelson said she plans to go to Cabo, Mexico for a week-long trip observing marine

life. “I’m going to Mexico to see the stingray migration… and hopefully see some really cool shark species and killer whales. [Seeing killer whales] is the big hope for the trip.” According to Tuthill, it was Nelson’s idea to start selling pasta and use the money for their trips. “Kendra had the idea of the company and thought this would be great to fund the trips, and I was like, ‘Yeah, I can make pasta. We can do that,’” she said. Because of their passion for marine biology and conservation, Nelson and Tuthill said keeping their business low-waste and using as little plastic as possible is an important component of what they do. “I think one of the goals we had when we did it is we wanted to keep it sustainable, so low plastic [and] low-waste. That was a big thing. We got the cute little cardboard containers versus the Styrofoam,” said Tuthill. Nelson added, “[The containers] are 100 percent compostable. If you buy it, all the packaging can be composted. Even buying our materials, we keep it as low plastic as we can because we don’t want to make [pollution] worse.” Tuthill said their pasta endeavor has gotten a good deal of support from friends and those in the community. “We’ve posted on Facebook and gotten quite a few community members saying ‘This is awesome,’ and they ordered.”

Sam White, a senior from Texas majoring in biology, is friends with both students and said he orders their pasta every week to show his support, in addition to sharing on social media. “For the both of them, they’re both really passionate about marine biology and conservation and ecology,” said White. “On their Instagram, I’ll see posts about saving wildlife and beach cleanups or even doing cool things like ocean trash arts and crafts.” • “Their work ethic and passion for all of that translates into their whole Octo Pasta business.” - Sam White

Kendra Nelson holds their pasta packaging. FEB R UARY 2020

F EAT U RE

Connecting through digital dating Title IX: Dating apps are good platforms to meet people but should be used cautiously BY CARLENE COOMBS

Dating apps can lead to relationships and even marriages, but users should still take precautions, according to people at the Title IX office at BYU–Hawaii. Students said although they have made friends and had successful relationships, dating apps can also have their downsides such as impressions based on looks and the dangers of not knowing someone’s intentions. “Be careful,” said Elder Richard Bludorn, a senior missionary in the Title IX office. He said meeting people through a dating app “can be a really good experience, or it can be a horrible experience.You can have 10 good [experiences], but one bad one would wreck your life. That’s why it’s important to be careful. I know a lot of success stories [and] bad stories.”

Dana Plomgren, a junior from California majoring in conservation biology, said while she had good experiences using dating apps in the past, there were always safety precautions she would follow. “I never meet a guy in a private place. I always make sure the first couple of dates are in very public places – restaurants, malls, places like that because you never know who you’re going to meet up with. I don’t meet up with people until I’ve been talking to them online for a while.” Emeline Manakofua, an intern at the Title IX office, shared it’s important to tell a friend when you’re going on a date and where you’ll be.

eharmony DANGER MINEFIELD FEELINGS AHEAD AHEAD

wyd?

u up?

i LOVE your dog !! 26

KE ALAK A ’I

“I think it’s good to inform students when they go out, notify someone. At least have a person know where they’re at, where they’re going,” she said. “A tip I heard somewhere is if you’re out, turn on the location on your phone just in case something happens.” According to information from the Title IX office, during 2019 in the United States, there were 16,000 abductions, 100 murders, and thousands of rapes linked to online dating. “You can have great experiences, but [have] one bad one, and you can end up [a statistic]. We don’t want that to happen,” said Bludorn. Deylan Gudiel, a sophomore from Oregon majoring in graphic design, shared while he finds dating apps generally safe, he believes men have the privilege of feeling secure more than women. “As a guy, I can say I think it’s totally safe, but I don’t have the perspective of being a woman. I haven’t had the experiences of feeling objectified. I haven’t gotten cat-called or followed or creepy stuff like that which most girls have experienced at least once in their life, which makes them cautious… but I’m a man, so I don’t know that mentality.” Plomgren said dating apps can be a suitable method for meeting people. She even met her boyfriend on Tinder.

“I think [dating apps] are a really good resource. In the real world, you don’t really know who is ready for a relationship… But dating apps, you can be very specific about what you’re looking for and find people you are similar to. “On a dating app, I can immediately tell someone I’m interested and something about me before they decide they don’t like me.” Gudiel said although he has made friends through dating apps, he believes they also can be shallow and focus on looks rather than someone’s personality. “It’s hard because if you’re genuinely trying to meet people, [profiles] are kind of just a pretty face on a screen,” he said. While it can be hard to judge someone on their profile only, Gudiel said he finds dating apps useful while traveling to meet new people and make friends. “I’ve met people in Greece. I’ve met people in Bali… I will say I like [dating apps] for that… For traveling, it’s really great. It allows you to connect with people you would have never met otherwise.” To contact Title IX office with concerns, students can email titleix@byuh.edu, call 808-675-4819, or go to reportaconcern.byuh.edu.

Graphics by Bruno Maynez

r u active?

whats ur friends name in ur 2nd pic? FEB R UARY 2020

Campus resources for mothers Student mothers share gratitude for nurses and new-mom kits while suggesting a daycare and TVA policy updates

School resources like TVA missionary nurses provide necessary care and relieve stress, said BYU–Hawaii student mothers. Also, efforts from the BYUH Women’s Organization to give student mothers new-mom kits made being a mother in school less challenging, they said. Alyssa Orrego, a recent alumna who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English, said she is happy the school is mindful of mothers and families. “BYUH has so many young families, and all the resources they provide for us show BYUH is a family-friendly school, and it values education no matter what situation you are in.” Suvd-Erdene Boldbaatar, a senior from Mongolia majoring in human resources, said “We can’t raise children while studying and working at the same time anywhere else. But BYUH provides this opportunity for us. I just can’t thank the school and nurses enough for this wonderful opportunity.”

Photo by Serena Dugar Ioane

BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE

“I was about to give birth, but I didn’t have anyone to help. I called Sister Edgar, and she helped me to go to the hospital. She also stayed with me in the hospital...” - Suvd-Erdene Boldbaatar

Nurturing nurses Boldbaatar said she received help from three different TVA missionary nurses. “First, Sister Black, [a previous missionary nurse] drove me to the hospital when I gave birth to my first son. Then, Sister Edgar replaced Sister Black. “Sister Edgar taught me many useful skills to care for my newborn, such as how to shower. Now, Sister Bulkley is helping me with my second son. She is a very nice and helpful person. She checks my blood pressure and checks if I am having postpartum depression or not. Her care makes me feel that I am loved and cared for.” The current missionary nurse is Sister Judi Bulkley, who came in September 2019. It is her fourth mission, she said. She served in 28

KE ALAK A ’I

Connecticut with her husband. Then, she served in the Marshall Islands and Washington, D.C. as a missionary nurse. Bulkley works with the BYUH Health Center and is assigned to work with TVA mothers and babies. She visits mothers before they give birth to educate them about pregnancy. After they give birth, she visits them at least three times to inform them about postpartum depression, immunization, and caring for newborns. She also conducts “Keiki Corner,” a weekly activity, where mothers discuss motherhood issues and exchange information, and children can come and play with toys. Orrego added her experience with missionary nurses. “Sister Edgar helped me with my first son. It was very helpful since I was an inexpe-

Sister Bulkley helps student mother, Suvd-Erdene Boldbaatar, care for her newborn son in TVA.

rienced new mom. Now, Sister Bulkley helps with my second son. I know most of the things but still have some questions. . . Everybody needs that extra help.” Student spouse and mother of two Cathy Elisan said, “My first daughter has Ohtahara syndrome, which is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Even though she is 3 years old, she is like an infant. Sister Edgar helped me and comforted me many times when I was alone and far from home.” Jislene Tevi, a mother of three from Vanuatu, was alone when she gave birth to her second child, because her husband was in New York on a Career Connect trip making connections with professionals. “I was about to give birth, but I didn’t have anyone to help. I called Sister Edgar, and she helped me to go to the hospital. She also stayed with me in the hospital. Now, Sister Bulkley is helping me with my third son. She helps me with my postpartum depression and gave me the new-mom kit.”

New-mom kits Nancy Eastwood, president of the BYUH Women’s Organization, said, “Initially, it was Sister Edgar’s [the previous missionary nurse] idea. She approached us, and we supported the idea. Many of the new student mothers are far from home and need help. It was one small thing we can do for them.” The organization contacts bishops and Relief Society presidencies to know who needs the kits and distributes the kits through the missionary nurses. Eastwood said they have distributed more than 80 kits. New-mom kits have diapers, wipes, baby clothes, baby hygiene products and breast care products for mothers. Trempty Akau, a sophomore from the Solomon Islands majoring in social work, gave

birth to her third son recently and said she was happy to receive the new-momkit. She said, “We bought the big stuff like a crib, stroller, but didn’t buy the small things yet. But our son came out four weeks early, and we were not ready. However, the new-mom kit had almost everything I needed, and we are very grateful for this gift.” The Women’s Organization raises funds for scholarships for students who need financial help through luncheons and bake sales.They provide $300 scholarships for more than 20 students every year in May.The scholarships are available for every BYUH student, and according to Eastwood, over the years many of the recipients have been student mothers.

“BYUH has so many young families, and all the resources they provide for us show that BYUH is a family-friendly school, and it values education no matter what situation you are in.” - Alyssa Orrego

The organization also runs the “Sub for Santa” charity project for married students every December. The women work with bishops to find out what their ward members need. Eastwood said the Laie community helps the organization by donating toys, gift cards, clothes and other useful things.

What’s inside a new-mom kit? Breast care products

Blankets and baby clothes Toys

Baby hygeine products Bottles and diapers

Graphics by Hannah Manalang

FEB R UARY 2020

Sister Bulkley giving a mother’s kit to Trempty Akau and her husband, Job Akau. Included in the picture are their three sons as well. Photo by Serena Dugar Ioane

Suggestions from mothers Despite missionary nurses and motherkits, student mothers said the school could provide more resources for them by building more playgrounds and mothers’ rooms, establishing campus day care and extending visitors’ stay periods for mothers who give birth. TVA has two playgrounds, one for older children and one for younger children. Some mothers suggested there should be more playgrounds for children under age 3. “My children are too young to play on the bigger playground, and the small one is always overcrowded,” noted Tevi. “So, we definitely need another playground for children under age 3.” Akau shared the swings of the big playground are missing and need a replacement. Mothers also suggested since BYUH has many student mothers, every major campus building should have mothers’ rooms. Bold-

KE ALAK A ’I

baatar said she is hoping for the General Classroom Building, which is under construction, to have a mothers’ room. Elisan said it would be a great blessing if BYUH were to establish a day-care service for students’ children. “When parents have overlapping classes and work, it is a real problem to find babysitters.” Student mothers mentioned it is hard to have babies while studying and working at the same time, so they need their family members to help after they give birth. However, the TVA guest stay policy is only for two weeks, and they said they felt it is not long enough. Mothers said if the BYUH Housing Department extends the guest stay period to 2-6 months for mothers who are having a baby, it will alleviate many problems. •

Graphics by Hannah Manalang

Love and the 65th anniversary

Infographic by Kevin Brown

b Akau. r Ioane

FEB R UARY 2020

Selfishness vs. self-love Psychology professor and students share how culture influences an individual's view self-love and selfishness BY MADI BERRY

BYUH students and a psychology professor say self-love helps people be better able to help and serve others. Graphic by Brad Carbine

With Valentine’s Day happening in February, BYU–Hawaii students and a professor of psychology agreed loving significant others was important, but they also stressed the need for self-love. They said taking care of oneself is key to learning how to care for others. Dr. Eric Orr, assistant professor the Faculty of Sciences, defined self-love as “valuing yourself, being willing to take care of yourself, being willing to say no to others and having healthy boundaries.” He added people cannot properly take care of others without first knowing how to take care of themselves. It is a necessity for individuals to identify what brings them personal joy, said Orr. Referring to 2 Nephi 2:25, he said, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might

KE ALAK A ’I

have joy.” He added, “It is essentially a commandment [to have joy.]” Orr continued by comparing self-love to a gas tank. He posed the question, “Have you ever failed to take time to refill the gas tank?” He added, “Because if you don't, you will literally run out of gas and have a much bigger problem. This is what happens when we do not take care of ourselves.” Fiona He, a junior from China majoring in TESOL, discussed her personal and cultural view of self-love. She said self-love is “when you love yourself and trust in your own abilities.” She said mental health and self-care in her country are not often discussed. However, it has become more of a recent popular topic among females.

Jenna Hardisty, a senior from Arizona majoring in communications, shared the way in which self-love is viewed in her culture. “[The United States] a very capitalist society. So we buy things to make ourselves feel better.” Self-love or selfishness? Orr shared his definition of selfishness as “putting yourself as a priority at the expense of others, and saying yes to yourself all of the time even in times where you should not.” He commented on what role culture plays in identifying the difference between self-love and selfishness. “I think our cultures and our values help us identify what is selfish and what is not. The definition of selfishness and self-love comes

from our culture and will tell us what we ought or ought not to be doing,” he said. According to Inosi Kinikini, a junior from Fiji, he said taking care of yourself through self-care is not common in his Fijian culture. For this reason, he said he felt inspired to study psychology. He commented, “I am taking psychology because I need to educate the Fijian people about self-care and self-love. It is not common in my culture because of the collectivist lifestyle.” When considering her culture in the United States, Hardisty said she believes seeking help for mental health is becoming less of a taboo. She said, in the past, she felt it was uncommon or difficult to talk to someone about personal issues, making it harder to provide self-care for oneself. However, she said she was gratitude that mentality is changing. For those who striving to recognize selfishness when it occurs, Orr explained how one of the key ingredients to selfishness is pride and comparison. “To me, the danger of pride is comparing [oneself] to others. Whether we win or lose in our comparison to others, we lose because we separate ourselves from others. We put ourselves above or below, but we are not with.” Kinikini shared an example of what is represented as selfish within his culture. “The idea of [hanging out] with friends, we are so used to it,” Kinikini added. “If I have something going on, saying no can be selfish or they are being selfish by taking you away from what you are doing.” In relation to his education here in Hawaii, he shared how coming to Hawaii for school is an expression of self-love toward himself, and love for his family because he can give back to them through the opportunities education presents. “Me being here and knowing I can get a job after, it will help me give back to my family.” •

“Whether we win or lose in our comparison to others, we lose because we separate ourselves from others.”

- Dr. Eric Orr

Student say self-love is when you love and trust in your own abilities. Dr. Eric Orr says it is when you value yourself, are willing to take care of yourself, and can say no to others when necessary. Graphics by Brad Carbine FEB R UARY 2020

The university's feline residents Caring for campus cats benefits students’ emotional and social health, say club members, and keeps cats healthier BY KIMO BURGESS AND OLIVIA HIXSON

Among the struggles of school and being away from home, students of the BYU–Hawaii Campus Cats Club expressed how joy and reassurance come from caring for furry felines living on campus. Campus Cats Club member Samson Wong, a senior from Hong Kong studying accounting, said when he feeds the campus cats, he feels uplifted and needed by something outside of himself. “I think cats actually cure people’s hearts. When you are lonely and need someone to talk with, you can always chat with the cat.” Campus Cats Club Secretary Aislinn Lawrence, a sophomore from Michigan studying graphic design, said caring for multiple cats helped her become more involved in campus activities and gave her comfort during hard times. “With the cats, you can go and pet them. When you gain their trust, you can pet them more, they will cuddle with you, and you feel wanted by them. Part of it is the food, but they grow to recognize you… It’s nice to feel wanted by them.”

KE ALAK A ’I

“I think cats actually cure people’s hearts. When you are lonely and need someone to talk with, you can always chat with the cat.” - Samson Wong

A sense of belonging Lawrence shared she originally joined the club due to stress she was facing in her second semester, ranging from feelings of loneliness to a bad breakup. She said she wanted to find a place with similar people and, of course, spend time with some cats. After joining the club and feeding several cats in different locations across campus, Lawrence said she found her favorite cat, Siren, who she affectionately referred to as her “baby.” “Siren’s unique in that she used to be really shy and scared of people. She is still [scared] of most people, but for some reason, she is really attached to me. I am [one] of the only people she has let pet her.” Wong shared a similar experience with a cat named Sesame, who he feeds outside of Hale 3. According to Wong, Sesame recognizes him and is always in the mood for affection. He described Sesame as a very docile and domestic cat used to being around people. “You love them, and they love you back. If you hurt them, then they run away. It is that simple… They always come to be with you because they are true friends.”

“You love them, and they love you back. If you hurt them, then they run away. It is that simple… They always come to be with you because they are true friends.” - Samson Wong

Graphics by Hannah Manalang

Campus Cats Club mission Wong explained the Campus Cats Club aims to spay and neuter all of the cats in its care by capturing them, neutering them, and releasing them back into their natural habitats. He said this process helps keep the cat population under control and healthy. Likewise, Lawrence expressed caring for the cats around campus is a way to show love for animals, which has been rooted in her since she was young. “I interact really well with animals… I’ve had cats around me my whole life. I fostered them, and I volunteered at an animal shelter when I was 13. It [is] a way for me to seek companionship, and it [is] easier than people.”

Emmalee Smith, a sophomore from Tennessee studying information technology, said the cats living on campus add a unique and inviting spirit to BYUH. “They are an interesting part of campus because we are not allowed to have emotional support animals in on-campus housing.” Wong said caring for Sesame helped him feel wanted because Sesame shows a particular interest in him. As long as the campus cats receive proper care, they can add a unique aspect to the culture of BYUH, said Wong. •

FEB R UARY 2020

Tales of true love Students share they have learned about love from their parents' love stories BY MICHAEL KRAFT From a concert to a birthday party to a jewelry store, BYU–Hawaii students reflected on tales of true love as they told the stories of how their parents met and married. A concert Kenedi Cooper, a junior from Utah majoring in cultural anthropology, shared how her father was a student athlete playing basketball for BYUH before he met Cooper’s mother. He suffered an injury, so he decided to take time off and go back home to Orem, Utah. Upon his return, he was called to be the Elder’s Quorum President of his Young Single Adult ward. Cooper said when her mother first saw him, he looked like a “typical surfer” with long hair and a tan. Cooper said her mother thought her father must really need this calling. Cooper’s mother, who was in the Relief Society, had her first interactions with Cooper’s father while they were planning a charity basketball game. Cooper’s father quickly noticed her and began asking his friends about her. The consensus from his friends was Cooper’s mother was “stuck up,” and they advised him not to pursue her. He ignored their advice. After their first date, which involved a day playing golf and dinner at Arby’s, their romance began. Several months later, Cooper’s father bought them tickets to see INXS, an Australian rock band. Cooper’s father bought her mother an INXS shirt, which she wore to the concert.

Cooper said her mother loved the concert, in large part because of the loud nature of the event. Every time she wanted to talk to Cooper’s father, he would have to pull her close so she could hear, explained Cooper. Cooper described how her mother spent the night looking for excuses to talk to him so he would have to pull her close. After the concert, Cooper’s parents walked around and looked at the stars. When her mother made a comment about the big dipper, her parents shared their first kiss. Cooper said her mother has always made jokes saying their first kiss was somewhat different from what she expected. After a few more months of dating, Cooper’s father brought up the subject of marriage. Cooper said her mother did not want to talk about it because she was 19 and felt too young. She said at the end of the conversation, her parents walked away with different ideas of what had just happened. Her mother walked away hoping if she ignored it and did not bring up marriage, it would go away. But her father walked away thinking she was ready and wanted to get married. This led him to go to Cooper’s mother’s workplace with a ring catalog and ask her to pick a ring. Cooper said her mother was not ready to commit, told him to go home, and told him she needed “way more time” to think about it. Upon hearing this, Cooper’s father decided he would drop the subject. He decided

if she did not bring the topic back up, he would not bring it up either and began making plans to return to Hawaii. Cooper’s mother, who had just turned 20, began weighing the pros and cons of going on a mission. After a couple weeks of uncertainty, Cooper said her mother decided she did not want to sacrifice her relationship with Cooper’s father. She told him she was ready to get married, but she said she did not want an engagement ring, only a wedding band. He proposed to her at a waterfall. However, he had purchased an engagement ring because he felt she should have one. Cooper said her father wanted her mother to have the best things in life, so he sacrificed to get her a ring. The engagement ring has been a symbol of their love for each other, said Cooper. When the recession hit in 2008, their family business suffered, and they struggled, she explained. To help pay their employees’ salaries, Cooper’s mother sold her engagement ring. “My parents have been through so many hardships throughout their marriage … But when you go through the hard times, you learn how to put the other person first, and that’s what marriage is about,” said Cooper.

Left to right: Kenedi Cooper's parents throughout the years of their marriage. Her parents kissed for the first time, she says, after taking a walk at night and looking at the Big Dipper star constellation. Photos provided by Kenedi Cooper. Graphics by Esther Insigne. 36

KE ALAK A ’I

“But when you go through the hard times, you learn how to put the other person first, and that's what marriage is about.” - Kenedi Cooper

A birthday party Emily Barr, a senior from Minnesota majoring in biology education, said her parents’ love story was not too exciting. She said her parents met in a small town in Texas called Borger. Barr’s parents met at her father’s 26th birthday party. Barr said her mother saw her father and decided right away she was going to flirt with him. Despite giving it her best effort, Barr said her father did not notice her mother in the same way. However, she had to leave the party early, and he offered to take her home. When they arrived at her house, they both went in and sat down on the couch. After a bit, they exchanged phone numbers and went on their ways. Barr said she was surprised to hear of how forward her mother was “because she’s a pretty reserved person. So it was weird for me to hear how [direct she was].” Shortly after, Barr said, her father asked her mother out to the movies, and they began their summer romance. But when fall came, Barr’s mother returned to school at Texas Tech, and her father stayed in Borger. They had a long-distance relationship and visited each other on the weekends for the summer. Shortly after she left for college, Barr’s father accepted a job in Minnesota and moved north.

Emily Barr’s says her parents survived a longdistance relationship, and when her father asked her mother if she would ever move from Texas to Minnesota, she said she wouldn’t without a ring. On her next visit, he proposed.

She said her parents continued their longdistance relationship, even though it was even further and visiting became difficult. During one of their phone calls, Barr said her father asked her mother if she would ever move to Minnesota. Her mother responded by telling him she would not move without a ring on her finger. On her next visit to Minnesota, Barr’s mother was picked up by Barr’s father and they went out to a park and he asked her to marry him. She said yes. Barr said her father was relieved, because if she had said no, he would have just driven her back to the airport and sent her back to Texas.

Emily Barr's parents during their wedding. Photos provided by Emily Barr. Graphics by Esther Insigne. FEB R UARY 2020

A jewelry store Nadia Pinto, a sophomore from Brazil majoring in TESOL, said her parents’ love story involved faith, hard work, and trust in God. Pinto said her father and his sister worked at a jewelry store in Brazil. Her mother would often visit the store because she was best friends with Pinto’s aunt, her father’s sister. Whenever she talked with her aunt, Pinto’s mother would tell her, “Your brother is so ugly.” Pinto said her father was a Beatles fan, and, as such, his style included bowl cuts and bell bottom jeans. As the years went on, Pinto’s parents each went on their missions. Her father left first and served in Portugal while her mother served in Brazil. After returning home, Pinto’s father went to visit Pinto’s mother’s home ward. Her mother was still on her mission. However, in Sacrament Meeting, they read a letter from her to the congregation. In it she told a story of how she needed medical treatment because of the effects of the cold weather in her mission. She paid for the treatment herself because she did not want to stop working. When Pinto’s father heard this, he knew he wanted to date her. When she returned home, he asked her on a date, and she

accepted. However, on the night of their date, Pinto’s mother forgot about it and went to a dance at the Stake Center instead. Pinto’s father had a feeling to call the Stake Center and ask if his date was there. He called and asked for her, and she was put on the phone. He asked what had happened. She said she had forgotten about their date. Her father invited her to his house to look at mission photos. She accepted and went to his house. After looking at photos for three hours, they both stood up, and told his parents they were now a couple. Five months later, they were married. When they were married, she said her parents were poor. They lived in a small brick house with no windowpanes. Pinto’s father had to put wood over the windows to cover them. Pinto said although they were poor, they loved each other and worked hard to make things work. Pinto’s parents are now serving as mission president and companion in the Angola. She said her parents worked hard and put God first throughout their lives. Putting the gospel first has blessed them every step of the way, she said. Pinto, who will be getting married in February, said she will use her parents’ example of a strong couple as a base for her marriage. •

Pinto said although they were poor, they loved each other and worked hard to make things work.

5 6

Hi, is Ruth there?

1 8

I would like to speak to her please. 2

KE ALAK A ’I

I’ll let her know.

Yeah, Ruth is here at the dance.

Top photos: Nadia Pinto's parents, Luis and Ruth Pinto, pause for a photo during their wedding in 1989. They met because Ruth was friends with Luis sister. They parted ways, both served Church missions, and later met again. Left: The Pintos today serving and mission president and companion in the Angola Luanda Mission. Photos provided by Nadia Pinto Far left; When Ruth first met Luis, she told his sister he was ugly because he liked the Beatles and wore his hair in a bowl cut and wore bell bottom jeans like the guys in the band. After their missions, Luis asked out Ruth, but she forgot about the date and went to a dance at the Stake Center. He called the Stake Center, says their daughter, Ruth came to the phone and he invited her over to his house to look at mission photos. She agreed and three hours later, they were a couple, says their daughter Nadia. Graphics by Esther Insigne FEB R UARY 2020

Feeling God’s love BYUH students and staff discuss Heavenly Father’s compassion BY EDEN JONES

Graphics by Hannah Manalang

The struggles of feeling failure and despair while also accepting God’s love is an issue students and faculty alike said they are facing. According to them, there is hope in following the commandments and patiently waiting for God. Zach Bright, a freshman from Colorado, said, “I see God’s love everywhere. I think in a trying circumstance is when I personally see God’s love the most. “It’s hard when I’m experiencing it, but in the end, I know God is proud of my efforts. And the changes I’ve seen in my own life are amazing. “It’s definitely a process,” he continued. “I would say 98 percent of the people I’ve met on my mission said that God does not love us.You have to learn to see it.” Alisi Langi, adjunct faculty in the Faculty of Religious Education, said people she’s met separate the love of Heavenly Father and the love of Christ when they are the same. “They think, ‘Heavenly Father has to administer 40

KE ALAK A ’I

“...One of the ways we feel God's love is by doing His will. The way we interact with other people and the way that we love them. The way we serve allows us to feel how He feels about his children.”

- Elisi Langi

justice, because He’s God, but Jesus Christ administers mercy,’” Langi explained. “And I think we get so caught up in forgetting that, ‘Yes, they’re separate beings, but they’re one Godhead,’ and if one shows us love, the other also shows us love,” said Langi. Langi talked about how an individual’s effort to show God love can be done by keeping His commandments, which she said is an excellent first step for those who may struggle to recognize God’s love in their life. “I think one of the miracles of God is that He knows us

well enough to know the ways we feel love. He knows how to love us this way,” she said. A licensed clinical social worker, Leilani Auna, who works on campus at Counseling and Disability Services, spoke of her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6. “‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.’” She then asked, “And you wonder, what does that mean? To really trust in Heavenly Father? If faith without works is dead, what are the works we should be doing?” Auna said the works are: “Keeping the commandments, doing the things we need to do, being kind to one another, reading the scriptures and saying your prayers. “Some people say, ‘I do all that, and I don’t see any blessings?’ But you can’t expect any blessings. “You have to put your trust in the Lord. I think as you continue to do all that, the mysteries of God will open.” Langi agreed, “I think one of the ways we feel God’s love is by doing His will. The way we interact with other people, the way that we

“I see God’s love everywhere.” - Zach Bright

love them and the way we serve allows us to feel how He feels about his children.” According to Auna, falling short makes people be hard on themselves. Too often, people think they are not worthy of God’s love. Langi, who teaches Seminary in addition to her university classes, said her high school students in particular feel like this. “They make one mistake and they think it's over. He loves you.You are not lost. We can recover,” she said. “Everybody progresses in many different ways. I’m beginning to really understand that the Lord loves the person who isn’t obeying the commandments, too. I felt like I used to look at them and say, ‘Well, if you just did what I did— follow all the commandments—then you’ll be blessed.’You can’t be doing that. I think we, as members of the Church, sometimes fall into that. We really can’t compare ourselves. Judge not. Don’t even judge yourself.” Even when people struggle to feel it, Langi testified God’s love is always there. She recounted experiences she had as her father’s

primary caretaker prior to his death and how it helped her learn about the love of her Heavenly Father. “I think, for me, it gave me an opportunity to recognize a little bit of what our Father feels as He watches and as He takes care of His children.” She said since her father had worked so hard to provide for his family over the years, they had everything they needed, even after he was no longer able to work. “I feel like in a way that’s our Heavenly Father,” she said. “He’s developed a plan for us, He’s worked so hard, and He set it up so that while we’re here and we’re separated from Him, we continue to reap the benefits and the blessings from Him. I hope we recognize that those are ways He continues to take care of us and show His love.” Bright spoke of particular experiences during his service in the France Paris Mission in which he was able to see firsthand the effects of God’s love. Speaking of an individual Bright knew who was raised without religion, Bright

said he really wanted to know God, and he said this individual “ate up the Book of Mormon.” Then, after taking a month-long break from missionary visits, the individual said he felt the difference spiritually. “It was his first prayer answered—the coolest thing ever,” Bright remembered. “He really seemed happier, under more control. More at peace.” Langi cited Moses 1:35 to help people understand God’s love. “In the verse, God refers to the worlds He’s created as ‘his.’” “When I read that, [I discovered] that’s the ‘why.’ The work He does is salvation, but he does it because He sees us as his. He wants our progression and our success. He wants our immortality and eternal life.” •

“...In a trying circumstance is when I personally see God’s love the most. It’s hard when I’m experiencing it, but in the end, I know God is proud of my efforts.”

- Zach Bright FEB R UARY 2020

The Enkhbold family with their three children in front of the Laie Hawaii Temple. Photo by Ho Yin Li

Student couple say parenting is a heavenly calling

TVA couple with three children say they decides not to struggle but to be happy and enjoy every moment by prioritizing their relationship over everything BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE

explained, “Being parents is a joyful and heavenly calling. When we have a mindset to struggle, things get harder.” The following year, their twin daughters, Enkhlen Elle Tulga and Anirlan Ava Tulga were born on Oct. 19, 2018. Battulga’s first pregnancy was extremely difficult according to Enkhbold. He said, “She had very bad morning sickness. She could not eat anything but threw up at least five times a day, so she lost Bundles of joy They came to BYU–Hawaii in July 2016 and a lot of weight. We went to the emergency room have had three children while doing their studies. several times.” Her second pregnancy was a little better, but Their first son, Tengis Tulga, also known as TJ, was born on April 1, 2017. When they had their they said they were so shocked when they found out about their twins. However, she went into first son, they decided they would not struggle labor when the twins were only 32 weeks along, but instead enjoy every moment. Enkhbold Tulga Enkhbold and Janlavtsogzol Battulga are both students, hardworking employees, and parents who are balancing academics, extracurriculars, and raising three children. They are both from Mongolia and majoring in accounting. They said their lives require a large amount of management, but they put their relationship over everything.

KE ALAK A ’I

which was too early. Therefore, Battulga had to hospitalized for two weeks in Honolulu. Enkhbold had to go town every day after his classes. He said he and his wife are grateful for senior missionaries and their ward members who provided rides for them and took care of their son. After much pain and prayer, their twins were born at 34 weeks and both children were healthy and strong. Sharing her optimism, Battulga said, “Of course, there are many tough days, but we try our best to stay positive. Now our son wants to play with his sisters, but the twins can’t [handle] his rough play. Even though it is hard for now, we know it will pass very soon.”

“Home can be messy, babies can be crying, but the most important thing is my wife's well-being. If we do not treat each other the right way and do not keep our relationship sacred, things can go crazy very easily.” - Tulga Enkhbold

Family first Enkhbold said anything could go wrong but taking care of his wife is his top priority. “Home can be messy, babies can be crying, but the most important thing is my wife’s wellbeing. If we do not treat each other the right way and do not keep our relationship sacred, things can go crazy very easily.” Enkhbold advised other student parents, “Parenting is a heavenly calling, so don't struggle. Just be happy. Also, your wife is a champion. Whatever circumstance you are in, love your wife. She delivers your children to this earth. They go through lots of hormonal changes that we will never understand.” Despite having three children, the couple shared they often do not ask others to babysit their children. They said they prefer to manage their time and take turns. Enkhbold said the hardest time is when their children get sick. He shared last summer he was preparing for the Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) certification, an exam conducted by SAP AG, the leading provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Enknhbold had to study from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in class for two weeks. However, just three days after he started studying for the test, their children caught the flu and all of them became sick. Battulga said it was impossible for her to take care of all the children alone, so Enkhbold had to leave the class and help his wife. However, he studied hard, passed his test, and became SAP certified. Similarly, they strive to do well in their academics. They said they both study hard and earn the merit scholarships every semester.

Justin Ioane, a senior from Samoa double majoring in accounting and marketing, said, “I was classmates with Enkhbold and prepared for the SAP exam together. He is a smart and hard-working student. When we were preparing for the SAP exam, his children got sick, and he needed to help his family. We were all praying for them. Even though he missed many classes, he passed the test with good scores. I am very proud of him.” Battulga advised other student mothers to make time for themselves and to do their favorite things and participate in social activities. She said, “I noticed mothers tend to separate themselves from society. It may make them feel isolated and stressed, so it is better to go out and participate in social activities.”

Their twin daughters, Enkhlen and Anirlan, who were born at 34 weeks. Photo provided by Tulga Enkhbold. Graphic by Bruno Maynez FEB R UARY 2020

Battulga shared when she is at home with her children, she cannot do schoolwork. So she decided when she is at home, she will just be a mom and enjoy her time with her children. She said, “But in class, I strive to be the best student, and at work, be the best employee. No need to think about other things and stress over them. Just concentrate on the present.”

Service and sacrifice Besides his duties, Enkhbold serves as a president of the Mongolian students’ association at BYUH and is a member of the professional accounting society. Enkhbold shared, “I learned I do not have a choice to be lazy, but work hard, be responsible, and be happy. I know I do not have to do everything at the same time.” Onon Dalaikhuu, a freshman from Mongolia majoring in TESOL, said, “I am proud of them because what they are doing is impressive. Studying and working is already tough, but they are raising three young children, plus serving in the Mongolian chapter. I am grateful for their service and sacrifice.” Enkhbold also was serving as the Laie Married Student 5th Ward bishopric’s first counselor. Battulga serves as a compassionate service coordinator in their ward. 44

KE ALAK A ’I

Enkhbold said, “Since our children were born, our time for prayer, scripture study, and the temple has decreased, but we are still doing our best to grow spiritually. We also try to set good examples for our children.” Joe Dicenzo, the bishop of the Laie Married Student 5th Ward, said, “I met Enkhbold when I became a bishop. I was immediately impressed with him, as a new and inexperienced bishop. Luka was my guide, mentor, and friend. They

from Mongolia majoring in finance and supply chain, said, “Enkhbold is my best friend who always sees things differently. I learned much from him and I look up to him. They are great parents, students, and most of all awesome friends.” Davaasuren Myagmarjav, a sophomore from Mongolia majoring in accounting, said she’s known Battulga since preschool and they grew up together. Myagmarjav said Battulga is a persistent, funny, loving and caring person. She added Battulga a very good listener and always has a positive attitude.

were great members of our ward and always willing to support in any way they could. They are very responsible, reliable, and with great gratitude. “At the time, they had only one son, and soon Battulga became pregnant and they needed a bigger place to accommodate their growing family. They moved out from our ward boundaries, and we miss them greatly. I became a great admirer of this Mongolian couple who has a deep relationship with the Savior and Heavenly Father. They are an amazing example to me and my wife and to those around them. I wish them only the best and know they will do great things in Mongolia.”

Myagmarjav explained, “Some people say that your friendship will change after your friends get married. I see her becoming more powerful than before. She still does care about me and our friendship even though she is super-duper busy with her life.” “Enkhbold supports, listens and cares for his family more than anything else. I am blessed to be their friend because they always there for me if I have needed them. They are truly a great example of facing challenges and overcoming them with the great love that they share,” Myagmarjav added. Ganbaatar Ulziiduuren, a sophomore from Mongolia majoring in accounting, was Enkhbold’s mission companion. He said, “Enkhbold is a good friend of mine, and I have learned many things from him. Especially now, they are great examples of time management. I also

Longtime friends Having been friends with the family for more than10 years, Shijir Purevdorj, a senior

see from their example if we push ourselves, we can do much more than we expect from ourselves.” Their love story Enkhbold and Battulga both served in the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission. They were in a relationship before their missions, and Battulga waited for him for a year and a half. Then she received her patriarchal blessing that advised her to go on a mission. Battulga went on her mission, and Enkhbold waited for her. The day after Battulga was released from her mission, Enkhbold proposed to her. Two weeks later, they were married in the Hong Kong Temple. After one year of their marriage, they came to BYUH, the couple shared. Enkhbold works as a student accountant at Vice President of Academics John Bell’s office. He used to work as a tour guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center and internal auditor at BYUH. Battulga used to work at the PCC accounts payables for two years and now she works as a custodian. Battulga said, “One of us needs to work during the day and one at the night shift to take turns to care for our children.” Enkhbold will graduate Winter Semester 2020, and Battulga will graduate the following year. They are planning to go back to Mongolia after their graduation and to serve to build the Church in Mongolia. •

“... I became a great admirer of this Mongolian couple who has a deep relationship with the Savior and Heavenly Father. They are an amazing example to me and my wife and to those around them...” - Joe Dicenzo-former bishop Top right: The couple were in a relationship before serving their missions.

- Raquel Dicenzo

Photos provided by Tulga Enkhbold. Graphic by Bruno Maynez

FEB R UARY 2020

Graphics by Hannah Manalang

“What is an Oath?”

“What is an oath then but words we say to God? . . . When a man takes an oath, Meg, he’s holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. “ - Sir Thomas More (“A Man for All Seasons”) 46

KE ALAK A ’I

February 10, 2020

BY JOHN TANNER University President

President John Tanner. Photos by Monique Saenz

In one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies, “A Man for All Seasons,” Sir Thomas More explains what it means to take an oath. Imprisoned by Henry VIII for refusing to take an oath swearing to the Act of Succession, More is visited by his daughter, Meg, who urges him to say the words of the oath but think otherwise in his heart. After all, she argues, “God more regards the thoughts of the heart than the words of the mouth.” More counters: “What is an oath then but words we say to God? . . . When a man takes an oath, Meg, he’s holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. (He cups his hands) And if he opens his fingers then—he needn’t hope to find himself again. Some men aren’t capable of this, but I’d be loathe to think your father one of them.”[1] These words have echoed in my soul for half a century. I often think of them as I partake of the sacrament, participate in temple ordinances, or formally give my word, as when

I sign the Honor Code. At such times, I sense that I am holding myself in my hands like water. The events of this past week have brought to mind again More’s comment about oaths. I do not write this essay as a partisan brief but in support of principle. Oaths matter. They are a most solemn sort of promise—words we say to and before God. They bind us to act and speak truthfully despite the cost. For religious people, faith can become something that uses them rather than something they use to justify personal preferences. Thomas More’s faith called him to act against self-interest. After all, he wanted to keep his head. More spends most of the movie trying to escape martyrdom. Finally, however, his faith required him to put his head on the block. He dies “the King’s good servant but God’s first.” Such decisions are little understood by those whose horizon of concern rarely, if ever, rises above mundane personal gain. In “A Man for All Seasons,” such people are represented by the King, Cromwell, the Duke of Norfolk, and Richard Rich. Norfolk, one of More’s friends, cajoles More to come along with him and others who have signed the oath: Norfolk: “I don’t know whether the marriage was lawful or not. But . . . Thomas, look at those names . . .You know these men! Can’t you do what I did, and come with us, for fellowship?” More: “And when we stand before God, and you are sent to Paradise for doing according to your conscience, and I am damned for not doing according to mine, will you come with me, for fellowship?”[2] Ouch! Going along to get along is not an option when one is under oath before God.

Richard Rich not only goes along to get along, but also he violates his oath to tell the truth “so help me God” in More’s trial for High Treason. His perjury results in More’s execution and Richard’s promotion to office. As Richard is leaving the court, having borne false witness, More notices that he is wearing a new chain of office. More asks Richard what the chain is for. He is told that Richard has been made Attorney-General of Wales. “For Wales?” More remarks ruefully: “Why, Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world . . . But for Wales!”[3] “But for Wales!” “Will you come with me, for fellowship?” “When a man takes an oath . . . he’s holding his own self in his own hands. Like water. ” These lines from “A Man for All Seasons” are as timely today as they were when they were written in 1960. They apply in all seasons. They remind me of timeless principles inscribed into the university at our founding. Sixty-five years ago ... President David O. McKay stood out in a sugarcane field to dedicate these grounds for the building of a new Church college. He declared that the purpose of this new school was to produce “noble men and women.” “Who cannot be bought or sold Men who will scorn to violate [truth]— Genuine gold.” The world needs such men and women to be leaders, he said. “All the world is hungering for them.”[4] It still is! So let us recommit ourselves to become genuine gold in word and deed. Such leaders are men and women for all seasons. •

[1] Robert Bolt, A Man For All Seasons (NY: Vintage Books, 1960), 82. [2] A Man For All Seasons, 76-77. [3] A Man For All Seasons, 92. [4] “Church College of Hawaii Groundbreaking Address and Prayer: David O. McKay, February 12, 1955,” Something Wonderful: Brigham Young University–Hawaii Foundational Speeches (BYU–Hawaii, 2012), 12.

FEB R UARY 2020

Campus’ historical Feb. 12, 1955

1970

Church College of Hawaii (CCH) groundbreaking

Temple View Apartments (TVA) Library named Ralph E. Wooley 1973 Aloha Center

1958

1980s Cannon Activities Center

General Classroom Building

Lorenzo Snow Administration Building

Facilities Management Building

Security office

McKay Gymnasium and Pool

Racquetball court

Social Science Building

Health center

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

Dec. 17, 1958

1960s

1974

CCH dedication of first five buildings:

Hales 3-6

CCH renamed BYU–Hawaii by Spencer W. Kimball

McKay Classroom Building

V.P. houses

President’s house

Cafeteria

Faculty

Library’s original wing library

Townhouses

Hale 1 & Hale 2

1958 Testing Center TEST 1 2 3 4 5 6

1965 History Museum 1977 Library remodeled, expanded, and renamed Joseph F. Smith Library Parent-child Center (now the School of Education)

KE ALAK A ’I

construction timeline

1990s

2000s

McKay Foyer

Stake Center

rennovated

TVA additions

1990s

2000s

2013 HGB 4 new hales

2010s

2020s 2020s Cafeteria remodeling New Math and Science Building MCK LSB 3 new Hales 6 new TVA 8 new faculty houses Solar panels BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE Graphics by Sadie Scadden & Serena Dugar Ioane Source: BYUH Archives

FEB R UARY 2020

Campus construction history and updates

Nearly every wall of campus will be touched in the next five years, says campus construction director BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE

An early look at campus

Former welcome sign for the Church College of Hawaii

Some were injured while they served 50

KE ALAK A â&#x20AC;&#x2122;I

Labor missionaries working hard to build the school

The original name of the university was the Church College of Hawaii Source of photos: BYUH Archives

With its prophetic beginning in 1955, the North Shore’s sole university now plans to roll out $500 million of projects over the course of five years. When a snail grows, the shell expands as well. Just like that, the campus needs more housing to accommodate the growing student body of BYU–Hawaii. Cory Higgins, vice president of Operations at BYUH, explained how to meet the housing demand, the university is planning to build the following: • Three new hales • Eight new faculty housing duplexes • Six new TVA buildings • A new cafeteria • New Science and Mathematics building Campus construction history Brooks Haderlie, the university archivist, said when the decision was made to build the school in 1955, the Church did not have enough funds, so labor missionaries provided free labor. Two batches of labor missionaries built the BYUH campus, Polynesian Cultural Center and parts of the Laie temple and the Temple Visitors’ Center under the supervision of a few construction engineers from the U.S. mainland. The first batch of missionaries built the McKay Building, cafeteria, original wing of the library and Hales 1 and 2 from 1955 to 1958. The second group of labor missionaries built PCC, chapels around Hawaii, and parts of the temple between 1960 and 1963. Most of the labor missionaries went back to their home countries, but some of them stayed and married local women, Haderlie said. Other buildings on campus were added over the years. [See more details from the infographic on Pages 48-49.]

Percy TeHira, an 86-year-old labor missionary from New Zealand who lives in Laie, said he started his labor mission in 1952 in New Zealand and came to Hawaii in 1960. He worked for three years and helped to build the Little Theater, hales and parts of the temple. He said labor missionaries were sustained by their ward and stake members. They used to work eight to 15 hours per day. TeHira said although it was hard labor, it was a spiritual experience strengthening his testimony. “We always remembered we were doing the Lord’s work, and this mission blessed my life tremendously.” While he was a labor missionary, he said he found the love of his life, married her, and stayed in Laie. Later he was hired as a carpenter and construction worker at BYUH Facilities Management and retired from BYUH. Updates and renovations Higgins said the school is planning to increase the total students up to 3,500 and needs more housing. Currently, 75 percent of the students of BYUH are living on-campus. They are aiming to provide on-campus housing for 95 percent of the students, he explained. Director of Planning and Construction, James Brown, said three new hales will be built behind the existing hales. Construction work for eight faculty housing duplexes is in process now. Higgins said the Temple View Apartments will be renovated in four phases. First, three new buildings will be added. Building A1 will be built next to the Z building, building D2 behind the Stake Center, and building D3 next to the X building. New roads will be built to provide entry for the new buildings. Phase two will be tearing down buildings A to F and building new buildings in their place. Future phases

will replace most of the older buildings in TVA. Brown said the General Classroom Building (GCB) will be replaced by a three-story Science and Mathematics building. The old GCB used to routinely flood, so the new one will be elevated as high as the HGB, he explained. The construction work will be done in two years. He also shared when the building is done, the science and mathematics classes and offices will be moved into it, and major remodeling of the McKay complex will start. Regarding placing mother’s rooms into any buildings, Higgins explained, “Details of adding mother’s rooms to any new buildings or major renovations will be considered as we get into design. Currently, we are still in early planning.” A new two-story cafeteria already begin construction and will be done in 18 months, Higgins said. Also in the planning stages is a major remodeling of the Lorenzo Snow Building. Current plans include PCC offices located in the LSB being moved onto PCC property, and BYUH student services moved to different locations. The plan is to connect the LSB’s separate sections into one big building. Brown said new solar arrays will be built over parking lots in many areas of campus to provide renewable solar energy for the school. The BYUH Health Center will be moved into the School of Education Building, Higgins shared. He further explained how “there is a desire to move the Faculty of Education closer to the core academic areas of campus. This is likely to be in or around the [McKay Building] but planning is not yet complete. The Health Center on the periphery of campus and closer to the student families in TVA is a good reuse of the current education building.” •

Construction on the new cafeteria. Photo by Chad Hsieh FEB R UARY 2020

The faith, effort and miracles of the David O. McKay mural

Community member shares Heavenly Father’s guidance was essential to finish the flag-raising mural in just 10 days

BY MADI BERRY The mosaic mural found at the front of the David O. McKay Center on the BYUH campus holds a story of its own. Built in Italy, sent back to Laie in crates, and put together by community members, the now-famous mural required both workers and community members to come together and exercise great faith. Sharon Gray, the curator of the BYUH art collection and a Church-service missionary, shared, “The magic of the mosaic is its duration over time, it assures longevity, solidity, and everlastingness.” Community member John Lingwall shared the story of his grandfather, Harold Boe, and uncle, Arnold Boe, who were part of the group who placed the David O. McKay mural where it resides today. Lingwall spoke of

“The magic of the mosaic is its duration over time, it assures longevity, solidity, and everlastingness.”

- Sharon Gray

the process that went into putting it up, and also the challenges and miracles that accompanied the process.

The Building Lingwall and Gray explained the Church had a picture taken of the community in Laie and the mural depicts a recreation of David O. McKay

and the community at a local flag raising ceremony in 1921. Gray shared that artist, Edward T. Grigware, used the photo as inspiration for an oil painting he created. The painting was then sent overseas to Italy, placed under a projector, and cast down on a floor. The artists then came in and hand placed glass tiles on the open floor, which they cut into small tessera tiles and numbered them like puzzle pieces. Gray shared, “Mosaic is a technique of fragmentation.You break up the stone, tile glass or other material into even smaller bits until it becomes tessera, or, a smaller square piece. Then each tessera is reunited with all of the others to recreate the original design.”

KE ALAK A ’I A photo of a flag raising ceremony at the Laie school used to help create the McKay Foyer mural. Photo courtesy of BYUH Archives

The mural in its completed form. Photo courtesy of BYU–Hawaii

“They worked day and night, 24/7. The community would come to feed them [the workers]. Community members would bring their cars, drive up on the brim and their high beams would be used as their lighting source at night.”

- John Lingwall

Once the mural was finished, all of the pieces were gently stacked and shipped in wooden crates. The crates were then put on boats and it took months for them to arrive in Hawaii. It was during this point in the process that Lingwall shared, “There were so many challenges.”

The Challenges Gray said all of the crates that contained the pieces to the mural had arrived in Hawaii, except for one. This final crate included the instructions of how to put everything together. Because of this, those working on assembling the mural had to work by faith alone until the last crate arrived.

Working to put such a large amount of puzzle pieces together created the first challenge. Lingwall commented, “The artist who created the mural predicted it would take at least 30 days for the mural to be put together.” However, there was only one week until the center’s dedication. Once the mural was put together, Lingwall shared how his grandfather had measured the width of the mural, and he discovered it would not be able to fit in the available space. This required Lingwall’s grandfather to cut seven inches of the mural. Because the section was filled with current community members, it was necessary to carefully ensure none of the individuals were cut

out. Lingwall commented, “To this day, there are only about a couple of people now who know exactly where the line is which was cut.” In reaction to these challenges, Lingwall said, “My grandfather had so much knowledge of this, he knew Heavenly Father was going to help with everything.” The Miracles Lingwall added how with the combined efforts of the community, the mural was put up in less than 10 days. “They worked day and night, 24/7. The community would come to feed [the workers]. Community members would bring their cars, drive up on the brim and their high beams would be used as their lighting source at night.” In an interview about the assembling of the mural, Lingwall’s uncle, Arnold Boe, said the process of knowing where exactly to cut the mural was inspiration from on high. He said, “It looks purely natural, but when you look at the photo, you can actually see there are two people who are supposed to be separated.” Boe commented on all that went into the project. He said it came together because of “community efforts, Heavenly Father’s time, and having faith in the project.” •

FEB R UARY 2020

Graphics by Brad Carbine

Iggy Santeco

KE ALAK A ’I

Iggy Santeco, working at Print Services, retired after more than 30 years of being an employee at BYU–Hawaii. Photo By Chad Hsieh

BY LEIANI BROWN It was at a small campus print shop, among the bleating of machines and smell of fresh prints, that 63-year-old Ignacio “Iggy” Santeco first met the love of his life and learned the trade that would help sustain him through a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication, said his family. And now, after more than 30 years of working for BYU–Hawaii Print Services, Iggy Santeco said he is retiring from his job as print shop supervisor. “His work ethic and his dedication to take care of his family—I think I hold that closest to my heart, knowing he really put our family before himself,” said Iggy Santeco’s daughter Marisa Santeco, a BYUH alumna who currently works as the university brand manager. “It makes sense why he did what he did working at Print Services for [as long as he did],” said Marisa Santeco. “He didn’t really care about progressing in his career. His main goal was to help us all obtain an education.” Getting an education According to Marisa Santeco, an education was what brought Iggy to Hawaii. “I look at him as a pioneer of coming to America and getting an education.” She explained Iggy was the only one of his five older brothers who came to America from the Philippines and stayed. “As a parent, he really hopes the best for us, even more than what he has done.” Iggy Santeco began work as a cook on campus when he started as a student in 1980, but said after receiving too many burns, he said he decided to look for something different. In those days, he explained, BYUH Print Services, then called Press Services, was located at the library. “I rode my bike right up to the window, and asked if there were any jobs for me,” said Iggy Santeco, who was hired right away. “That’s the trade I wanted to do because I’m good with my hands.” He worked there for the rest of his time as a student at BYUH, and after graduation was given the opportunity to go to Samoa for work.He said he felt very welcomed in Samoa from the moment he stepped off the plane.

He began as a service station worker at a gas station during the week and a part-time printer and photographer for a newspaper company on the weekends. During his time in Samoa, Iggy Santeco said he grew to deeply love the people and experiences he had there. An office relationship Iggy Santeco’s wife, Didi Santeco, was a young student from Thailand and not a member of the Church, when she began working as a copy operator at BYUH Print Services in 1988. When Iggy Santeco returned to BYUH Print Services from Samoa, the two met and eventually married.

“We met at work, and he was the type of person who likes to entertain other people. I thought he was funny. He always made me smile,” said Didi Santeco who now works as a BYUH systems analyst. According to Didi Santeco, she made the first move “by asking Iggy to a school ball on a cruise ship.” She was failing her Book of Mormon class, and Iggy, a returned missionary and lifelong member, was soon enlisted to help. Despite his tutoring, Didi Santeco explained with a laugh, that was the only class she failed. Iggy Santeco said he was a little reluctant when he met his wife because of past failed re

Photos provided by Iggy Santeco

Print shop supervisor leaves legacy of putting family first

lationships, and tried to keep it casual, but Didi Santeco said she wanted none of that. “I told her, ‘I just want to make sure I find the right person,’” said Iggy Santeco, smiling as he remembered. “And she said, ‘I know I’m the right person.You need to figure out if you are.’” They kept their relationship private, and it was not until he began printing and handing out wedding invitations at work their co-workers and boss first found out the two were dating, while both worked for the Print Services.

His impact on students Over the course of his life, Iggy Santeco said he worked many different jobs—from a service station worker in Samoa to a nursery maintenance worker to the owner of a local print shop in Kahuku and many more—all of which he said gave him a greater appreciation for all people, no matter the trade.

Photos provided by Iggy Santeco

Raising a family Because BYUH offered half tuition for students with parents who worked fulltime at the school, Marisa Santeco said she and her siblings each had the opportunity to obtain an education here. “They are very hard workers together. My dad is the provider, but my mom is also a supporter in providing for all of my siblings and me,” said Marisa Santeco. “They have the same goal in mind. They love working for BYUH because it’s where they graduated and because of its mission. They knew it was a place where my siblings and I could learn and grow.” When Didi Santeco got sick, Marisa Santeco said she witnessed her father care for his wife and family, undeterred by the stresses of a diminished income. “My dad became one of the main sources of income, but it didn’t discourage him,” said Marisa Santeco. “We were faithful as a family that it would be fine. Luckily, it was just the beginning stages of the cancer. My dad was very good at being emotionally strong for our whole family, still working, and providing enough for our family.” Marisa Santeco added, “He just loved my mom and always hugged her, especially during the times when it was really hard and painful for her.”

Iggy said he was shocked to discover how some people treated or spoke about groundskeepers and other blue collar workers, and said he learned “anything that you can do good, the Lord appreciates so much.” “It didn’t really matter to him,” said Marisa Santeco in regards to her father’s decision to not advance to another job. “He just found joy in meeting [and] working with student workers from different countries and helping our community too.” One such student worker is Alger Aranda, a senior from the Philippines studying information systems, who first met Iggy Santeco when his bike got a flat tire and Iggy stepped in to help out. Aranda, who worked with Iggy Santeco at Print Services, said he enjoyed the atmosphere Iggy created with the students. “He loves listening to music while working. Sometimes he pretends that he knows the entire lyrics of a modern song he really likes, and he would sing it using his right hand as his microphone just to [help us] de-stress.” Iggy Santeco said the thing he will miss the most, in addition to the people, are his machines. “He treated the equipment with respect,” said Anela Naluai, a junior graphic design major from Draper, Utah, who used to work with Iggy. “His saying was– ‘If you treat it well, it works.’” Didi Santeco said her husband has always been a handyman and seemed to have a natural knack for printing. She explained with no service man on the island who could repair the machines, Iggy was frequently figuring out how to fix the machines himself when they broke down. “He knows what he does,” said Didi Santeco. “He’s very precise about the quality of his work. Little things most people don’t see on a blank piece of paper, he can see them.” Iggy Santeco’s student workers, Aranda and Naluai, both said Iggy always shared life experiences and tips, and said they are grateful for the opportunity to learn from him. “Uncle Iggy taught me to hold on to the gospel when life gets difficult,” said Aranda. “He has shared with me some personal and sensitive experiences in his life, and he allowed himself to be vulnerable to me. He said that if it wasn’t for the gospel of Jesus Christ, he would not

have met his eternal companion who he loves, and he would not have enjoyed [the] family he has right now.” •

“His work ethic and his dedication to take care of his family—I think I hold that closest to my heart, knowing that he really put our family before himself.”

Graphics by Brad Carbine Photo provided by Iggy Santeco

- Marisa Santeco

FEB R UARY 2020

BYUH alumna becomes new Seasider manager

Graphics by Sadie Scadden

Seasider Manager Aline Ly says she puts employees first as she takes on new position BY MADI BERRY Coming back to the roots of her first job at BYU–Hawaii as a Seasider general helper, BYUH alumna Aline Ly returned as the new Seasider manager beginning Winter Semester 2020. Ly said the most important part of her new position is to put her employees first. She said she believes if they are taken care of, everything else will be too. Ly received her associate’s degree while attending culinary school at the College of Westchester in New York City. After serving a mission right after culinary school, she decided to apply to all of the CES schools. Once accepted to all three, she said she chose BYUH due to the diverse culture. Ly graduated from BYUH in June of 2019 with a degree in hospitality and tourism management. During her time here, began working as a Seasider general helper, then transitioned into the role of a supervisor. Ly commented, “I think the difference is when you’re a supervisor, you get to see the full picture, but when you become a manager, you see the little details in between that make the whole picture.” She continued, “The way I see things now has changed.” She shared the positive and negative challenges of working with college students as employees. She mentioned how because she is close in age, she understands what they are thinking and going through. However, she said she is also aware a line needs to be drawn between being an employee’s friend and being their boss first. Dominic Samora, an intercultural peacebuilding alumnus from Washington, had been working during the transition from the previous Seasider manager to Ly. He said it has been helpful to have many new hires among the staff since January. “I think this gave her a good chance to start fresh with new employees and create the environment she wants to.”

Sofia Fischio, a junior from Utah majoring in art education, shared her feelings on the transition of having a new manager. “The transition has been really easy. It helps that she has been here before.” Fischio continued, “I think because she knew us already, she knew how the Seasider functioned, and she was not coming in blind.” After working as a Seasider supervisor, Ly accepted an internship with BYUH Food Services, and after graduating, she continued to work at Food Services by overseeing the CStore and Micro Market. Ly shared she enjoys working in “Food Services because it is very giving, and you get a lot back.” She further explained, “It is also a very ‘go, go, go’ environment. I think coming from New York, that is something I enjoy a lot. The fast pace is what I enjoy.” When asked what contributing factors Ly brought to the Seasider, Fischio responded, “She brings a lot of new ideas. I think she is thinking a lot about what the students want and ways to incorporate [those wants] to try and make the Seasider a better place.” It was not long after overseeing the CStore and Micro Market that Ly received the

opportunity to work for Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. She said she was valued for her input, as she was able to bring a younger and refreshing perspective to the staff. Ly shared the example of her speaking Spanish from her mission. with her being bilingual, she was able to help the hotel since she was the only one who spoke Spanish. This allowed for her to be able to book and accommodate the Spanish-speaking guests who came. It was after working at the hotel Ly said she was contacted by BYUH Food Services Director David Keala to be the new Seasider manager. Ly said, “I think the experience from the outside and then coming back was able to give me a breather but was also an eye-opening moment of seeing what is important and what can be changed.” She shared she was humbled to know the staff found great value in the younger perspective and the cultural perspective she was able to offer at the hotel. Ly added she was able to connect with families from different cultures because of her experience at BYUH. All of this background helped her have a successful experience.

Ly continued to share the insights she gained from working at the hotel. She shared, “One of the things I grasped was realistically learning how to email people, answering the phone, and acknowledging customers in a proper way.” To provide examples of how Ly is incorporating various wants of other people to make the Seasider a better place, Fischio commented, “I think that she is changing the atmosphere around here. She is trying to make it more of a hang-out environment, which I think is drawing more students in.” Having various experiences at the hotel helped her to know what she wanted to change here at the Seasider, commented Ly. “I think one of the things I noticed with working at the hotel was the seminars they would provide. [I learned] if your foundation is not strong enough, it will not make sense at all.” She continued, “Coming into Food Services, one of the things I want to do is go back to my basics and to my foundation.” Ly shared she wants to give to students a different perspective about the Seasider so they feel comfortable and want to spend time there with their friends. •

She said she wants to give students a different perspective about the Seasider so they can feel comfortable spending time there with their friends.

Ly said being close in age to her employees requires her to find a balance between being a friend and a boss. Photos by Keyu Xiao

Graphic by Lynne Hardy Student Advisory Council members, Ana Ramirez and Sidney Shifflet smile for the camera before they hand out pieces of cake in the Aloha Center for the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 65th birthday. Photo by Keyu Xiao

Ke Alaka'i- February 2020

Articles inside

30 years of service: Iggy Santeco

David O. McKay mural

BYUH alumna becomes new Seasider manager

What is an oath?

Campus construction

Parenting is a heavenly calling

Octo Pasta extravaganza

Tales of true love

Feeling God’s love

Campus resources for mothers

Selfishness vs. self-love

The university’s feline residents

Connecting through digital dating

Seeing double