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Pacicic Islanders Pritus Kuitolo
HOPE
Pacific Islander students share BYU–Hawaii prepares students to serve their country and the world
BY GREG TIVLES
Pacific Islander students shared they chose BYU–Hawaii because of the gospel and its resources, but the school’s diversity has expanded their perspectives. They added what they have gained from BYUH will help them better serve in their home countries.
Pritus Luitolo, a sophomore from the Solomon Islands studying elementary education, emphasized she could never think of any wiser words than Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s words, “Education is not merely a good idea. It is a commandment.”
“To graduate from an American university will almost be everything to me and my family,” she stated.
Luitolo explained there are three girls from the Solomon Islands currently studying at BYUH, and to her family, her community and her country, it is already a great achievement. “We were confident at the very beginning to study hard,” and with her parents’ support, she said she was able to attend BYUH.
She chose BYUH because the facilities and resources BYUH has, she said, would help her be successful. “I cannot think of any learning resources that are lacking [on campus] like it was back home in the Solomon Islands. All I need to do is to work hard for the A grade,” she said. She emphasized the diversity of students at BYUH also allowed her to view the world from a bigger perspective.
Adriannah Metta, a senior from Papua New Guinea majoring in anthropology, Pacific Island studies, and peacebuilding, similarly said at home, in Papua New Guinea, she was only exposed to her family and people from other provinces. Coming to BYUH has been an eye-opener, and the diversity here allows her a greater perspective on life.
“You have to look at people as human beings and not objects. I am a peacebuilding major, and I’m grateful BYU–Hawaii offers an excellent program I believe will help me become an agent for change and peace in my country,” Metta expressed.
“I feel like the mission of BYU–Hawaii has helped me become an advocate for peace, and that is how the university enables us to see the potential in ourselves and what we can do for the world,” she emphasized.
Luitolo shared a similar sentiment, saying she can see the Lord preparing her to serve in
ABOVE: The Metta sisters came to BYUH from Papua New Guinea. FAR LEFT: Pritus Luitolo is from the Solomon Islands. Ke Alaka'i file photos.
her own country. “The Church is very small in the Solomon Islands,” she said. She praised her religion professors at BYUH for instilling in her gospel teachings and equipping her to be an educator not only for her career but also for the Church.
“I believe in the mission and vision of the school because now that I am here, I can see the Lord is also preparing me to serve Him in my own country,” Luitolo explained.
Luitolo reflected on her journey as “one that cannot be done without the help of my parents.”
Luitolo said she is optimistic about the future every day because she has “real professors with immense experience and capacities.” She said she still appreciates her teachers at home even though most of them are just high school graduates.
“I am fortunate to have professors here at BYUH who will give me knowledge and skills I can [take] back home and contribute to educating our citizens,” she said. She encouraged future students and especially potential students from her own country to see the significance of prayer and fasting. “Prayer and fasting work. Do not give up. Do not give in to feelings of self-doubt. Trust God, and just like He made my dream come true to be accepted to BYUH, He can do anything for you as well,” she reiterated.
Charity Hoiesi, a sophomore from the Solomon Islands majoring in human resources, said her journey to BYUH was not easy. “It took time, effort and sacrifices,” Hoiesi said. She appreciates the Church and the full-time senior missionaries who have served in her country for their continuous support, which resulted in her being here at BYUH today.
“Considering the current state of our lives,” she said, “I would like to reassure potential students from both here and my own country that if the Lord can do it for me, I know He can do more for you as well,” Hoiesi stated.
Metta expressed at the very beginning, she felt like she wanted to be associated with people of the same standard as her. “As a senior here at BYUH, I have come to appreciate my association with friends who have the same standard as me. It’s a great blessing,” Metta said.
“Learning about other people’s cultures and how they do things in life helps me to view life from a bigger perspective.”
Metta said there are times when she wanted to give up, but Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s quote kept her motivated and moving forward. “Come what may and love it,” she quoted. She said, “Just face your fears, the challenges with faith, and you’ll find joy in the journey.”
Hoiesi said BYUH is one of the best schools because it taught her the importance of setting priorities, and great leaders and professors teach her.
“At first, things didn’t seem right, especially at the beginning of the pandemic. But moving forward with faith and optimism, I felt like I have developed the ability to accept the challenges and trust God for better days,” Hoiesi explained.•
