Graduation Issue Fall 2024

Page 1


NEWS CENTER: Box 1920 BYUH

Laie, HI 96762

Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquiry: kealakai@byuh.edu

To view additional articles, go to kealakai.byuh.edu

CONTACT:

Email: kealakai@byuh.edu

Phone: (808) 675-3694

Office: BYU–Hawaii

Aloha Center 134

ON THE COVER: The Coral Crew led by Dr. David Bybee and his research assistants, Ranitea Teihoarii sitting next to him, Naia Pulotu behind him and Melanie Faana-Kong in diagonal. Photos by John Andrew Quizana.

BACK COVER: Ke Alaka‘i graduates ready to take on the next step. Nozomi Miyata, Yui Leung and Camille Jovenes (bottom). Photo and Graphics by Moevai Tefan. Illustration by Guen Ramirez.

ABOUT

The Ke Alaka‘i began publishing the same year the University, then called Church College of Hawaii, opened. It has continued printing for more than 65 years. The name means “the leader” in Hawaiian. What began as a monthly newsletter, evolved into a weekly newspaper, then a weekly magazine and is now a magazine published 8 times a year with a website and a social media presence. Today, a staff of more than 20 students work to provide information for BYU–Hawaii’s campus ohana and Laie’s community.

© 2024 Ke Alaka‘i BYU–Hawaii All Rights Reserved

Sisters Kristen and Ashley Bull share their experiences on the podcast. Photo courtesy of the Bulls.

Ranitea Teihoarii

Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

About four years ago, I started my journey at BYU–Hawaii online due to COVID-19. Originally, I didn’t plan on coming here, but with encouragement from my parents and after completing two semesters online, I was excited to finally step onto campus. The small community and the diversity of cultures made me appreciate my time here and stay until the end.

As a graduate, BYUH has become my home where I’ve lived for the past three years. I made myself an ohana here. The thought of leaving this place is heartbreaking, but the memories will be cherished forever. Here I gained knowledge from my professors, various jobs I did and the people who came into my life.

This magazine explores BYUH from graduates’ points of view. I hope you will find inspiration and comfort in each story. Coming closer to an end always leaves room for reflection. Like my fellow graduates, on page 32, I reflected on the opportunities I embraced and the things I could have done better. To freshmen, my advice is to make sure you love what you are doing. On page 8, faculty members provide a helpful overview of each of the seven faculties on campus and provide valuable insights for new students too.

Graduating can be scary as you “enter into the real world” or “adult life,” as some may say (p.26). You may ask yourself, “What now?” or “How do I get a job?” To navigate those questions and ace your interviews, tips are given on page 44. Further advice from our graduates, on page 38, encourages students to take on extracurricular activities and research (page 58), and have mentors (page 18) to extend your skills and network to create a better resume.

Four years is enough time to try different things and work multiple jobs on campus or at the Polynesia Cultural Center. Though we might have some favorites (page 48), they all teach us different skills essential for our future. Working as a tour guide at the PCC improved my communication skills and English proficiency through interacting with diverse groups. As a field research assistant in restoration mentored by Dr. David Bybee, I learned to care for the land by planting native Hawaiian plants in lowland forests and protecting the ocean by planting corals and monitoring their growth, (page 14). Lastly, working at Ke Alaka‘i helped me improve my writing, editing and leadership skills. I was also able to expand my creativity (page 22), participate in the National College Media Conference and win awards (page 20) .

To my fellow graduates, I wish you the best in your future achievements. You made it! To our future graduates, I hope you’ll take the time to appreciate every moment at BYUH and make it worth it!

TEAM MEMBERS

Yui Leung PHOTOGRAPHER

Leeann Lambert ADVISOR

Bella Chimedbaatar MANAGING EDITOR

Camille Jovenes PHOTOGRAPHER

Ranitea Teihoarii EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

John Andrew Quizana COPY EDITOR

Manhattan Ethington Prien MANAGING EDITOR

Moevai Tefan ART DIRECTOR

Bilguun Enkhbaatar PHOTOGRAPHER

Naomi Saenz PHOTOGRAPHER

Guen Ramirez ILLUSTRATOR

Sai Ramirez MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Linda Laulu MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Ice Cesario GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nozomi Miyata GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ann Goebel MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Winslette Quiray-Santiago MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

CJ Shinihah Notarte MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Abigail Adams MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Pim Hootini MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Valerie Lucillo MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Myco Chillian Marcaida MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

Top Left: The Talius ohana, Josephine Hasu and McKay Orr. Left Below: Elizabeth Ameto and Yui Leung. Top Right: Pasepa Fakatava and The Coral Crew team: Melanie Faana-Kong, Ranitea Teihoarii and Naia Pulotu. Above: Chanrosa Ly and Bailee Fox.
Photos by Moevai Tefan, Yui Leung, Naomi Saenz, Bilguun Enkhbaatar and Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Miyata Nozomi.

Highlights from the BYUH

Faculty Units

Seven faculty units at BYU–Hawaii engage in unique projects and initiatives that showcase their specialized focus areas

From ground-breaking research projects to community-centered approaches, five faculty deans and two professors shared what their respective faculty units look like as they impact and shape students’ futures in distinct ways.

Faculty of

Arts & Letters

Charles Bradshaw, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Letters, described the role of dean as demanding, “[However,] it makes a difference for the students and the faculty [unit]... to work better.” The dean manages the courses taught by the whole faculty unit, what to include as a major and a minor, as well as ensuring the academic integrity of the whole unit. “I believe what we do as a faculty academically, especially here at BYUH, helps us understand the Spirit in a more sophisticated level. The more we learn, the more pervasive the Spirit is in our lives.”

Faculty members help students express themselves creatively and professionally while fostering empathy for others’ perspectives, he shared. They focus on soft skills in the humanistic disciplines, exploring what it means to be human and seeking the goodness and beauty in human interaction, aligning with the principles in the 13th Article of Faith, he added.

Bradshaw said soft skills such as communication and writing can help students in their future careers. “That is why we educate people as broadly as possible so they can be as flexible as possible.”

According to the BYUH website, one of the biggest projects the Faculty of Arts & Letters does is the student-run literary magazine the “Kula Manu.” Additionally, the website says Kula Manu is “where students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to submit their poems, stories, personal essays, photographs and artwork.”

The communications program in the unit also offers book forums, he said. For instance, Bradshaw said the book by Professor Mason Allred, entitled “Latter-day Saints Art: A Critical Reader,” has been

promoted as a collaboration with the Faculty of Religious Education. For second-language learners, he said the Faculty of Arts & Letters is a great place to start. “The students can appreciate literature more by learning more about the language they are being taught with,” he added.

Charles Bradshaw.

Faculty of

Business & Government

“The Faculty of Business & Government is unique in some ways because business degrees prepare students for specific types of jobs,” said Dean Nathaniel Stephens. His faculty is aligned with specific jobs as they focus on skill sets, hands-on experiences and certifications the students need for their first job after they graduate, he said.

The faculty unit offers hands-on projects in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program, he added. For example, a team of HTM students is working with the governments in Kiribati and Mongolia to help with their tourism and create travel manuals, Stephens explained.

He also said the Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship and Religious Freedom Human Dignity or RFHD are also some initiatives and collaboration under his faculty. BYUH’s website explains the Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship caters to students who want to learn to make a life of meaning and make profit at the same time, while the RFHD aims for religious liberty by educating people through events, conferences and research.

“[The knowledge and skills] you obtain from the majors in the Faculty of Business & Government, are very marketable for jobs,” Stephens said. He also said professors help broaden their students’ minds and facilitate their learning.

Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts

Alohalani Housman, dean of the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, said its purpose is to follow the mission of BYUH. Despite being the most diverse faculty due to a wide range of programs such as peacebuilding, theater and Pacific Island Studies, Housman said they create and promote peace through understanding each other’s culture. “By knowing ourselves, we become more understanding to others too,” she shared.

The biggest project the faculty unit has is the David O. McKay Center that focuses on creating understanding and peace across different cultures, she said. The faculty unit also works on other projects like tours for the orchestra ensemble, choir and theater plays. “We are the happy unit as we bring joy and happiness to people’s lives,” Housman emphasized.

Housman said one of the biggest challenges today is how people treat each other. She emphasized how BYUH could help students gain, not only their education, but also the skills to be leaders and peacemakers in the world and become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. “I think that is what our department is really good at doing- understanding each other’s culture, background, and stories,” she added.

Nathaniel Stephens.
Alohalani Housman.

Faculty of Education & Social Work

Mark Wolfersberger, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work, said each faculty at BYUH is different. Despite the differences, Wolfersberger said the goal is to help the students better their lives.

Each program in the Faculty of Education & Social Work has its own initiatives, Wolfersberger said. For instance, he said the TESOL program allows students to participate in international conventions as part of exposure for their future careers.

If the students enjoy working with people, he added, the Faculty of Education & Social Work might benefit to them. “Like in social work,” he said, “it is all about helping people through difficult circumstances in life. For education and TESOL, it helps students to gain better skills to advance in life,” Wolfersberger explained.

Faculty of Math & Computing

Aaron Curtis, dean of the Faculty of Math & Computing, said BYUH’s mission “to build the kingdom of God” serves as a constant support for the faculty’s mission to model and build things through the functioning process of mathematics and usable models of construction.

He said the faculty focuses on viable solutions in data and computation. “To secure a sustainable future, we must get these disciplines right. If we get them wrong, the future could be very uncomfortable,” Curtis said.

One of the biggest initiatives of the faculty is the construction and facilities management program, which is just a minor, said Curtis. “We are in the process of creating and developing a major… that will allow students from our target area to develop these skills that are very much in demand,” he explained.

Curtis said as a dean, he works to elevate awareness for the students of what is possible for their futures. Collaborating with other deans and professors from different departments helps the students to fulfill their certain career paths and not just merely fulfill their given credits, he said. Student are worth the investment the university faculty and staff make, he said, and there is space for students who are seeking knowledge instead of just filling their 120-credit requirements.

Mark Wolfersberger.
Aaron Curtis.

Faculty of Religious Education

Aaron Shumway, director of the Faculty of Religious Education said its No. 1 job is to help students develop faith in Jesus Christ and to prepare them to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, which is part of BYUH’s mission. “More than any other faculty unit, we get to hit that directly.We get to be very overt in what we are doing,” Shumway added.

A document called “Strengthening Religious Education and Institutions of Higher Education in the Church Educational System” gives a framework to teach the gospel, said Shumway.

One of the biggest and well-known projects of the Faculty of Religious Education is the annual church history trip, said Shumway. He said the trip is a collaboration with the faculties of Arts and Letters; Culture, Language & Performing Arts; and Religious Education.To be a part of the trip, he said students take English 315, a religion class on church history, and a history course focused on research and critique.

“Forget the grade.This is about preparing you for life.This is about preparing you for the Savior’s second coming.This is about strengthening your relationship with future families, future leaders,” Shumway said. He emphasized students should maximize the essence of having the religious department here at BYUH. By doing so, Shumway said both the students and them, as religious educators, are fulfilling their kuleana or responsibility supporting the school’s mission to build the kingdom of God here on earth.

Faculty of Science

Brad Smith, a professor in the Faculty of Science, said most science classes include labs for hands-on learning in the scientific process. As a professor in the marine biology program, Smith advised students to find a biology minor that has a lab. “They’re probably going to enjoy it… especially if they love learning and being outdoors,” Smith said.

Smith said the main mission of the faculty unit is to help students gain a methodology of learning and critical thinking to evaluate sources and verifiable truth. “We set [it] up either through experimentation or observation,” Smith continued. By doing so, he said students can learn to not just rely on someone else’s understanding but also on their own.

“Faculty are engaged in research projects to be published as part of their work, especially in biology.,” Smith shared, and they also mentor students. He added initiatives and projects like the Health Advocate Club and fish-tagging projects lead students to become more engaged and more active, not only in the classroom but also outside the university too. •

Graphics by Ice Cesario. Photos of each Faculty members by Douglas Ferreira.
Aaron Shumway.
Brad Smith.

Caps, gowns and beyond

A brief history of the symbols of graduation

CJ SHINIHAH NOTARTE

Graduation is a tradition that celebrates the success of students who are eligible to “transition from student to graduate,” says honorsociety.org. According to a study conducted by Carl Hulbert and Harl Douglas found on honorsociety.org, this tradition has changed over the past 100 years. In addition, Glenn Cooper, a history professor at BYU in Provo, said the concept of receiving a degree came from the Islamic tradition, where the degree was “carefully scrawled on sheepskin ages ago.”

Caps

The cap worn by graduates, also called the mortarboard, dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, says honorsociety.org. “Scholars and clerics wore similar caps and gowns to denote their status and academic accomplishments,” the website continues. The website also says the shape of the board is inspired by a cap worn by Roman Catholic clergy, which indicates the “scholarly nature and rigorous study associated with higher education.”

Hoods

Tassel

The moving of the tassel from the right to the left side of the mortarboard, according to honorsociety.org, symbolizes the graduates’ transition from being a candidate to a graduate. “It is a visual representation of the hard work, dedication and perseverance required to earn a degree,” the website shares.

Honorsociety.org also says the turning of the tassel signifies the start of the graduates’ professional careers. The website says, “It is a moment of looking forward to the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead.”

According to Melody Coleman, one of the writers of The Daily Universe at BYU in Provo, the hoods worn by master’s and doctoral graduates originated from the Celts. “Within the Celtic groups, only the Druid priests wore capes with hoods to symbolize their superior intelligence,” says Coleman in her article. She said today, hoods signify the degree of the graduate.

White hoods are used for arts and letters degrees.

Gold hoods are used for science degrees. Brown hoods are used for fine arts degrees.

Stoles

Stoles were used to decorate the plain black graduation gowns, says thesashcompany.com. Today, the website says these stoles and their colors signify the person’s field of study. They are listed below:

Restoring the coral reefs and lowland forests

All things are interrelated when it comes to conservation and ecology research, say BYUH professor and research assistants

Black and white GoPro photos in the ocean provided by Ranitea Teihoarii.
Graduating seniors Melanie Faana-Kong, Ranitea Teihoarii and Naia Pulotu in the Science Building. Photos by Yui Leung.

Adeeper understanding of connections between the earth’s ecosystems, a renewed sense of responsibility for nature and a lasting friendships are some of the treasures Melanie Faana-Kong, Ranitea Teihoarii and Naia Pulotu said they gained working as field research assistants together. They said they worked with Dr. David Bybee, a BYU–Hawaii professor from the Faculty of Sciences, on research that was divided into two projects: restoring coral reefs and lowland forest areas, or “the erosion site.”

“When you learn about ecology and conservation, everything is related,” said Faana-Kong, a senior from Tahiti majoring in biology. She said the erosion happening on the mountain, if not taken care of, will affect coral reefs. “The soil will eventually go down to the water and harm the growth of corals, resulting in them not thriving,” she explained.

Restoring coral reefs through fragmentation

As a marine biologist interested in coral reef restoration, Dr. Bybee said he hopes his work has a positive impact, even though it may be small, on coral reef health. He said the team does this by gathering live coral pieces that have been dislodged by storms and which would eventually die. ”The idea is we can take those pieces and replant them in damaged areas,” he explained.

Bybee said there are other groups already doing this but many of them use methods that require purchasing costly, specialized materials online. “What we wanted to do was develop a simple, inexpensive method people in developing countries of the Pacific and Asia or elsewhere can use. We want to cut the costs and make reef restoration widely accessible in the places where our students come from,” he said.

Discussing this with his student team and a BYUH assistant professor who had extensive expertise in coral reef restoration, Dr. Daniel DeMartini, Bybee said they turned their focus to utilizing common materials such as cement because of its relatively low cost and availability almost everywhere.

Teihoarii, a senior majoring in marine biology from Takaroa, said they call the dislodged pieces “corals of opportunity,” and they cut them into smaller pieces. For the field experiments, she said, each of those smaller pieces was attached either to a “nub,” which is

a specialized material purchased online, or to a cement pattie made by the research team. Growth and survival of each type were monitored for several months after planting on the reef, she added.

Bybee said they planted the patties on the reef while the cement was still wet so it could adhere to the ocean bottom. The hope is that as the corals overgrow the cement patties, they will become a part of the reef, he said. “By trial and error, our student team made different cement mixes and found what could work best underwater,” he said. “We have planted many of these patties out on the reef and the corals are now growing,” he said. The team found the survival and growth of the coral fragments were just as good, if not better, Bybee said, with the inexpensive cement method compared to the method with more costly material.

which makes it hard to grow plants. “We are trying to find native plants that can grow there and, hopefully, restore the site too,” she said.

Teihoarii said the native plants they are using are called carex, ahu’awa, uluhe, pala’a, palapala’i and nanea. With an estimation of the erosion site as half of BYUH’s turf field, Pulotu said the site struggled during the summer because of the lack of water and the hot weather. “We had to go up about twice or thrice a week to water and ensure the plants survived,” she said.

Teihoarii also said they tried different methods to help the native plants grow.

“We used fertilizers and watered them with nutrients,” she said. “Another method we tried is using water globes—a plastic globe with water in it, and you’re supposed to stick it in the soil,” she explained. They also used to have a water catchment, according to Faana-Kong.

“We help each other out. It’s rewarding to see the corals and plants grow and our relationships with each other.”

He said they have now finished phase one, planting the cement patties in calm water, and phase two, which is planting those in rough, shallow water. Currently, they are monitoring the growth in phase two, he said. Faana-Kong said one of the ways they do that is by using software programs such as AGISOFT and ImageJ to help them create maps and 3D models of the outplanted corals and the reef they are planted on.

Using native plants to restore the erosion site

Pulotu, a marine biology senior from Hauula, said another project they are working on is at an erosion site in the lowland forest along the Laie Falls Trail. She said because the topsoil is so eroded, all that is left is clay,

“It was a big plastic container with a tarp [attached on trees above the plastic container] to catch rainwater so we wouldn’t have to carry water up, but it caught on fire this August,” she said.

“We thought of setting that up again because we have just been carrying gallons in our backpacks lately, and it makes it difficult to hike up,” she explained.

The life of a field research assistant

“It is a big distinction for people to know that we are field research assistants,” explained Faana-Kong. “Unlike lab research assistants who stay in a laboratory and work with chemicals, field research assistants go outside often,” she said.

Though it is fun, it can be exhausting, she said. “Sometimes when we go to the reefs, we’re only there for two hours. It’s not long when you clock in, but it’s so exhausting that it feels like you worked for six hours,” explained Faana-Kong. Pulotu said for this reason, they also work other jobs. “The time is not a lot, but it wears you down,” she said.

classmates in a conservation class more than a year ago. It was during that class with Dr. Bybee they first went to the erosion site and started planting native plants, she said. Since the beginning of this year, they have worked together on the research project, continuing the conservation and restoration and seeing the results of their hard work, she added.

“I learned not to be afraid to step up, reach out to people and ask questions.”

- Melanie Faana-Kong

Aside from working as a field research assistant, Pulotu said she works in Facilities Management and as a teaching assistant for the Biology 113 class. Faana-Kong does additional work as a research assistant for BYUH Associate Professor Dr. Spencer Ingley and as a teaching assistant for the Biology 350 class, she said. Teihoarii shared she works as the editor-in-chief at Ke Alaka‘i.

In their work as field research assistants, Pulotu shared, “We are at the whims of the elements.” She continued, “We would go on hikes with a lot of water in our backpacks during [the hot and humid] summer. Sometimes, we would get rained on.” She said in good weather, they hiked to the erosion site in 30 to 40 minutes, while in bad weather, it could take over an hour.

“Carrying a gallon of water up there or going at noon on a summer day slows you down,” she said. However, all those hardships are rewarding, she shared because they have gotten to see all the plants that have survived.

Throughout these challenges, Teihoarii said who you are working with matters, explaining, “Being part of a team that gets along is good.” Since they all jumped into a previously started project, she said no one person was over the other. “We help each other out. It’s rewarding to see the corals and plants grow and our relationships with each other,” she said.

Faana-Kong also commented on how much time has passed, as they all started as

Getting involved and having confidence

Getting involved is important for students wanting to know how to be part of a research team, said Pulotu. “There are always volunteer opportunities with us to go to the corals and hike with other people,” she said. “This is such a simple way to learn and to give back from the place you’re getting so much from.”

Faana-Kong advised, “It may seem competitive to be in science and a woman in it. Being open to learning, doing well in your classes and getting to know your professors can help you gain experience.”

She said it is important to be true to yourself and have confidence. As a non-native English speaker, Faana-Kong shared how she sometimes hesitates to ask questions or share her thoughts. “I learned not to be afraid to step up, reach out to people and ask questions,” she said.

Faana-Kong said she majored in science to raise awareness on issues people may need to give more attention to, such as the effects of climate change or coral bleaching.

“It’s just important to learn about the place you’re living in and respect the land and the ocean,” she said.

In Hawaiian culture, it’s called “kuleana,” or responsibility to take care of the land and the ocean and be mindful of everything around you, Faana-Kong added.

“I think it’s a good practice to take care and give back to the place where you are now, and when you go home, you can care about your home too,” she said. •

Teihoarii explained people may also have certain assumptions about what field research assistants are like. “People may think we are fit because of all the hikes and different activities we do, but really, we just try to do what we love and are interested in,” she said.

The Coral Crew with Teihoarii and Dr. Bybee at the front and Faana-Kong and Pulotu at the back.
Photo by John Andrew Quizana..
Illustrations on the right by Guen Ramirez. Graphics by Moevai Tefan.
Porites compressa
Nanea Palapala’i
Pala’a
Ahu’awa
Uluhe Carex
Pocillopora meandrina

The impact of mentorship during college

Three soon-to-be graduates say mentorship defined their college journey, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals

Success is not about where you end up, it’s about people who have guided you along the way, said Lynice Fesolai as she reflected on the influence of her mentor.

Fesolai, a senior double majoring in political science and Pacific Island Studies from Samoa, said, “My mentor helped me not only navigate my academic and personal struggles but also motivates me to better myself for the future.” She added qualities like active listening, patience and giving honest constructive feedback made her mentor exceptional.

Defining goals

Fesolai’s mentor, John Lidang, an alumnus and former peer mentor for the Political Science Peer Mentoring Network, made a significant impact on Fesolai, she said. She said Lidang helped her paint a picture of where she wanted to be after she graduated and reflect on her goals. “One of my goals is to get a political-related job that will contribute to my family and community in Samoa after graduation,” she explained.

Fesolai shared mentorship has been a cornerstone of her academic journey because her mentor has given her guidance, encouragement and new perspectives.

She advised freshmen to be outgoing when searching for a mentor. She added, “I was proactive. [I reached] out to [one of my] professors, [Troy Smith] and he referred me to Lidang.” She said finding someone who genuinely cares and inspires you will make all the difference. Fesolai expressed gratitude for Lidang and his help with her classes and future.

Learning through peer support

Fryda García Salgado, a senior double majoring in political science and intercultural peacebuilding from Mexico, said her college mentorship was less traditional and more of a peer-to-peer support system. García Salgado said some of her friends from the mainland helped her with her classes by explaining difficult terms and concepts she did not understand. She explained, “They weren’t like, ‘I’m teaching you.’ It felt more like we were helping each other as if we were in the same boat.” Salgado said the peer support she received helped her have confidence in class and actively participate in discussions.

As a peer mentor for the Political Science Peer Mentoring Network, she explained approaching each mentoring session with a casual, friendly vibe is key to making mentees feel like friends. “I tried to make [the mentees] feel that I’m here to help, not like, ‘I know more than you,’ or ‘I’m better than you,’” she said.

García Salgado said her professors played a big role in her college mentorship, as she turned to them when she had questions or needed help starting a paper. She shared, “One big thing about BYUH is students enjoy a close connection with their professors and have the opportunity to engage with them during office hours.” She said she made the most of this close connection by discussing her career plans with her professors.

She encouraged her mentees to meet with professors because “many professors chose to come here despite [their] impressive

achievements, like government publications or successful side projects. This shows they have the expertise to guide us.”

Building confidence through mentorship

I-Tai Lin, a senior computer science major from Taiwan, said he didn’t have a mentor in college, but he had one when he did an internship at FamilySearch. He said having a mentor helped him expand his knowledge and his approaches to asking questions. “As an Asian, I used to pretend I knew things and avoided asking questions because I was shy. After my experience at FamilySearch, I started asking more questions,” he said.

Lin said his mentor always encouraged him to ask questions, saying, “The more questions you ask, the more you learn.” He said this saying helped him not be scared to ask for help.

With his high school knowledge in coding, Lin said majoring in computer science was an obvious choice. Although he found the subject manageable, he appreciated his mentor’s teaching through demonstration and experience. “Thanks to my mentor, I didn’t have to figure everything out on my own. He had solved many coding problems before, so his guidance saved me a lot of time,” Lin said. •

Graduating seniors Lynice Fesolai, I-Tai Lin and Fryda García Salgado.

Above: Fesolai and her mentor Lidang at the Polynesian Cultural Center provided by Fesolai. Fesolai pose for the camera.
Photo of I-Tai Lin provided by Lin.
Other photos by Bilguun Enkhbaatar. Graphics by Ice Cesario.

Ke Alaka‘i Named Magazine of the Year

BYU–Hawaii’s Campus News shines at the National College Media Convention with top honors in organizational & individual awards

Ke Alaka‘i received awards in various categories in addition to Magazine of the Year:

First Place- Best Magazine Contents/Spread

Pacemaker FinalistMultiplatform

Third Place- Best Multimedia News Story

Honorable Mention- Best Magazine Cover

Honorable Mention- Best Magazine Entertainment Page/Spread

First Place- Best Magazine Sports Page/Spread

Second Place- Best News Package

Honorable Mention- Best Multimedia Feature Story

First Place- Best Special Section Cover

Third Place- Best Sports Feature Photo

Second Place- Best Special Section (Four pages or fewer)

First Place- Best Sports News Photo

First Place- Best Video Special Event Coverage

Honorable Mention- Best Photo Package

Pacemaker Finalist- Magazine of the Year

First Place- Best Portrait

Honorable MentionBest College Media Group of the Year

Honorable Mention- Best Feature Magazine of the Year

Honorable Mention- Best Multimedia Sports Story

Honorable MentionInformational Graphic Design of the Year

Honorable Mention- Best Use of Short (Sub 3-minute) Video for News and Information

Honorable Mention- Best Special Section (More than Four Pages)

According to the Associated Collegiate Press website, the annual October college media convention is the nation’s largest gathering of college journalists and advisers who participated in sessions, critiques and contests, and listen to speakers.

This year Ke Alaka‘i earned the highest award, the ACP Magazine Pacemaker, at the conference. Gary Lundgren, the ACP associate director and coordinator of the Pacemaker competition, highlighted the exceptional quality of the winning student magazines, noting they rival professional publications. “The verbal and visual storytelling in the winning magazines is remarkable, with long-form stories that are both in-depth and engaging, balanced with shorter quick-reads that guide the reader seamlessly through the pages of the feature magazines,” he said.

The keys to success

Ke Alaka‘i advisor LeeAnn Lambert said the magazine’s success is attributed to a balance of creativity. “It’s a combination of good writing, editing, beautiful photography and visuals,” she said. She added BYUH’s global diversity provides opportunities to cover fascinating topics and people worldwide. “Every team member brings unique ideas, and we often develop one unified concept to cover various perspectives,” she said.

Lambert said training new team members poses challenges but emphasized the magazine’s structured feedback system as

“Every

team member brings unique ideas”

essential to building skills. “The more we focus on training and providing feedback, the more our team can develop the skills needed to produce exemplary work,” she explained.

Lambert emphasized the need for extensive planning and teamwork for future editors and journalists. “It takes a lot of planning to create stories, visuals and photography that stand out,” she said. “The more we can work together as a team, the more we can achieve,” she continued.

She also noted while most student magazines done at colleges just release one issue per semester or year. She said, “We produce three magazines a semester, competing with others who only produce one every six months.” Lambert said this accelerated production schedule sets them apart, yet they compete with publications where the staff has more time to dedicate to each issue.

Perspectives from the creative team

Yui Leung, a senior majoring in visual arts and a photographer for Ke Alaka‘i, shared how his passion for creative work has driven his commitment to the magazine. Reflecting on his journey, Leung said working with Ke Alaka‘i has allowed him to combine his love for photography with storytelling. “Photography is something I wanted to do and

love doing, which is why I’ve stayed with Ke Alaka‘i for almost three years,” he explained. He described how the magazine provides a platform to express his creativity while contributing to a team that values diverse perspectives and high standards.

Leung also emphasized the importance of aligning one’s work with personal passions. He encouraged future team members to pursue genuinely interesting roles, as this alignment enhances job satisfaction and productivity.

“If this job is something you’re passionate about, you’ll enjoy it because we’re creating something valuable for everyone,” he noted. Leung highlighted the unique environment at Ke Alaka‘i allows creative minds to thrive by producing content that resonates with a wide audience, both on campus and beyond.

Beyond personal passion, Leung offered advice on navigating the challenges and demands of the creative field. “You need to get out of your comfort zone and be creative,” he advised. This process, he said, is essential not only for personal growth but also for contributing to a publication that seeks to innovate with each issue.

Leung added teamwork and a willingness to embrace new ideas are crucial to achieving success in a field that requires collaboration and originality. •

Ke Alaka’i team at the College Media Convention in New Orleans.
Photo provided by Ke Alaka’i team.
Illustrations by Guen Ramirez. Graphics by Moevai Tefan.

Growth from Ke Alaka’i

Three seniors reflect on lessons they’ve learned about the importance of communication and creativity when it comes to working together

Working for Ke Alaka’i shaped the lives of three graduating seniors helping them develop communication skills, creativity and confidence while navigating differences and gearing up for the future.

“Everything is about communication.”
- Yui Leung

Bringing imagination to reality

Yui Leung, a senior from Hong Kong, said working for Ke Alaka‘i helped him become more creative. He said as a team, they come up with ideas for photoshoots, stories and layouts. The result usually turns out great, he added.

Majoring in visual arts, Leung said, he chose this major because BYUH didn’t offer a degree focused on photography. He said, “I didn’t study visual arts in high school, but I think it helped me become a better photographer. I realized that learning about the foundational elements of art helped with my creativity in photography and videography.”

Leung said Ke Alaka‘i was his first job, and he never left. Finding purpose and love for a job are vital to the experience, he added. “If you don’t like the job, it will be difficult to keep. So, find the joy in the job and just stay,” he added.

Through Ke Alaka‘i, he said he gained connections and had his projects published. His main goals at Ke Alaka‘i were to gain experience, know how to work and communicate with people, and edit and organize photos and videos, he said. “Being here helped me with all of that,” he added.

Everything is about communication, said Leung. “I came to know that [I] need to talk to people. It’s not about just trying to finish the job but because you genuinely want to build relationships as friends and workmates,” he added.

Leung said he tries his best to help when someone needs assistance at work. “I think it’s easy because I know how to prioritize my activities. So when people ask for favors, I’d know whether I can’t or can help because I have my priorities set,” he added.

He said he wanted to be remembered as a person who can help bring people’s imagination to reality. Leung recalled how a simple compliment from one of his past co-workers helped him realize his purpose.

Graduates and Ke Alaka’i employees Yui Leung, Nozomi Miyata and Camille J Jovenes pose for the camera in their graduation robes.

“When I started as a photographer, I didn’t really know what I was doing until Amanda told me I had the best photos for the layout. That’s the time I realized that I might be good at something, and I was able to help the team better,” he added.

Anxious about the future, Leung said reality hits when one is close to graduating. “You suddenly become aware that you are graduating and start worrying about your future. You start to see what matters most. You realize you actually went to college because you want to have a successful career, ” he added.

Where kindness is seen

A senior majoring in graphic design from Japan, Nozomi Miyata said she originally wanted to major in oil painting but switched to graphic design after being impressed by her sister’s friend’s work in graphic design. While studying at BYUH, she said she learned a lot from other cultures here.

Before joining Ke Alaka‘i team this semester, Miyata shared her experience working at Hale Aloha before COVID-19. “Working at the Luau helped me with my English because I had to interact and communicate with people,” she said. She added during her freshman year she was shy because it was difficult for her to understand the different cultures present and share her opinions.

She said she was worried about working for Ke Alaka‘i at first. “I was not confident in [my] layouts and [having to] design [for] the magazines.” But after a month, she said working with the other graphic designers and their creativity helped her become motivated to do the same.

She said people in Ke Alaka‘i are nice. “They are so helpful. Especially Moevai [Tefan], she checks on me and asks me how I’m doing with the layouts. [The team] really takes care of me,” she added.

“[The team] really takes care of me.”
- Nozomi Miyata
“I want the community to understand that no man is an island. Everything and everyone is connected.”
- Camille J Jovenes

Miyata also acknowledged Jihae Kwon, one of her graphic design professors, for helping her when she struggled in her major. “She made me think about design constantly. For example, when she sees a poster on the street, she analyzes what makes it a good or bad design,” Miyata shared.

A job offer in Japan, Yokohama, is waiting for her when she graduates, said Miyata. “I was also thinking about OPT because I like being here, but I changed my mind because living here is expensive.” She said the company she is going to work for is a small marketing company dealing with cosmetics and clothing.

Everyone is connected

Camille J Jovenes, a senior majoring in biology from the Philippines, said her perspective on cultural diversity changed while studying at BYUH. “I had to be more open to understand the differences we all have. We have the same faith, but we grew up differently and have different experiences,” she added. She said she has so much respect for other cultures because she sees how passionate and true they are to their cultures.

Although working at Ke Alaka‘i isn’t related to her major, she said it contributed to her personal growth, Jovenes continued. “It helped me connect with other people, especially in the office,” she added. She said the skills she gained at Ke Alaka‘i are essential for her future career. “Even though they differ from my major, they are all applicable. My skills as a photographer won’t limit the career I want to pursue,” she added.

Miscommunication in the workplace is easier to resolve when addressed through open discussion, Jovenes said. “I would gladly accept feedback because I know that I am lacking in some aspects of my job or projects,” she added.

Jovenes emphasized the importance of precision with time and scheduling when working with others to maintain balance. “When everyone communicates, it makes managing my time much easier,” she added.

Jovenes shared her plans moving forward. One of her plans is to pursue medicine, she continued. She explained biology as the study of life. “ I want the community to understand that no man is an island. Everything and everyone is connected. I want to effectively be an example, connecting to others because I know that is what the community needs, ” she added.

Leung, Miyata and Jovenes sit at the McKay Pool and the Cannon Activities Center.
Photos by Moevai Tefan. Graphics by Ice Cesario.

Into the unknowns of adulthood

BYUH alumni tell graduates to expect the unexpected during post-college life

As seniors begin their new journeys after graduation, it is important to keep in mind that it is a beginning, said Joshua Christensen, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Sciences and a BYU–Hawaii alumnus. He said life after graduation is different from what students are doing in college. “It’s going to be an adjustment, but it is something that you will adjust to,” he said.

Christensen also said all the experiences students will go through will help them further their career path. He said students should have the mentality that the transition they are about to make is something new. “Give yourself grace and understand it will take time,” he said.

Hyrum Seth Castro, a BYUH alumnus who graduated in 2021, in business, also said seniors should not stop learning and keep experiencing new things. “This is just the beginning of more adventures,” he said.

Finding a work-life balance

Balancing work and life is tricky, said Christensen. He said most people think it is supposed to be 50/50 all the time. “That’s not the reality,” he said. Sometimes, he said, you have to focus on your family more and less on work. And other times, it’s the other way around, he continued. “As long as you are trying to maintain a balance of separation between work and family, it can be helpful … Make sure you have dedicated work time and dedicated family time,” Christensen added.

Castro also said you have to find your flow and focus. “When things are going well at home, it positively influences everything else, including your work,” he explained. As long as you have your priorities straight and boundaries up, this can help you balance work and life, Christensen shared.

Annalise Tan, an alumna who graduated in TESOL in Dec. 2023 also said new graduates should not push themselves into overwhelming and unhealthy habits in the workplace. She said she dedicated too much of her time and money to her education to do so. Tan said some people she knows settled for low-paying jobs with overwhelming workloads after graduation because they believe it’s the only option they have. “I understand, you ought to do what you got to do, but you have to set healthy boundaries,” she continued. She also said having the support of family and friends and doing hobbies you enjoy surely helps.

Dealing with uncertainties

Castro said life is full of uncertainties even after graduating from college. He gave an example, sharing, “[My wife and I] still haven’t decided where to settle long term.” His wife is from Hong Kong and he is from the Philippines, he said. “My advice [is to] trust in the Lord, cherish the moment, and prepare for the future,” he continued.

“Uncertainty is okay,” said Tan. She said when it seems like other people have their lives together and you are still figuring out what you are going to do next, “don’t see it in a scary way. Take it as a learning opportunity.”

Tan continued, “You don’t really get over [the uncertainty] until you are already jumping into jobs.” She said having a support system was helpful for her after graduation. She said her fiancé at the time, her family and others who were important in her life were there for her. It was comforting to know other people were going through the same thing, she shared. “If I can help them get through it, they’ll help me [too],” she continued.

Christensen said the transition from school to the workforce is similar for everyone. “It’s the uncertainty,” he said. He said he had not decided what he was going to do after receiving his associate’s degree at BYUH. “But once I started getting some directions, that was more helpful,” he continued. He said after learning he wanted to pursue psychology, he went to Idaho to finish his bachelor’s in health psychology. “After my undergrad, I went straight to my doctorate,” he shared.

Transitioning to the workforce

Castro said when graduates are transitioning to the workforce they should hold onto their values and stand firm in them. “Once people know what your values are, it becomes easier to live by them at work,” Castro explained.

Getting a college degree doesn’t mean you’re going to get a job, said Christensen. After graduating from graduate school, he said he knew he wanted to stay in academia but was still unsure about where his current steps would take him in the future. He said, “I ended up doing a post-doctorate and that helped me gain experience.” He said this opportunity made him an excellent candidate when he applied for a job at BYUH.

Tan advised, “Don’t see yourself as small and inexperienced… Like an affirmation. You start telling yourself [good things] and you start

believing it.” She said when you don’t know what you are doing, do not push it. Instead, she said you should ask questions and be curious.

Job hunting advice

Castro said an advice he can give to graduating seniors about job hunting is they should figure out what they really want to do. He said, “If you have a clear goal, job hunting becomes easier and you will be more motivated to polish your resume.” He also recommended practicing for interviews and reaching out to people.

Christensen also said students should start early and take advantage of the resources they currently have, and Tan talked about internships, research and other activities available on campus. Christensen added going to career fairs, networking events and getting to know peers and professors will help students make connections, which could help them find a job more easily. “Start as early as you can and [realize] the whole purpose of college is to prepare you for a career,” he explained.

What to expect after graduation

“Be ready for the unexpected,” said Christensen. After graduate school, he said he had no intention of pursuing a post-doctoral. “It wasn’t even on the radar until about a month or two before I graduated when I started getting really excited about this new opportunity,” he continued.

Christensen said students can have great plans, but there is no guarantee those plans will always work out. “Try to be ready, be flexible for whatever life brings,” he continued. Castro said life after graduation is

Advice from some alumni:

full of tests and quizzes. “But in life, it is always open book and you can always call a friend,” he shared.

A challenge Tan said she faced after college was the fact she was expected to be the professional who had the knowledge. “I still feel like a student. I still feel like everyone’s supposed to be teaching me. I still feel like I can’t have a full opinion because I am not experienced,” she continued.

Tan said her mentor taught her a lesson that continues to help her overcome this challenge. “My mentor told me, ‘You gotta act like it. You studied it. You did the work. Now you have to take what you learned and apply it.’” Seniors might not have experience, but they have the knowledge, she continued.

Life skills

Learning how to manage your time, how to be professional in the workforce, how to write a good email, having a resume and knowing how to talk about yourself in good ways are some skills graduating seniors should work on, said Christensen. He explained, “It’s important to emphasize these skills because you’re going to have job interviews.You’re gonna put your name out there and present yourself as best as you can.”

Tan also said making connections is an important skill students should focus on. She said networking is a professional term for making connections, which makes it seem very strict. “In reality, it is just making and becoming friends and being social with people,” she continued.

Finally, Castro advised, “Pray and ask God, ‘What lack I yet?’ and focus on that.” •

“Don’t forget to know what you want to specialize in. That is how people will find you.” -Joseph Ariono

“Don’t rush things. Trust the Lord’s timing.” -Mosese Mo’o

“Remember your purpose and find friends who inspire you.” -Brandon Tapan

“Put in the work, but don’t forget the fun.” -Natalie Day

“Follow up and follow through. If you want it, then it’ll be a priority in your life. There is nothing you can’t achieve. You just have to go for it!”

-Elliot Mauai

“Believe in yourself. You can do more and be more.” -Ricky Callanta

Hyrum Seth Castro and his wife, Jade Castro, and Annalise Tan in graduation attire. Photos provided by Castro and Tan. Graphics by Nozomi Miyata.

From traditional tapa cloth to the Maori haka, families and friends celebrate graduating students with pride, appreciation, love, and cultural richness, according to three graduates. They shared the significance of these unique traditions and their profound impact as they mark an important milestone.

Unique ways to celebrate graduation

Cultural customs are rites of passage and reminders of connections to home

The Tongan Koloa

Pasepa Fakatava, a senior from Tonga majoring in TESOL education, explained koloa, handmade tapa cloth or mat from tangatu or mulberry tree bark, is presented to graduates as a sign of respect. With traditional intricate designs, koloa is often expensive as it takes a long time to make, she said. “The designs [in koloa] tell a story, mostly the family lineage,” Fakatava continued. The tapa cloth usually takes two to four weeks or more to make depending on the size and details, she said.“The finer the mat the longer it takes to make,” she added.

She emphasized making the tapa cloth is a collaborative effort as it involves the whole family. “If you come from a traditional family, they will be the one making the tapa cloth and even ask some members of their extended family,” said Fakatava.

Fakatava explained presenting the tapa cloth, known as the ceremony of koloa, is a meaningful Tongan tradition where families honor the graduate. She said walking carelessly on or by the koloa is disrespectful, “like walking in someone else’s house with shoes on.”

During the ceremony, she explained, presenting a lei to the graduate standing on a tapa cloth requires removing shoes to show respect. She added the ceremony reminds graduates of their responsibilities ahead. “It is a way of letting the graduate know that it is time for him or her to give back to the family and community,” Fakatava said.

Fakatava emphasized graduation is not the end but another beginning for her. “If I were to receive a koloa, I would feel supported,” Fakatava said. “We may feel self-centered… but if we look back on the journey, you are not the only person there. So do not forget the people who help you get where you are and remember to give back to them,” she said.

The Hawaiian Hula

Teija Crawford, a senior majoring in health and human science with a biomedical emphasis from Hauula, said hula is sacred during graduation because it is a part of their culture that was taken away for a long time. “We are in the process of trying to regain that [ownership] again,” said Crawford. Presenting na lei (plural for lei) and doing a hula dance in Hawaii represents not only the culture but honor, achievement, pride and love.

Crawford explained the meanings of the many lei received and hula danced during graduation are a celebration of a family. “It is all about family... It’s not just me getting a degree. There’s so many people

who put their hard work into it,” she said. “Seeing they’re happy makes me happy and [knowing] they are there to support me, that I am not alone in this situation,” she said, also strengthens her.

In Hawaiian culture, she said leis are given to mark all significant milestones, from a baby’s first birthday to college graduation. “There are different kinds of lei, from candy to money, which are my personal favorites,” she added.

“Graduation is not the end but another beginning.”
Fakatava in her Tongan attire and cap and Crawford (below) posing in the stairs of the Lorenzo Snow Building. Black and white photo of Fall 2023 graduates dancing the Hula. Photos by Camille Jovenes.

The Maori Haka

In contrast to giving gifts, indigenous people from New Zealand known as Maori celebrate different milestones through a performance called haka, according to Hinekura Kingi.

Kingi, a senior from New Zealand majoring in health and human science with a biomedical emphasis, said, “Haka is part of our culture... It means showing appreciation and giving culture back to the graduating [students],” she explained. Anyone can do haka that knows it, she added. “You can do it to your friends who are graduating, but it is mainly for people in the culture,” Kingi continued.

During a haka performance, the leader carries the essence of the presentation, said Kingi. “They give the mana or the spirit to everybody around and to those they are performing it for,” she explained. Kingi said haka has been created by their ancestors, indigenous people from New Zealand. “It is to show their unity to each other,” Kingi emphasized. Kingi said people can tell the difference of haka by the way it feels. “It is the chill that you feel when you are watching a scary movie,” she said.

For Kingi, haka has a significant impact on the graduate, especially a Maori from New Zealand.

She said it gives them a sense of home while they are far away from home, providing uplifting feelings and a sense of progress to move forward.

Although she doesn’t enjoy being in the spotlight, she said performing the haka brings her a sense of pride in doing something meaningful for those far from home. “Whenever I jump in to do the haka for the graduates from New Zealand, I feel the impact myself … because I am going to be in their shoes [one day] and I’m proud to be part of them,” Kingi explained.

Haka shouldn’t be altered as they are specific to each tribe, she said, though some allow word changes for personalization. “To make it truly meaningful, it’s best to perform the haka of one’s own tribe,” she explained. •

Black and white photo of BYUH students doing the Haka for the Fall 2023 graduates from New Zealand, Aotearoa. Kingi posing for a photo with her graduates’ cap.
Photos by Camille Jovenes. Graphics by Ice Cesario.
Photos by Yui Leung and Camille Jovenes.

“I was able to spend time and learn about other cultures. Work with awesome people who have a similar passion for social work as I do. Help in [each] department [I worked with], and learn a lot from the community.”

Fox smiling in the middle of plumeria trees. Photo by Yui Leung.
Bailee Fox

The roads of opportunities and regrets

A life-changing class, the support of family and friends and gaining confidence through traveling, are memorable parts of college life

Afour-year college journey is a time to grab opportunities to learn and grow, said graduating BYU-Hawaii students. They shared resources available on campus helped them in their college journeys and which opportunities they regretted not taking.

Taking advantage of opportunities and resources

Choosing to be involved in many different things is something Bailee Fox, a senior double majoring in social work and intercultural peacebuilding from Utah, said she was glad she did. “I tried to take any opportunity I was given. I am glad to do a lot of things and be surrounded by and learn a lot from different people,” she said.

Fox said looking back to all the things she took part in made her feel well accomplished, whether it was working as a tour guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center, being part of the Social Work Club Presidency, and being the field director for a year aligned with her intercultural peacebuilding major.

“I was able to spend time and learn about other cultures. Work with awesome people who have a similar passion for social work as I do. Help in [each] department [I worked with], and learn a lot from the community, “ she said.

Johann Faana-Kong from Tahiti, French Polynesia, a senior majoring in political science, said participating in university trips made his college experience meaningful. He said, one of the memorable trips he took part in for his political science class was when he went to New York to attend a United Nations meeting. “We went and met with many ambassadors of the Pacific at the United Nations,” he said.

“We were able to talk about different issues that they are advocating for at the U.N,. and we also visited the United States Headquarters,” said Faana-Kong. This experience, he said, helped him to become more confident in himself. Learning in class is more

theoretical, but being able to be out and witness how people work in the actual setting is another thing, he said.

As a non-native English speaker, Faana-Kong said regularly meeting with a mentor for his English as an International Language (EIL) class helped him learn the language quickly. He said he was also heavily involved in club activities, such as serving as the club president for Tahiti for two semesters. “Getting involved allowed me to embrace college student life better,” he said.

Wilmar Banguilan-Kim, a senior majoring in social work from the Philippines, said she was proud of balancing family life while gaining an education and working part-time. She said she married in December 2021, started college immediately after that, and gave birth a year later in December 2022. “I am proud I was able to survive all of that,” she said.

She said seeking help and assistance from the resources available for mothers on campus helped her a lot. “Sister Brock, Sister Wadman, Sister Cripen, and all the couple missionaries assigned in TVA, assisted me in my transition to becoming a young mom,” she said. Because her family lives far away, she said they served as mother figures to her as they continuously gave her motivation and reassurance she was doing well in her studies and as a mom. “Everything from prenatal classes, giving birth, to feeding the baby and taking care of it. They gave the best support… I wouldn’t be able to overcome postpartum without their help,” she said.

Of reflections and regrets

Taking care of a baby while studying and working simultaneously can be challenging, said Banguilan-Kim. “There are many extracurricular activities and events I was unable to join because I prioritized taking care of our baby, such as attending university events and performing in Culture Night,” she said.

“I want to have my doors open and enlarge my horizons…[but] I’m still searching for what I want to do later.”
Johann Faana-Kong

Banguilan-Kim also expressed her regrets for not acknowledging the importance of networking earlier. “Because I was shy and felt like I didn’t have enough time, I was not able to participate that much in club activities and networking events, such as Career Fair,” she said.

Faana-Kong said he took four different minors because he didn’t want to focus and specialized in only one thing. “I want to have my doors open and enlarge my horizons…[but] I’m still searching for what I want to do later,” he said.

He said, though he had grabbed a lot of opportunities to get involved around the campus, one thing he wished he had done was to add another major. “If I could go back in time and do something else, I probably would have chosen business management as a second major alongside my political science major,” he said.

He said he thinks politics and business go hand in hand and can benefit each other. He also said he is becoming more interested in creating a business that increases job opportunities for people back in Tahiti.

Fox also said one thing she wished she had known before coming to college is her time here is not to figure out exactly what she will do with her life, rather, it is to gain experience with different things.

She said she thinks it’s a lie when people say something like, “You’ll know what you want to do with your life,” or “You’ll figure out what you want,” to someone who just entered college. “In college, I think you come and try things. Sometimes you just don’t know for sure. Even as a senior, you’re still figuring it out,” she explained.

When she came to BYUH, she said she thought she would do psychology. “There was no room in the psychology class I wanted to get into, so I had to take a social work class,” she shared. After taking that class, she said she ended up falling in love with social work and made it her major. “I am grateful that I was forced to take a class I wasn’t planning on,” she said.

The main challenges Fox said she faced while being a student were taking care of herself and finding a good balance in her life. She said there were times she would be burnt out and sacrifice her sleep. She said sometimes she even forgot to eat. “It would seem like a little thing, but over time you just decline. Your mental health will be bad and then it just impacts every part of your life,” she said.

With the support of her friends, she said she was able to overcome it. She said they would check in with her and remind her to care for herself and sleep more.

Navigating college expectations

Prior to college, Fox said she didn’t really know what to expect. She said, “I wanted to make sure that I took advantage of the different opportunities I was given.” She added she wanted to learn and immerse herself in Hawaiian culture, “the land, the life here, and all the various cultures that are represented here at BYU–Hawaii.”

Growing up in Utah, Fox said she initially planned to study at BYU in Provo because it’s close to her home. She said she has always liked being exposed to different cultures when she had the opportunity. However, she said, on the U.S. mainland, she sometimes feels like she doesn’t get to learn as much about other cultures.

Faana-Kong in the middle of coconut trees. Photo by John Andrew Quizana.
“At first, it was difficult for me to leave my country, but now, it’s the best decision I have made so far.”
Banguilan-Kim poses on the side of the Lorenzo Snow Building.
Photo by Yui Leung. Graphics by Moevai Tefan.

EXPLORATION BEFORE GRADUATION

Connecting with nature and the beauty of the island are things seniors say they wouldn’t want to miss out on

From hiking to see the sunrise to surfing at Castles Beach to diving with sharks, students come to BYU–Hawaii with long lists of things to do before graduation. Wilford Wu, a senior from China majoring in accounting and business management, said the more time he spends in Hawaii, O’ahu, the longer his bucket list grows. “None of my bucket list is really done. I’m living in it right now,” he explained.

Wu and Alyssa Parry, a senior from Utah majoring in marine biology, said exploring the island is how they release stress and cope with being away from home. “It’s harder to be homesick when you’re out having fun,” Parry shared. She said going out and exploring is how she practices self-care.

Wu said one of his favorite things to do on the island is to go hiking and camping. “Just connecting with nature, [it’s a] peaceful and quiet time,” he shared. “I can think and ponder about all the things in my life.”

Iosefa Taliu, a senior from Fiji majoring in math education and mathematics, said while balancing school and work, “Sometimes you need that mental break to go out and explore.” He explained, “It prepares you for what’s out

there in the real world. You get exposed to more and get to have new experiences.”

Parry agreed, sharing, “Living here, it’s so beautiful. You have to make time to go see it.”

When she first arrived on the island, Parry said she wanted to do everything, but, as a marine biology major, one of her most memorable experiences was shark diving. She said, “It literally took everything I had to get in the water. I was so scared that as soon as I put my flippers in the water, I was going to get chomped by a shark.” She continued, “But then, after I was in the water for like five minutes or so, it was so peaceful.” Parry said being able to be an observer in their world helped her overcome her fear of sharks.

those unique memories and experiences so we can think back and learn from it,” he added. •

Also wanting to take advantage of the close proximity to the ocean, Taliu said one of the first things he checked off his bucket list was learning to surf. He said he was nervous at first, but “when we actually went on the board and paddled out to where the waves were, it was like all my fears and the nervousness went away.” Two turtles even swam by while they were in the ocean, Taliu shared.

Wu said appreciating the beauty in nature has helped him connect to where he is living. “Last Christmas Eve, I camped on Crouching Lion. I watched the Christmas sunrise last year,” he explained.

“I feel [it’s important] to build deeper connections with the places where you live,” Wu shared. “We should learn about nature, learn about the place that we live in and create

Left: Alyssa Parry posing in front of the Byodo-In Temple. Top: Wilford Wu and his campment on the Laie Falls Trail. Above:
The Talius posing for a family portrait in Waimea Valley.
Photos provided by Parry, Wu, and the Talius.
Graphics by Guen Ramirez.

Senior bucket list items:

Jump off Waimea Rock

Horseback riding

Hiking

Waimea Valley

Makapu’u Lighthouse trail

Diving with sharks

Swim with dolphins

Road trips

Honolulu museums

Bishop Museum

Iolani Palace

Backpacking

Camping

Crouching Lion

Hukilau Beach

Maleakahana Beach

Meet new people

Go to the temple regularly

“By the time we graduate, we’ll have a home everywhere, not only in Fiji” - Iosefa Taliu
Left: Wu jumping for a photo on top of the Crouching Lion hiking trail. The Talius at the beach and posing at the end of the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. Above: Parry diving in the ocean of Oahu. Photos provided by Wu, the Talius, and Parry.

Beyond classroom: Extracurriculars shape student success

BYU-Hawaii graduating students Milazel Araujo, McKay Orr and Niño Laurel, said their personal and academic success was accomplished beyond textbooks by taking on extracurricular activities. From leadership roles to hands-on experiences, involvement in various clubs, organizations and volunteer work, they said further engagement can offer invaluable skills and opportunities beyond the classroom.

Building leadership skills

Orr, a senior majoring in business management with an emphasis on marketing, supply chain and data analytics, said his participation in multiple clubs such as the Professional Accounting Society, economics, and dance has shaped his understanding of leadership. “As a participant, you can tell when an activity is poorly planned. But once you step into leadership roles, you learn the level of effort and care it takes to organize successful events,” Orr explained.

By actively participating in or leading campus clubs, students learn to navigate challenges, work with diverse groups of people and become problem-solvers–skills highly valued in any career, he said.

“Leadership isn’t about claiming authority but showing you can stay on top of things. By anticipating the needs of professors and classmates, you become a leader naturally, even without an official title. This idea of leadership, where you rise to the occasion, has shaped my perspective,” Orr said.

BYU–Hawaii graduates say their leadership, personal growth and global opportunities has been shaped by extracurricular activities

Araujo, a senior double majoring in intercultural peacebuilding and general psychology from the Philippines, said she has embraced leadership roles through mentoring youth in the Philippines and organizing initiatives in her community. “Through my majors, I found a love for NGOs—not just those connected to the government but also those that help people directly,” she shared. She also said her extracurricular experiences, such as conferences and youth leadership programs, have broadened her view of global issues and how to create real, impactful change.

Gaining practical experience

Extracurricular activities provide students with practical, hands-on experiences that academics alone cannot offer, Araujo said. “My involvement with a project in Kenya

Araujo dressed for graduation.
Photo by Yui Leung.

using technology to connect with and support distant communities demonstrates how extracurriculars can open doors to international collaboration and impact. Even though I’m in Hawaii, I was able to network and support communities even in distant areas,” she explained.

Orr also emphasized the distinction extracurriculars can make on a student’s resume. “At the end of the day, everyone will graduate with the same degree, but your extracurriculars and GPA are what set you apart,” he said. Whether it’s organizing events, participating in conferences or volunteering, these activities help students develop critical skills like communication, teamwork and leadership, which are highly valued in the job market, he added.

Orr said it is important to explore beyond one’s major. He shared his experience working outside his field. “At the Alaska Marine Science Symposium and the Undergraduate Research Fair, I presented ‘Sea Otter Morphometrics and Sex Ratios from an Increasing Population in Southeast Alaska.’ The study explores the population’s growth and its effects on morphometric data and sex ratios. While it’s more math-driven than biological, using regressions and data analysis, it taught me how to apply the skills I’ve gained from my business background to different disciplines,” he said.

Laurel, a senior majoring in business management and TESOL, said extracurriculars helped him become more accountable, particularly in research projects. “One of my proudest achievements was presenting research on ‘Examination of Various Englishes through different aspects of language’ alongside Dr. Maloney and fellow students, which was presented at the K-TESOL conference in Korea earlier this year. Participating in this project deepened my understanding of effective communication and collaboration and taught me the value of responsibility,” he said.

Laurel also said taking ownership of his role, managing his time effectively, and contributing to the team’s success during such projects helped him grow both personally and professionally.

Fostering personal growth

The pursuit of academic excellence is undoubtedly important, but personal growth

often happens outside the classroom, Laurel said. “I have social anxiety, and I accepted that it is beyond my control. We all face different challenges, but I’ve learned even without confidence I still have something valuable to offer, just like everyone else. Instead of letting my weakness overwhelm me, I focus on overcoming it through active participation and involvement,” he said.

Laurel shared through his involvement, he understood the importance of small and simple acts of service. “I volunteered with Women’s Services and Resources, where we packed care packages for new mothers. Through simple acts like this, I realized how deeply rewarding it is to help others. It may seem small to us, but for those receiving the service, it’s a huge gesture of love and support,” he said.

Extracurriculars also help students build meaningful relationships that can support their emotional well-being, Orr said. He also highlighted how networking with professors has been integral to his success. “By visiting their offices regularly, I became more than just another student to them. I could ask questions, get advice and request recommendations when needed,” he shared Building such relationships can open doors to future opportunities, provide mentorship and offer a support system during times of stress.

The role of passion and civic engagement

Araujo shared extracurricular activities have also become a way to channel her passion for causes she believes in. “Earlier this year, I attended a United Nations conference that taught me the realities of the world’s struggles. I realized I couldn’t stop there, so I reached out to youth councils back home offering ideas and mentoring them on how to lead and run initiatives effectively,” she said.

Araujo said her childhood experiences inspired her to serve and be more ambitious. “I grew up in poverty after my father passed away when I was just 10. My mother raised me and my siblings alone. Despite the challenges, I saw my circumstances as a driving force to strive for a better future. I don’t want to live like this forever. I told myself I had to be ambitious and needed a vision,” she said, reflecting on her determination to break the poverty cycle and help others to do the same. Araujo also shared she is working on a

research project called the “Filipino Student Depression Inventory.” She said, “The project aims to develop a culturally relevant tool to assess depression among Filipinos, considering the unique cultural factors that may influence how mental health is understood and expressed in the Filipino community.”

Orr emphasized the importance of civic engagement and expressed his commitment to supporting causes he is passionate about. “I’ve been involved with the Iosepa crew, where I supported their training and helped organize activities, even though I didn’t sail on the canoe. I also advocated for elections, encouraging my friends and others to get involved and participate,” he said.

Orr said his involvement with the Iosepa crew highlights his appreciation for cultural preservation and teamwork. “Even though I wasn’t on the canoe, being part of their journey taught me so much about dedication and the value of working together towards a shared goal,” he added.

Faith and perseverance

Araujo said by maintaining her spiritual beliefs while pursuing her dreams she found the greatest sense of fulfillment. “I thought balancing academics and spiritual growth would be impossible,” Araujo confessed. “But I’ve learned with discipline and faith, you can grow in all areas of life,” she said.

While striving for academic excellence and engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities, Araujo said there were moments when she felt overwhelmed by the weight of her responsibilities. “At one point, I even considered stepping away from the Church,” she said, feeling like she was drowning in her commitments. “I felt like no one was there to help, but I reminded myself to stay faithful to keep praying, going to church, and reading my scriptures, even when I didn’t understand why. Eventually, the answers came,” she shared.

“Stay positive,” she adviced students. “When you choose to keep moving forward, even in darkness, you’ll find the light. Through this process, I discovered true friends, personal revelations, and even the person I’m going to marry,” she said. •

From left to right: Orr and Laurel pose in graduation gowns. Photos by Yui Leung, John Andrew Quizana, Naomi Saenz. Graphics by Moevai Tefan.

Navigating the balance of parenthood and academics

Balancing school and family brings blessings, says two BYUH married couples who are graduating

Juggling the demands of school and raising children are hard tasks but are possible, said Kit-Lee Leduna, a senior majoring in business management from the Philippines. “There have been other student parents before us. If they were able to balance everything, we can too,” he added.

Sacrifices for family

Kit-Lee Leduna said he realized the importance of making sacrifices when coming to BYUH. After the birth of their son, he said they prioritized things from most important to least important. “We had to align our schedules based on his needs. We sacrifice some things in our lives to fulfill our responsibilities as parents,” he added.

Hannz Leduna, a senior majoring in political science, said she had to sacrifice or drop her legal studies certificate for the sake of their son. While pursuing her certificate, she said she was having

BY MYCO MARCAIDA

difficulty balancing homework, reading, and being a wife and a mother. “I was frustrated because I didn’t really have time for my baby. I had to read [and study] for my course [and pass my classes],” she added. Leduna said she regretted dropping her legal studies certificate at first, but doing so made her prioritize her family even more.

She said she loved her teachers because of how understanding they were. “As long as you tell them about your concerns, they help you out in any way they can. Unless you tell them about what you are going through, they can’t help you, ” she added.

Hannz Leduna said she used to have a “if I want it, I’ll do everything I want to get it” mentality. Through her experiences at BYUH as a student and a mother, she said she learned growth from leaving behind what she values to pursue something better. “Now, I’m on a journey not to get exactly what I want but to seek experiences and things that help me grow,” she added.

She tends to be assertive

She tends to be assertive when it comes to her beliefs, Hannz Leduna said. “If I know that something is right, I’ll fight for it,” she added. It’s a skill she learned especially from her major, she added.

Kit-Lee Leduna said his accounting classes helped him become more accountable of his life choices. “I was able to assess my actions and decisions in life. I became more conscious [of my choices. [I believe] I will be aware and decisive on making better choices [in the future] because of it,” he added.

Hannz Leduna said rest is what they are both looking forward to when they finish their studies. “We deserve to rest for a while,” she said. “We are excited to go home and spend time with families again,” she added.

Redefining priorities

Originally from Canada, Kade and Talia Nilsson said they met and began dating before their studies led them to BYUH. Their 9-month-old son, Kai, challenged the couple to reevaluate their priorities, said Talia Nilsson, a senior majoring in intercultural peacebuilding.

Before Kai was born, Talia Nilsson said she had a good job and was busy with work and school. “Since having Kai, we really had to slow down and focus on each other a little bit more,” she added. Finding a job with more flexible hours, working fewer hours and praying everything will work out were a few compromises she and her husband had to make.

Kade Nilsson, a senior majoring in marine biology, said he had experienced the demands of balancing his social life, studies and family. “It’s easy to prioritize a task in one category when it might actually fit into multiple ones. Sometimes I focus too much on classes or taking care of Kai, but I also need time for myself,” he explained.

Talia Nilsson said new challenges arose as she tried to do activities she used to do after giving birth. “We used to go out with our friends past 7 p.m., and we could not do that anymore because it was Kai’s bedtime. Driving to town is a struggle because the baby doesn’t like the car seat. We were limited on where we could go,” she explained.

She said having a baby takes more time. “We have to incorporate Kai’s time into ours. With Kade attending 7 p.m. workshops for the Great Ideas competition during Kai’s

bedtime,” she said she is left to handle his bedtime alone. She said she felt overwhelmed at first because she was handling the baby herself but she also wanted to support her husband.

Despite the challenges of balancing time and responsibilities, there is so much joy in becoming a parent, she shared.“When Kai smiles or laughs and recognizes you when you walk in the room” she said she knows, “we’re the greatest people in the world for him. And that really helps us get motivated moving forward,” she added.

Kade Nilsson credits his BYUH experience with fostering a community that feels “like a close-knit family,” where peers and professors offer support and fellowship. “It’s a small campus so your teachers know you personally. We also consider them as family and friends who have been understanding of what we are going through [just like] family,” he added.

He highlighted the importance of the values within the Polynesian culture on the family because it helped shape their own values. “It’s inspiring to see their entire culture revolves around these ideals and values. It’s been helpful

to grow in this type of environment where Christ is put first,” he added.

Talia Nilsson said prioritizing tithing and attending the temple has helped both of them in so many ways. “We both are not covered by Hukilau or IWORK scholarships. We look at our finances. We are not in debt. We have paid for everything. Prioritizing the Lord first gave us the blessings we needed,” she added.

Talia Nilsson said she feels so proud of the both of them. “We did a lot. Kade switched majors. We went through school without debt. We had a baby. And [we] found our passions. I am really proud of how we’ve come as a family and our personal development,” she added.

She reflected on wanting to do anthropology first but heard about peacebuilding and the goal of helping communities resolve conflicts to get along. “I was able to work hands-on with my major and be a community specialist. It gave me the practice that I needed,” she added.

Kade Nilsson said he aspires to explore marine biology fieldwork. “We’ve done so many field trips, going in submarines and mountain tops. It gave me all the hands-on stuff I want to do in the future,” he added. •

Graphics by Ice Cesario.
Photos by Bilguun Enkhbaatar. and Precious Paula Maguale.

Tips to get and ace a job interview

Crafting resumes for specific jobs and writing personalized and error-free cover letters, are ideas a BYUH senior shared

Looking for a job can become a part-time job in itself, according to Indeed. com. “Creating a resume and cover letter tailored to each position takes time and effort ... but that is what gets you an interview,” the website says.

Golden rules for a standout resume

Jeff Su, a full-time product marketer at Google and a YouTuber, shared five “golden rules” for creating a standout resume and helping applicants pass the initial screening process.

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Include a LinkedIn profile link. “Resumes with a LinkedIn profile see higher interview rates,” Su said. Candidates provide a more “complete picture of [their] background,” with a LinkedIn link.

Use keywords. “Keywords are essential, especially for applicant tracking systems that scan for specific terms related to the job,” he shared. Candidates who match the language from the job posting increase their chances of passing initial filters and making it to a recruiter’s desk.

Focus on measurable results. “Numbers tell a story,” Su said, encouraging candidates to quantify achievements, such as “boosted sales by 20 percent within the first quarter” instead of simply “improved sales.” This specificity makes accomplishments more credible and memorable to hiring managers.

Have a good resume length. He said, “475 to 600 words is the sweet spot.” This range strikes a balance between detail and brevity, allowing candidates to highlight essential experiences without overwhelming recruiters, maintaining a focused and polished presentation.

Avoid buzzwords and clichés. Words like “hard worker” or “team player” are too vague to stand out. Instead, Su explained, “Candidates should be specific, focus on actual accomplishments and show unique skills in a way that’s tangible and authentic.”

Mistakes

to avoid when writing a cover letter

Jason Tan, a computer science senior from Malaysia, said he gained valuable experience during an internship at FamilySearch in Utah from June to September 2023. Among other companies he applied to, he said he ultimately chose FamilySearch because of their strong mentorship program and one-on-one experience. “The mentors provide constructive feedback and help identify areas for improvement,” Tan said. Su said he faced rejection from almost every company he applied to due to the mistakes he made in his cover letters. Drawing from these experiences, Su shared five common mistakes to avoid when writing cover letters.

Don’t use a generic opening in the cover letter.

During the interview process, Tan said managing nervousness was his biggest challenge. To overcome it, he said he used several interview strategies that helped him ease his nerves. 1 2 3 4 5

Starting with phrases like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager” can make the letter feel impersonal and reduce its effectiveness. “Always try to find the hiring manager’s name to personalize your greeting,” Su said, as it shows attention to detail as well as personal initiative and makes a stronger, more memorable impression.

Don’t repeat what’s already on your resume. Su shared cover letters should serve as a complement, not a duplicate, of the resume. “Use the cover letter to tell a story or highlight specific achievements that are relevant to the job,” he explained. Doing so brings depth to an application and helps hiring managers get a better sense of a person’s skills and potential fit within the company.

Focus on the needs of the company, not your personal goals. Su shared, “Employers want to know what you can do for them.” Instead of only listing personal ambitions or interests, applicants should align their skills and experiences with the company’s specific needs and goals to show how they can add value to the organization.

Avoid a lack of enthusiasm. An unenthusiastic or generic tone can make it seem as if the applicant isn’t truly interested in the role or company. “Express genuine interest in the role and the company,” he advised. People should include specific details about what excites them about the position or the company’s mission because a little enthusiasm can go a long way.

Make sure you proofread. Typos, grammatical errors and formatting issues can undermine the professionalism and attention to detail of an applicant. Su shared, “Even minor mistakes can make a big difference.” A carefully reviewed cover letter shows commitment and care. Reviewing the document multiple times or having someone else check it can ensure it’s polished and error-free before submission.

Boosting confidence through interview strategies

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Ask questions. It not only calms nerves but also clarifies any uncertainties, Tan explained. “If I didn’t understand something, seeking clarity helped a lot. Thinking aloud while solving problems in technical interviews kept my thoughts organized, and researching my interviewer’s role in advance provided an extra boost of confidence.”

Be confident. It’s okay not to have all the answers. “I try not to be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know,’” he said. “Instead, I focus on what I do know because interviewers are more interested in seeing how you approach problems than in getting perfect solutions.” This mindset shift allowed Tan to stay calm and showcase his problem-solving skills effectively.

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Don’t ask irrelevant questions. “You want to leave the best impression and get the most useful information you can,” Tan said. For example, he said he once applied to a role focused on problem-solving skills but found himself asking about customer service instead. “I came from a tour guide background, where communication and customer service were my strengths, but those weren’t the core skills the role required,” he explained. He said tailoring questions to align with the job description is key to standing out.

Use online tools. Tan said he used Leetcode, an online platform that helps people prepare for coding interviews, to practice coding and strengthen his problem-solving skills. “I mostly focus on project-based learning,” he shared. Online mock interviews are helpful for simulating interview scenarios. AI tools like ChatGPT can also assist with technical concepts and help people practice responses. •

Jason Tan smiles in his graduation robes on BYUH’s campus. Photo by Bilguun Enkhbaatar. Graphics by Ice Cesario.

Student jobs: The foundation of future careers

BYU–Hawaii graduating seniors share how their student jobs, with their unique roles and responsibilities, have shaped their futures amidst challenges

Fall 2024 graduates Krystal Ava, Elizabeth Ameto and Carlo Barredo shared their campus jobs prepared them for future careers while highlighting the rewards and challenges of balancing work, studies and personal growth. Their roles, academic support, spanning cultural preservation and housing management, they said, offered them a sense of community, cultural insights and hands-on experience.

Balancing motherhood and academics

Ava, a senior from Makakilo majoring in Pacific Island Studies, said she is a teaching assistant at the Jonathan Napela Center for Hawaiian Studies. “My main responsibility is to support students’ success,” she explained, “through correcting assignments, clarifying expectations and

giving constructive feedback.” She said she enjoys offering positive encouragement and praising achievements while guiding students for future assignments.

Having returned to Laie, Hawaii, after spending seven years in Lehi, Utah, Ava described the strain of wanting to excel in her studies while being an active mother to her five sons. “I have felt the pressure of wanting to do extremely well in all of my classes. This can be challenging when you have five sons and want to be active in their lives,” she explained. Yet, she expressed gratitude for the support she has received from her professors in Pacific Studies who “truly care and want to help,” making her educational journey “truly lifechanging.”

Working as a teaching assistant for two professors, Ava explained, has been

Elizabeth Ameto demonstrates Samoan fire dance at the PCC Samoan Village. Photo by Naomi Saenz.

instrumental in honing her skills. “My job has become a place for learning and growth,” she said. She said she learned, “Confidence cannot be taught, but it can be attained when an opportunity to level up is given to us as college students.”

Grading student papers has also provided her with diverse perspectives, pushing her to reflect on her own path. “It’s amazing how each assignment offers an unique perspective,” Ava said. “This experience has ultimately strengthened my desire to not just meet deadlines but to be intentional about learning from others,” she added.

Ava noted reading students’ essays often brings her to tears. “My heart was touched by the sacrifices many parents have made to give their children the opportunity to

She said she also shares Samoan customs, traditions, language and history, focusing on items in the chiefs’ hut, the Maota Tofā

Besides giving lectures, Ameto said she teaches visitors traditional crafts like weaving a fish, or I’a, with coconut leaves and performing the coconut shell dance. She said she entertains her guests by dancing in the pre-show, the fire knife dance.

Through demonstrations, storytelling, and hands-on activities, she said she strives to keep the fa’avae, or the foundation of Samoan culture strong and alive.“E sui faiga ae tumau fa’avae,” she said, a Samoan phrase meaning, “The ways may change, but the foundation remains.”

For Ameto, working at the Samoan Village is “a bridge between generations,

knowledge that can support future work,” she said.

She explained daily interactions with visitors from diverse backgrounds help her develop essential skills such as “ communication, public speaking and interpersonal skills, which are highly valued in many professional settings.”

In coping with the challenges experienced, Ameto said, “I would always abide and stay grounded in Samoan values like fa’aaloalo, or respect, onosa’i, or patience and alofa, or love, which always have and will help me approach each day with patience and purpose.” She concluded, “Remembering the importance of these values has helped me handle misunderstandings and ensure I am representing my culture with pride and authenticity.”

“By deeply engaging with Samoan traditions and values, I am building a rich foundation in cultural knowledge that can support future work.”

study here at BYUH,” she said. She shared a personal connection to this experience, recalling her father’s encouragement before his passing. “He told me, ‘You can do it, Krystal. Don’t give up,’” she said, emphasizing how his words will stay with her as she graduates in December.

Ava recalled a challenging night with four assignments due, five papers to grade, and a new church calling, all while needing to help her family. She stayed awake for over 24 hours, finishing her tasks before realizing it was morning, she continued. “I had to wake my son for Seminary, get the kids ready for school and attend my 9 a.m. class,” she shared. Despite the exhaustion, she said she felt accomplished and determined.

Preserving one’s heritage

Ameto, a senior history major from Samoa and demonstrator guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Samoa Village, said her role includes answering questions, giving directions and ensuring visitor safety.

sharing and preserving Samoan heritage for future generations while educating others.” Ameto expressed her goal as helping “create understanding and respect for Samoan traditions, helping visitors connect with the values, stories and practices that define Samoan culture.”

Ameto said camaraderie with colleagues and supportive supervisors makes her workplace a home away from home. “Our lunch breaks are always fun because we eat together, share stories and check in on each other,” she said, adding her supervisors’ humor lifts their spirits, even on tough days. This support brings comfort and belonging, especially during meetings with encouraging words for the college student team, Ameto added.

Ameto described her work as a foundation for future opportunities in education, tourism, cultural preservation or advocacy for indigenous rights. “By deeply engaging with Samoan traditions and values, I am building a rich foundation in cultural

“Visitors may sometimes bring misconceptions or stereotypes, and addressing these sensitively while educating them can require patience and skill,” Ameto said. She said another challenge is engaging visitors with varying levels of interest or understanding of Samoan culture. “Finding the right balance between being informative and entertaining can be tough, especially when explaining complex cultural practices or values,” she said.

Better time management

Barredo, a senior from the Philippines majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said he works as a housing superintendent for BYUH Housing Operations. He is involved in detailed property checks, cleaning inspections and managing check-ins and check-outs in TVA, he said. “Each apartment is safe, livable and meets our maintained standards,” he said.

Barredo said his internship with the department sparked a passion for property

management. “I aspire to positively impact the student experience by providing wellmaintained and inviting living spaces,” he added.

He recalled a memorable experience when he encountered a group of students decorating their apartment for a cultural event during a property check. “They warmly invited me to join them, sharing their excitement and creativity,” he said, noting the interaction gave him a unique glimpse into how students make their spaces personal havens.

A primary challenge, Barredo shared, is managing time effectively during peak periods like the beginning and end of semesters. “Balancing the need to maintain high standards while adhering to tight deadlines can be demanding,” said Barredo.

To address this challenge, he said, “I focus on critical tasks first and break down larger projects into smaller, manageable steps.” Time management tools like reminders and calendars on his phone was helpful, he added. “I use the ‘Do Not Disturb” feature to avoid distractions and multitasking.” He also noted the effectiveness of setting realistic deadlines and creating checklists to stay organized and on track. With these strategies, “I have significantly improved my efficiency and allowed myself to manage increased workloads effectively,” he said.

Barredo said his long-term goal is to own rental property, and his role is helping him hone skills in property management, attention to detail and customer service. He shared how he has improved on learning the importance of upholding high standards for safety and livability, which he sees as essential for effective facility management. •

Top right: Carlo Barredo poses.
Bottom right: Krystal Ava smiles for the camera.
Photos by Naomi Saenz.
Graphics by Moevai Tefan.

THE JOYS AND WOES OF PUBLISHING

BYUH faculty share how the writing and editing process works including relationships with collaborators and publishers

BYU–Hawaii faculty members, along with their various work responsibilities, have published books on a wide variety of topics. From fantasy books for young readers to academic research, their work covers a broad range of topics and audiences. They shared their experiences researching, writing book manuscripts and interacting with publishing teams.

Latter-day Saint Art: A Critical Reader

The world of publishing a book can be rewarding, but it can also create uncertainty, said Mason Kamana Allred, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters. Allred said he co-edited the book “Latter-day Saint Art: A Critical Reader,” organized by The Center for Latter-day Saint Arts, with Amanda Beardsley, a lecturer in Women’s Studies at San Diego State University. At the beginning of working on the book, Allred said his original editor, Laura Allred Hurtado, had to pull out of the project, so him and Beardsley became co-editors along with being

chapter authors although he hadn’t edited a book previously.

Though there was a learning curve, he said the opportunity to work with a team was powerful. Allred didn’t know most of the chapter authors before working on the book, but he said they grew closer together as they collaborated on it. “I got to know them really well, and we had a lot of respect for each other,” he shared. At a conference he and Beardsley organized for the authors to meet and share their work, Allred said, “We felt like friends. It was uplifting and rewarding.”

Toward the end of the years-long process for writing the book, Oxford University Press, the world’s largest university press, joined the project to get the book published. As part of the publication process with Oxford, he explained the book underwent a blind review by an anonymous expert in the same field. The book passed, but he said it was scary to think about investing their time into a project that would never get published. “[It] would [have been] horrible if it never came into fruition,” he shared.

While their book did get published as he hoped it would, he said it was a process with a lot of back-and-forth between the original team and Oxford. He shared the Oxford team they worked with was more assertive with design choices than other publishing teams he had collaborated with in the past. He said, “This is not necessarily a bad thing because Oxford is an expert in publishing.” However, he said it is tricky because “you want to make sure your vision comes through in the editing the final product and what it looks like.”

During the writing process, he said he would regularly schedule little windows and

tell himself he had two hours to write. When the two hours ended, Allred said he’d stop and do something else “unless I’m feeling great and it’s flowing.” As long as he didn’t procrastinate, he said those cumulative little windows of time would add up when he “kept chipping away at it.”

“This is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive and insightful critical exploration of Latter-day Saint art yet. For those of us who feel called to create—as a divine purpose and attribute—this book offers a wealth of inspiring artworks, stories, and inspiring individuals. I hope it also helps us become better appreciators of art, fostering a deep gratitude for the expressions and efforts of those who paved the way for us, leading to our own new thoughts, feelings, and creations,” Allred said.

“Narratives and Images of Pacific Island Women”

While working on her book, “Narratives and Images of Pacific Island Women,” Rose Ram, director of the Joseph F. Smith Library and co-author of multiple books, said she felt humbled by the experience of gathering the oral histories of Oceanic women. Throughout the writing and editing process, Ram said it was important readers wouldn’t read an analysis of these women’s lives and culture but truly feel connected to them individually and their unique voices. “We would intentionally hold onto the integrity of these women,” she said.

Born and raised in Guam, Ram said, “The Lord has been helping me to recognize and use the beautiful Chamorro principles my mother taught me,” as she worked on her book. She

explained the cultural values she was instilled with growing up included giving back to those who showed her kindness and generosity. One way she said she did this was when women would share their stories with her but ask to not be published, Ram would still take the time to transcribe recordings of their stories and send them a copy.

Another one of Ram’s values, she shared, is to honor God. She said this played out when she was editing the book “Battlefields to Temple Grounds.” The opportunity to glorify God and to serve the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Micronesia who had already sacrificed so much for God by sharing their stories was an honor given to her by Heavenly Father, she said. Ram said she felt blessed to have spoken with and shared the stories of people in the Pacific.

While gathering oral histories for “Narratives and Images of Pacific Island Women” was a sacred experience for Ram, the later process of book writing and publishing requires more nitty-gritty tasks, she said. “Narratives and Images of Pacific Island Women” underwent a peer review from her colleagues, she said. Although it came out before the BYU–Hawaii internal review board was fully established, she said they ensured their work was ethical by gathering signed consent forms from those whose stories were featured.

“The work is a collection of interviews and photographs gathered in an extensive women’s oral history project funded by Brigham Young University- Hawai’i. The selected narratives include indigenous women from Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawai’i, Kiribati, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga. They establish significant distinctions and commonalities among Pacific Island women and also between island women and those outside the Pacific,” Ram said.

“Dialogues with a Trickster: On the Margins of Myth and Ethnography in the Marshall Islands”

Phillip McArthur, a professor in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, said getting his book published involved lots of time, thought, independent writing and collaborative editing. After years of collecting anthropological research in the Marshall Islands and meticulously organizing

his notes, he said 18 years passed between him beginning writing the book manuscript and “Dialogues with a Trickster: On the Margins of Myth and Ethnography in the Marshall Islands” being published.

One stressful moment in the publishing process, he shared, was when his original publisher decided not to publish the book after working with him for two years. McArthur was able to secure a new editing team through University of Hawai‘i Press, but they had different revisions from his original team, so he still needed to refine the work. Although this was hard, he said, “[I] was very happy with my editor … she was very helpful with feedback.”

Despite a positive experience working with her, McArthur said writing a book involves a lot of give and take. “About 50 percent of the time,” an editor knows best, he said, because they have lots of experience editing books in the general field of study and share the goals of the publisher.

classes would not give him enough time to get much done in one sitting. He said he had to be intentional with making time for his book. McArthur said, “My most productive times were when I would be here [in the office] from 10 p.m. to midnight just working on stuff.” He said the quiet after colleagues left the office and “being up here hidden away” were his favorite times to work.

“My book attends directly to a cultural group that forms part of our target area. It speaks directly to the historical, cultural and political challenges this cultural group faces in a complex international environment, while at the same time raise comparative issues throughout the region. The in-depth study of a culture is not just for its own sake, but can and should offer resources for more meaningful and productive intercultural relations. We too often attend to culture in superficial ways. Celebrating cultural differences without understanding often leads to misunderstanding,” McArthur said. •

Continue on the next page for more faculty member’s published books.

Other times, he said, “You do not want to keep changing everything to satisfy these [book] reviewers and try to pander to them and what they want because pretty soon you are not doing your own work anymore.” He explained, “There’s a balance to be struck” with knowing when to take beneficial advice and when to maintain the integrity and spirit of your work. Though his reviewers were vocal about changes, McArthur said he was grateful his editor at UH Press was willing to give more than take when McArthur explained the importance of a decision he made.

Unlike Allred, McArthur shared he personally did not write much during the day because he would get interrupted or distracted by others and because days teaching

Other books published by BYUH faculty

Barley and Rye book series by Rebecca Carlson, an adjunct faculty member in the Faculty of Sciences

“Robbers, witches, and dragons, oh my! Brave Barley and his clever brother, Rye, become the unlikely heroes of the Land Far Away in these mad-cap mixed-up fairy tale adventures. Designed with young readers in mind, the short chapters and engaging storytelling make these books perfect for after-school reading minutes or bedtime stories. Find them on Amazon.com or at the BYUH bookstore!” Carlson said.

Voices of Latter-day Saint Women in the Pacific and Asia (https://rsc.byu.edu/book/voices-latter-day-saintwomen-pacific-asia) by Po Nien (Felipe) Chou, a professor in the Faculty of Religious Education

“The history of The Church of the Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in the Pacific and Asia includes a vast array of stories and experiences spread across a diverse spectrum of peoples and cultures. The experiences of the first sister missionaries, Relief Society or Primary presidents, companions to the mission presidents, temple matrons and other female leaders are essential to provide a more complete picture of this great work of faith and sacrifice among the people in the Pacific and Asia.”

Ancient Names in the Book of Mormon - Toward Deeper Understanding of a Witness of Christ by Matthew Bowen, an associate professor in the Faculty of Religious Education

“In the Hebrew Bible, or the Old Testament, the names of individuals, places and people held deep significance. In many instances, narratives and prophecies revolved around--and played on--specific names, name origins, sounds and meanings. Since the Book of Mormon purports to be an ancient scriptural text, written in the ancient Israelite tradition, we might expect to find similar phenomena throughout its texts. Using our knowledge of Biblical Hebrew and other Semitic languages as well as ancient Egyptian, we do, in fact, find numerous instances in which the names constitute crucial elements in Book of Mormon autobiographies, narratives and prophecies. More than mere literary ornaments, these elements strengthen the Book of Mormon’s majestic witness of Jesus Christ— the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,” Bowen explained.

Papyrus Bodmer III: An Early Coptic version of the Gospel of John and Genesis 1-4:2 by Daniel Sharp, a professor in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts

“As a witness to the early Coptic and Greek Biblical traditions, Papyrus Bodmer III is of vital interest to biblical scholars. This updated transcription is unique in providing readers with direct access to the original text by positioning digital images of the actual papyrus side by side with a new transcription of each page. Over 100 corrections to Kasser’s 1958 transcription underscore the importance of this book for serious students of the New Testament … This work will prove a valuable asset to anyone interested in Coptic Biblical studies, New Testament textual criticism, scribal habits, and other related fields,” said Sharp.

Covers of each book illustrated by Guen Ramirez to replicate the original covers. Graphics and illustrations by Guen Ramirez.

Camila Aguado

Arizona | Cell & Molecular Biology

“Anything worth its salt takes time.”

Celeste Lehr Lehnardt

Missouri | Political Science

“Long story short, I survived!”

Carlo Barredo Phillipines | Hospitality & Tourism Management

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do — not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased.” - Heber J. Grant

Keqi Feng China | Accounting

“Life’s a journey, not a destination, and I’m just getting started. See you at the top!”

Cai Rong Zhang China | Supply Chain & HR

“Seek solutions for success and never make excuses for failure.”

LE AV ING A MARK

Graduating students share their quotes and what song they want to play during graduation

Photos of graduating seniors by Yui Leung. Graphics by Moevai Tefan.

Camille J Jovenes

Philippines | Biology

“‘Can you multitask?’ Yes, I actually am losing my mind and chilling at the same time.”

Alex Biehl da Silva

Brazil | Business Management

“Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Krisha Terrobias

Japan | Business Management

Marketing

“I still don’t know what HGB, MKG and LSB stand for.”

Joseph Powell Arizona | Music

“Never let anyone get in the way of you and your Pokemon addiction.”

Jessa Sariah Mae Ramones

Philippines | Hospitality & Tourism Management

“Not loud, but here to leave a mark.”

insp

An

JosephineHasu ’spathtoempowerment

iringjourney

BYLINDALAULU forstudentswithdisabilities

Facing doubt, setbacks and the weight of societal expectations, Josephine Hasu said she has transformed challenges into opportunities while on campus. Diagnosed with mild spinal cerebral palsy, a senior from Papua New Guinea shared experiences and challenges, which she said has become a symbol of resilience for students with disabilities. Hasu said she overcame academic problems by dreaming of a future as an advocate for marginalized voices. She said, “It’s okay to be different, [but] don’t let your disability shape you. Focus on your capabilities instead of your disabilities. Be yourself, and don’t change who you are to fit in.”

Doubts of past experiences

Majoring in communication, culture and media, Hasu said she has never let her mild spinal cerebral palsy define her journey. Instead, she shared challenges that motivated her to move forward with courage and determination, even when doubts and setbacks arose.

Hasu said attending BYU–Hawaii had always been a dream before her mission. “However, after my mission, I wasn’t sure if I [still] wanted to [apply],” she added. After serving as a missionary for 10 months, nine in Fiji and one in Provo, Hasu said she was released early due to medical conditions. The experience left her feeling uncertain about pursuing her goals, she said.

“I felt like I didn’t achieve one of my dreams because I was scared. What if I came to BYUH and the same thing happened? What if I had to go home again?” She said she asked herself. However, her family’s encouragement inspired her to take on the challenge and pursue her dreams, she said. “I realized that to help others, especially my family and community, I had to pursue my education at BYUH,” she said.

Starting her degree came with its own set of challenges, she said. “One thing about me is I forget things easily... I was scared I would struggle with all the writing and speaking required for [my major],” she said. Hasu said the transition to online learning during COVID-19 added another layer of difficulty. “We were the first group to take online classes, and the internet problems made it even harder,” Hasu explained. “English is my favorite subject, but when I took an English as an International Language or EIL class, I felt like my English wasn’t good enough for college,” she said.

Despite the setbacks, including academic probation, Hasu persevered. “I almost got sent home for a year, but I was given one more chance to prove I could do this,” she said. Taking on the challenge, she said she gave her best. “I made it through and was able to fulfill this goal by passing my classes at the time,” she said.

Overcoming physical and social challenges

Accessibility challenges on campus have also tested Hasu’s resilience. “In my first semester, walking from one class to another, especially back-to-back classes, was really hard,” she said. Hasu shared about her cousin, Rhoda, helped organize her class schedules before the beginning of each semester so there was time for her to prepare herself and make it to the next class. “Some classes are far apart, but

my cousin, Rhoda Torea, helped me choose classes with more time in between so I could manage better,” she said.

In addition to that, she stated bathrooms were another obstacle for her as a student. She noted, “Every time I need to use the bathroom for people with disabilities, someone is inside,” Hasu said. “It’s frustrating when I see able-bodied people using it, especially since regular stalls are so tight for me.”

She also talked about the difficulties caused by scooters on campus, as another challenge for her. Hasu described times when students riding scooters often fail to yield to pedestrians. She said, “Sometimes I’m forced to move suddenly, and I might fall, because they expect us to stop for them.”

Supporters along the way

Hasu said a couple of people, both near and far, have supported her the most during college. She shared, “When I started attending school, my cousins were also students, and my sisters supported me from home. They reminded me of the purpose behind leaving my family and encouraged me to never give up.”

Hasu posing by the Aloha Center Ballroom with cap and gown. Photos by Moevai Tefan. Graphics by Ranitea Teihoarii.

Her cousin, Rhoda, played an important role in giving her the tough love, said Hasu. “Rhoda would always come around, even when I was hanging out with friends, reminding me to do my assignments and get ready for work.”

Torea, an alumna from Papua New Guinea, described Josephine as a special person in the family. She said her niece’s physical appearance and disability make her unique and cherished. Although Hasu is technically her niece, Torea said their bond is much closer. “We grew up together, did everything together and shared everything. There is always a sisterhood bond between us,” she added.

Torea reflected on the challenges Hasu has faced, including doubt from her adoptive mother about her ability to succeed academically. She said this was mainly because of Hasu’s mission experiences of being sent home early and her disability. Despite these obstacles, Torea said she always encouraged Hasu to persevere. “The challenges she faced made her stronger and [pushed her to] always follow her dream,” Torea said. “[Hasu] is always passionate about what she does. Her disability doesn’t stop her. She keeps going,” she added.

Additionally, Martha Matheson, Hasu’s older sister, said she has taken on a parental role in her life. She said she has been offering both financial and emotional support throughout her educational journey. “I supported Josie [Hasu] financially and in kindness whenever I could,” Matheson said. “In challenging times, I offered support in the form of encouragement and kind words, mostly reminders to Josie of her achievements,” she added.

Matheson shared her sister has faced many obstacles, including academic and personal hardships. “I often had regular talks with her about not giving in to anything that seemed difficult to overcome,” Matheson explained how happy she is for her sister who has conquered all those battles. “I call them battles because only she knows what could have broken her, but she chose to be stronger,” she said.

Breaking barriers through self-reliance

Hasu said she is particularly proud of balancing her part-time job at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) with being a full-time student. As a custodian worker, it has increased her abilities of time management. Hasu said, “It taught me the principle of self-reliance and hard work, especially waking up at 5 a.m. and going to work before classes every day.”

Torea said since beginning her studies at BYUH, she has witnessed remarkable growth in Hasu. “She’s so used to being told what to do and following along, but now, she’s become independent and can make her own decisions,” she shared. This surprised Torea because the Josephine she knows always followed her adoptive mother without question, she said. “Now, she confidently makes her own decisions and has grown both physically and spiritually,” she added.

Matheson explained she’s driven to see Hasu succeed because of the potential she sees in her. “She is equally capable of achieving all her dreams and aspirations,” she said. “And I would love to see that more than anything,” she added. Matheson added, watching Josephine’s progress has also had a profound impact on her own life. She said, “Seeing Josie [Hasu] succeed has impacted my life journey

in terms of persevering in my educational journey.” Reflecting on moments of pride, she added, “The best moment was learning she had succeeded in her undergraduate studies with BYUH.”

Goals inspired by personal challenges

Hasu said she plans to become a communication specialist or public relations professional. She shared her passion is mostly based on advocating for people with disabilities in her home country. Hasu said her mission is to inspire disabled women and prove they can get a degree and contribute meaningfully to society.

“In Papua New Guinea, girls with disabilities are often overlooked. They’re told it’s okay to stay home while the boys go to school,” she continued. “I want to be part of the ones to change that perspective. I want to tell them anything is possible. That everything our heart desires is doable with a willing heart.”

Torea highlighted their shared experience at BYUH as a testament to Josephine’s resilience, recalling how she overcame failing classes and the risk of being sent home. “She kept fighting and finally achieved her goal of graduating at the end of this semester,” Torea said. Looking ahead, Torea expressed hope for Josephine’s future. “There is always a support system behind her, cheering for her. Small steps at a time, but always aiming higher,” she added. Matheson also shares her hopes for Hasu accomplishments to go beyond her personal success as well. She noted, “I hope her degree and her achievements inspire others in our family circle and community. •

“I want to be part of the ones to change that perspective. I want to tell them anything is possible. That everything our heart desires is doable with a willing heart.”
-Josephine Hasu
Left: Hasu dressed in her graduation gown. Right: A close up of 2024 tassel.
Photos by Moevai Tefan. Graphics by Ranitea Teihoarii.

Pursuing Passions

Let creativity and curiosity guide projects, says librarian and students who participated in the 2024 Undergraduate Research Conference

One reason Caitlin Aldre-Escabarte said she loves BYU–Hawaii is how the small class sizes provide more research opportunities. Alder-Escabarte, a senior marine biology major from Utah, said getting involved with a project as a student is a less competitive process than it might be at other schools. “Professors have more time for students… In my experience in the natural science department, if students have ideas they want to pursue, there is a professor who wants to help them … and [has] the ability to help them.”

Zachary Hedrick, a junior psychology major from California, said he has enjoyed being mentored by Dr. Spencer Scanlan and Dr. Boyd Timothy in various research projects. However, one drawback of doing research while attending BYUH is it is a comparatively smaller university with limited resources to test students’ hypotheses, he shared. Alder-Escabarte said, “I think there is a lot of truth in that our university does have limits [like financial limitations], but I think every university does.”

About 200 BYUH students shared research they have been doing at the annual Undergraduate Research Conference in April

2024, according to the BYUH website. Stephanie Robertson, an outreach librarian at the Joseph F. Smith Library who served as co-chair for the URC, counseled future researchers, “Please understand that all scholars feel intimidated by the research process, but successful scholars know that by small and simple means, great things can come to pass.”

To get started, she recommended, “reach[ing] out to your professors to mentor you as your first step, and then let your curiosity carry you through the process.” For those experiencing a sense of intimidation, she shared, “In my opinion, the best research is motivated by creativity and curiosity. In that way, research can be more fun and even feel like an adventure as opposed to something to fear and feel intimidated by.”

Creating hope for the Earth

Alder-Escabarte shared research on microplastics’ environmental impact has produced varying results on microplastics’ true impact on nature, but “bottom line, microplastics are never good, and the effects are always way more substantial than any positive effects or neutral effects.” She shared ways plastics have harmed marine life, such as whales dying after ingesting plastic nets. “Aside from our oceans, microplastics play a big role in our soil quality and our bodies.” She said microplastics have been found in mothers’ placentas, meaning, “Even [human] fetuses have microplastics introduced to them before they are born.”

Alder-Escabarte said, “There are a lot of unknowns.” Some researchers are trying to test how microplastics affect the human body, “but there is nobody to test that against. There is nobody who does not have microplastics already inside them,” she said.

As Dr. Esprit Saucier’s biology research assistant, Alder-Escabarte said she had the opportunity to work on a months-long lab

experiment measuring the effect of microplastics on mole crabs. “It was focused on the ability mole crabs have to change the color of their carapaces, which are their shells,” which she said is important for their survival because their ability to adapt to the color of their surroundings is what helps them avoid being eaten by predators.

For the study, she said they took the crabs and placed each one in a container with a different color of sand. Crabs molt their shells about once a month, so Alder-Escabarte’s research team members would photograph and document the new shells’ appearances for similarities and differences.

She said as the amount of microplastics on beaches and in oceans increases, the color of sand gradually changes. Though they used various colors of sand, one they were particularly curious about was blue sand. The color blue is actually a difficult pigment for animals to create, so she shared part of the study was to measure if mole crabs could camouflage effectively with the introduction of blue microplastics to their natural habitats.

Although the results of their study are currently unpublished, Alder-Escabarte said she has, “been very lucky and determined in getting the research experience [she has had],” and recommended students get involved with research during their undergraduate years. She said her focus has involved documenting qualitative observations, but she said other methods such as statistical quantitative research are also valuable.

Regarding environmental issues, Alder-Escabarte said while individual actions can be powerful, it is important individuals do not blame themselves every time they use plastic. Rather than throwing away everything people own with plastic in it, including their clothes with synthetic fibers, chairs and toothbrushes, she suggested being politically aware and knowing what motivates individuals.

Alder-Escabarte said she does not personally enjoy “full scare tactics” in negative and urgent environmental messaging and prefers hearing both hopeful and neutral perspectives to motivate her to make good environmental decisions. Even though she said it can be depressing to think about, she shared, “There is a lot of hope and way more awareness than there was 15 years ago.”

Fighting for understanding and compassion

Hedrick shared he presented on the topic of addiction at the URC. “A lot of people look at addiction as a personal choice. I look at it as an illness,” he said. His URC subject, “The opioid epidemic among adolescents in the United States,” is something he said he is deeply passionate about. Having worked with children in the school system and at the Bobby Benson Center in Kahuku, he said, “[Adolescents] fall victim to their circumstances and they are somewhat helpless.”

Though there are often individual choices adolescents make that start the cycle of opioid use disorder, he said there are larger forces at play, including family dynamics, cultural dynamics, school environment, socio-economic status, race and hometown. He said opioid use disorder may also have something to do with, “their genetic predisposition.” This biological perspective, “looks more at the addiction side of it in terms of the glial cells within the nervous system being hijacked as they are developed [during adolescence].”

“I believe the majority of individuals who are struggling with opioid misuse are young adults to mid-aged adults,” he shared, which is why most of the data about opioid misuse focuses on that age group. “But I think we are seeing increasing numbers of adolescents who are getting earlier and earlier into this.”

To contribute to the field of research with an experiment, he said students need to, “read the literature and summarize and compose that research into a lit review.” Not doing so would be, “like going to a book club [when] you didn’t read the book.You are not going to be able to contribute,” he explained. He shared his experiences reading peer-reviewed articles about aspects of the opioid epidemic among adolescents that were informative, surprising and exciting. Having then researched the topic, he said he could then pinpoint “holes in the research” and determine where more attention and resources were needed.

Though he has not written a project proposal, he said his literature review will be useful when he has more financial resources in graduate school to create a new one. Hedrick also shared, “Anyone can do a lit review.”

Using the university’s library databases, he said students can access peer-reviewed journals on websites like JSTOR and Sage Journals.

Through his research, Hedrick said he learned about the negative and positive impacts of COVID-19 on opioid use disorder, what forms of treatment are effective in overcoming substance use disorder, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and 12-step programs, and the unethical way the pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma got opioids on the market.

One stereotype of people with opioid use disorder is they are, “homeless on the streets” or otherwise, “on their knees crying, sobbing, hitting rock bottom,” said Hedrick. While some people are like this, others “are in denial that

they are addicted to opioids and getting refills on their [prescription] pain medication.” He explained, “There is shame associated with [opioid use disorder]” and “coming from a place of love and compassion is really important” when interacting with people who struggle with this illness. He recommended people have a similar level of compassion for people with substance use disorder as people with cancer, explaining even though substance use disorders are largely psychological, it does not make people’s struggles less worthy of empathy.

He said something parents can do to protect their children is to, “Make sure your kid lives in an emotionally available home,” because people often use drugs as a coping mechanism. “Educating your children about … the true dangers of it,” he explained, will help them understand the danger of opioids. For example, though marijuana and opioids are both drugs he does not endorse using, he

Aldre-Escabarte and Hedrick talked about the research they have done while students at BYUH including studying microplastics effects on the environment and what contributes to opioid use in youth.. Photo by Bilguun Enkhbaatar.

said people are much safer smoking marijuana than taking opioid pills. “[Opioids] can [make] you dysfunctional and ruin your development.” He also said he recommends people admitting when they do not know something, listening rather than speaking, staying informed about politicians’ views on these issues, stop using harmful words like “junkies” or “tweakers” and stop blaming people for their trials when you actually do not know their life stories.

Giving women a voice

Though she specifically studies graphic design, Chanrosa Ly, a visual arts senior from Cambodia, said her URC project was about researching the lives, art, and historical impact of three female painters. As a woman, Ly said female painters throughout history who have overcome gender oppression and other adversities are inspiring to her because they remind her of the importance of her voice as a woman.

Artemisia Gentileschi, Mary Cassatt and Frida Kahlo are three artists whose lives and art show their personal and societal struggles. She said while female artists are much more represented today and her art classes are filled with female students, this was not historically the case. “The art industry was dominated by men,” she said, so “[Gentileschi, Cassatt and Kahlo] had to work more and extra hard to get the recognition they did.”

Gentileschi was an Italian Baroque painter. Her early 17th century painting “Judith Slaying Holofernes,” is graphic and bloody, shared Ly. This work gives an insight into her thoughts and feelings after being raped by her art tutor. “It’s her way of expressing herself,” she said, explaining what she learned about Gentileschi’s documented rage for the man who hurt her and the patriarchal society that continued to punish her for being a victim.

The Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, is the most inspiring, said Ly. Kahlo’s art “is expressive of what is going on in her life, her heritage, her culture, her disability, her mental health, her marriage situation. She’s not afraid to express it,” said Ly. She also said Kahlo was very aware of social and economic issues in Mexico and used her art to counter them.

Mary Cassatt was a painter who struggled on both a personal and societal level, said Ly. Gender oppression in the early 1900s in the United States made it difficult for Cassatt’s art to be taken seriously and for her to get into a good school because her paintings focused on

women and children, said Ly. Cassatt’s involvement with the Suffragette Movement, which sought to give women the right to vote in the United States in the early 1900s, inspired Ly, she said.

“We got to this point because of those women,” she said about their pioneering influence. For her personally, she said feminism is not about putting men down but about giving women the opportunity to express themselves. “I cannot imagine how it feels to work hard and [have that work] credited to someone else, to not have the opportunity to learn art and go to school.” Though she said she is happy with the way women are now more involved in the

history class lesson. She said one day, “It just occurred to me that most [artists] were men.” After coming to that realization, she said she felt inspired and eager to research more about the topic and share her research with others. “I felt like maybe the Holy Ghost got [the topic] for me.”

Ly said if students want to participate in URC, they should choose research topics they are passionate about, regardless of whether they are directly related to their major, and utilize their resources. A strong interest in their topic will help carry students through the harder parts of the research process, Ly said. She also said to, “Treat it as a learning

artistic community, it is important to acknowledge past women’s impact on society today. She shared while politics are one way to change society, art is special because of its storytelling ability used “from the beginning … from generation to generation.” Though some of Ly’s graphic art is personal and not necessarily intended for others, Ly said she thinks it is beautiful and powerful when others can connect to the stories of different people through their art.

Though this was her first research project for URC, Ly said she felt inspired by a global

experience,” with mentors, workshops and other resources to help along the way.

Remembering the beauty of culture

Even though visual art is not her major, Reei Temakei, a senior anthropology and cultural sustainability major from Kiribati, said she was excited to learn about art last year for her URC project. She grew up loving art, she said, even though it was not promoted or encouraged. While here at BYUH, she took an art class and loved it. Though she said her project, “was very unrelated [to my major], it was

a part of my job” as an assistant data analyst at the library. She said this project was an opportunity to “learn about new cultures [through art],” which is a way for her to understand the history and the world.

Her research was focused on the sculptor Jan Gordon Fisher, a former BYUH art professor. Though he is most well-known for his statue of Duke Kahanamoku with the surfboard showcased in Waikiki, Temakei said he has done many pieces around Laie. One notable one is of “Ma” Manuhi’i, the native Hawaiian woman who cared for Joseph F. Smith during his mission in the Hawaiian Islands. Temakei said Fisher also completed a monument at the Old Koloa

Cultural Center shows the lasting influence of Fisher’s teachings on his students and their art.

Taking the time to study Fisher’s art, which mainly showcases significant Oceanic figures and history, has helped Temakei learn more about Hawaiian culture. She said she loves the resiliency of Hawaiian culture through their revitalization efforts, such as promotion of the Hawaiian language, and it has made her, “more grateful for [her] own culture.” It has also inspired her to one day help improve Kiribati’s limited cultural heritage centers such as a one-room museum she visited back home during COVID-19.

Sugar Mill recognizing the various peoples who worked there like the Portuguese, Japanese and Korean.

She said his desire to honor Pacific cultures is apparent not only through his art but also his encouragement of Oceanian students to pursue art. “I love how Jan Fisher, even though he was American, taught a lot of students who became sculptors,” said Temakei, including Leroy Transfield of New Zealand and Viliami Tolutau of Tonga. While not made by Fisher, she said Transfield’s famous Hamana Kalili sculpture in front of the Polynesian

Temakei said one of the coolest things she learned about Fisher was his connection to the Gates of Paradise, famous sculpted door panels created by Lorenzo Ghiberti in Florence, Italy. “There is a lot that no one really knows,” she said, referring to the lack of information on the subject in the BYUH archives. She said Fisher originally went to Florence, Italy, where he acquired the original casts for the door and brought them to Hawaii. She shared making that connection between Hawaii and the Italian Renaissance was exciting. Though Fisher has left a legacy through his sculptures, she be-

lieves his legacy is also about “keeping culture and history alive.”

Temakei is passionate about research, and has completed various projects such as one, “about common gestures in language, [from different cultures]. … From greetings, even flirtation,” she shared. Due to her experience working in the library, she recommended students who feel intimidated “to realize we have [so many resources.]” For her projects, she said she read books about Florence, used JSTOR, consulted the BYUH archives, did interviews with students, did ethnographic anthropological participant-observation, reached out to strangers who she thought might know things through email and Facebook Messenger and more. “I like images and short historical facts,” she shared, so she tends to gravitate toward professional peer-reviewed scholarly sources and first-hand interview accounts.

She said while she loves research, there are some methodologies she is not familiar with, such as using quantitative datasets to run statistical analysis through computer software. She said she hopes students realize there are many ways to do research from online archival websites, creating surveys, asking professors for help, ChatGPT, ebooks through Libby and databases through the online Joseph F. Smith Library. “Everything is more digital now,” so she said she has had fun learning. •

Left: Ly reading artbooks.
Bottom right: A portrait of Temakei. Photos by Bilguun Enkhbaatar. Graphic by Nozomi Miyata.

A family celebration

Families of graduates say supporting, loving and celebrating their children’s success and sacrifices is worth the travel across continents to attend graduation ceremonies

Families and graduating students shared the joy of celebrating educational milestones together and the sacrifices made along the way. Parents reflected on their children’s growth at BYU–Hawaii and the family dreams fulfilled through their achievements.

A family’s faith

Prince Spencer Pason, a social work graduate from the Philippines, said his family is the reason he works hard even when things get difficult. He said his family was his greatest support throughout his education, especially because he applied to BYUH during COVID-19, a challenging time when he felt everything was working against him.

While applying to BYUH, Pason said there were times when he felt like giving up, but his family didn’t let him. He shared his mother prayed for him every day, and his siblings supported him financially, even if it meant sacrificing some of their needs. “I could see how hard it was for them, but they never complained,” he said.

Due to the expenses, paperwork and the distance, Pason said he was ready to celebrate his graduation alone. Then a miracle happened, he said his mother constantly prayed at the temple and dedicated herself even more to the Church. Things began to fall into place and

A portrait of the Tuaiva family.
Photo provided by Poeiti Océane Mirella Tuaiva.

made it possible for his mother and his sister to come all the way from the Philippines and celebrate his academic milestone together, he shared.

Clarissa Pason, his mother, shared the importance of education in their family. She said it was the key to a better life and unlocks the doors to many opportunities. “Education is something no one can take away from you,” she said as she thought about the sacrifices their family has made for a better future.

His sister, Kathleen Pason, said she noticed his growth since being at BYUH. She said her brother grew in maturity and in making decisions founded on truth and confidence. She shared they frequently hear about his kindness and ability to foster relationships with the people around him. “What’s most inspiring is how he consistently strives to maintain and strengthen his discipleship of Jesus Christ,” she said.

She expressed her gratitude towards her brother, for stepping up as a father figure in their family when their own father was absent and taking responsibilities far beyond his years.

Stephanie Pason, his eldest sister, said she could not be able to attend his graduation but nonetheless shared how proud she was of her brother. “Graduation is not just a personal achievement. It’s a reflection of all the sacrifices, hard work, and love that has helped you get to this point,” she said. She expressed her joy towards him, knowing he’d be walking across the stage in December and his graduation is just the beginning of even greater things for him.

Pason said he will be beginning his internship as a social worker at Pearl Haven in Kahuku after his graduation. He plans to pursue a master’s degree after the internship, he said, either in Utah or Kansas. “My ultimate dream is to bring what I’ve learned back to the Philippines, to stand as an advocate for the vulnerable, and to create lasting change in my community,” he voiced.

Laying the foundations

Poeiti Océane Mirella Tuaiva, a business management graduate from Tahiti, expressed how grateful she was her father, mother, sister and little cousin attended the ceremony. She said her family has always been a constant source of support, no matter what her situation. Whether through words of encouragement, prayers or just knowing

they were there for her, Tuaiva said they have been a psychological anchor throughout her education. “Their love and belief in me have given me the strength to persevere and succeed,” she shared.

Her parents, Freddy and Séverine Tuaiva, and her sister, Purotu Tuaiva, conveyed the immense honor of being present for her graduation. They said their presence represents all the years of hard work and sacrifice, both individual and familial, that have brought her to that moment. “Family is everything, and we believe in showing up for each other, especially for such a momentous occasion as graduation,” the Tuaivas shared in an email.

Purotu Tuaiva said she has seen her sister grow into someone more open and confident in her choices during her time at BYUH. She shared she admired her sister for her hardworking and driven nature. “What stands out the most to me is her ability to let God prevail in her life. No matter what challenges she faces, she consistently aligns her will with His, trusting that His plan for her is greater than her own,” she voiced.

Freddy and Séverine Tuaiva echoed that admiration and said in an email, “Her trust in the Lord has been the foundation of her success, and it’s that unwavering faith that has guided her through every challenge and decision.” They expressed how incredibly proud they were of her and how excited they are for wherever her journey will take her next.

They said she will be the first child in their family to complete higher education and graduate from an American college. They explained education to them is a religious responsibility, and as parents, they are in charge of laying the foundations for the rising generation who will one day be called to lead.

Poeiti Tuaiva said what she accomplished in BYUH is a symbol of familial pride and deep gratitude for the sacrifices her family has made and the examples they’ve set in her life. After graduating, her plan is to attend graduate school in Provo, Utah, where she will pursue a master’s degree in both public administration and business administration, she shared.

Perseverance in unconditional love

Jo Ya Hsu, a TESOL graduate from Taiwan, said her family’s unconditional love was what enabled her to pursue her educational success at BYUH. She shared her parents would never judge her education decisions, especially when

she chose to study in Hawaii. “They pray for my happiness in intellectual, social, physical and spiritual aspects every day, and they reach out to me weekly and are concerned about my well-being,” Hsu said. Her father, Chao-Hung Hsu, said being able to come to her graduation shows their family’s love for her and her efforts in education. He has seen his daughter grow to become independent and brave, ready to face whatever challenges await her in the future, he shared.

Prince Spencer Pason with his family. Photos provided by Prince Spencer Pason.

What he admires most about her is her honesty, integrity and diligence, he said. Regarding his children’s education, he shared that he would continue to support them no matter what. He recalled the time his daughter struggled in her academic pursuits, as he shared how her schools in Taiwan didn’t give her the educational goals she pursued. When she moved and studied at BYUH, he said he felt she was happier in her progress. “Do not give up. Find the path that’s fitting for you,” he said.

the joy she felt having more than nine family members come to her graduation. She shared her family has been her unwavering support throughout her education by providing her with emotional encouragement, instilling her with a strong work ethic and making sacrifices to ensure she had the resources she needed to succeed. “Growing up in a Tongan household, I learned the values of hard work and perseverance, motivating me to honor their efforts by making the most of my opportunities,” she said.

“They pray for my happiness in intellectual, social, physical and spiritual aspects every day, and they reach out to me weekly and are concerned about my well-being.” - Jo Ya Hsu

Jo Ya Hsu said her parents have never traveled to the USA. Seeing their effort to pay for airfare and practice English words makes her feel more of their love, she said. “They will be bringing lots of Taiwanese desserts and gifts for those who have helped me throughout my time here,” she expressed. Hsu plans to cultivate her degree by applying for academic training and attending the Fall 2025 TESOL MA program, before returning home and helping out at a youth conference, she noted.

A world of difference

Ilaise Liyah Tautuaa, a business management graduate from Tonga, expressed

Her parents, Kouli and Ungatea Tautuaa, expressed in an email their gratitude for their daughter’s hard work and achievement. “We weren’t able to further our education after high school, but we are grateful our daughter did it for us,” they said. They shared education is one of the greatest gifts parents can give to their child and even if resources are limited, a parent’s support, encouragement, and belief in their child’s potential can make a world of difference for their child.

Whether by celebrating small successes or simply taking an interest in what they’re learning, a parent’s support can be the spark

that lights a child’s path forward to a future full of possibilities, they stated.

The Tautuaas recalled all the sacrifices they have made to center education in their home. They said even when financial means weren’t enough, they showed their support towards each other’s education in other powerful ways. Their family was always reminded that education was the key to opening doors that those in their family never had access to.

They remembered how they would always be there for each other whenever someone in school felt like giving up. They would always celebrate small victories, encourage each other when things were tough, and always believed in each other, they said. “Today, Ilaise is in college, getting there towards the finish line, reaching her goals. These things wouldn’t have been possible if she didn’t feel any support at home,” they shared in an email.

Ilaise Tautuaa said her family’s willingness to travel despite the cost and the distance is a testament to their unwavering love and belief in her. “I wanted to make sure I would go as far as I go for them, so that I am fulfilling not only my dreams, but also theirs too,” she said. Those who are planning to come will be visiting all the way from Tonga, Alaska, California, Minnesota, and New Zealand, Tautuaa said. After graduating, she plans to either apply for graduate school or academic training, she shared. •

Left: The Tautuaa family matches in white outfits Right: The Hsu family pose with heart hands.
Photos provided by Jo Ya Hsu and Ilaise Liyah Tautuaa.
Frames and texture from Freepik. Graphics by Manhattan Ethington Prien.

Winter 2023 graduates from different Pacific Islands pose in front of the David O. McKay Building mural and flag circle, covering the school motto “Enter to learn, go forth ,to serve.”

Photo by Joseph Ariono.

Enter to learn, go forth to serve

Reflecting on what they learned about love and service as students, BYUH alumni say it has help them become better parents, workers and leaders

With the school’s motto “Enter to learn, go forth to serve” kept in mind, BYU–Hawaii alumni said they embarked on new adventures after their graduations. Suzanne Evans, an alumna from California who graduated in 2010, said her experiences at BYUH have helped her fulfill this motto and become more aware of the service opportunities around her. “I’m able to help serve my family and people I interact with on a daily basis,” she explained.

Suzanne Evans and her husband, Justin Evans, said they met as students at BYUH and were married in 2014. “Going to BYUH was the greatest choice for me. I think all the good things in my life have come from that decision to go there,” Suzanne Evans shared.

Cameron Kerr and Natalie Kerr, another couple who met at BYUH, said they regularly reflect on their time as students and are grateful for all it has taught them. Cameron Kerr, a 2015 graduate from California, shared, “Everything I have in my life is a result of BYUH.”

Enter to learn

Alumni said as students at BYUH, they learned more than just academic lessons. Natalie Kerr, an alumna since 2017 from California, said she learned the importance of “listening with your heart to understand people with [various] differences and cultural backgrounds.”

She shared how this has helped her have more compassion for the people she works and interacts with.

She said working as a therapist in the Center for Equity and Belonging at the University of Utah introduced her to students from different backgrounds, cultures and communities. “A lot of what I learned came from BYUH in connecting with students from different, diverse backgrounds,” she shared, which helped her immensely in this position.

Cameron Kerr explained BYUH taught him how to establish peace amidst all the division in the world. “BYUH teaches you to understand different groups of people and to be patient with differences,” he explained. As a stock plan administrator at SpaceX, Cameron Kerr said it’s easy for people to get caught up in the stress of the fast-paced environment, but “because we learned to get along with people who were so completely different [from us] … it makes it easier to get along with people.”

Suzanne Evans shared she learned “to rely on the Lord, and if you get a prompting or any sort of inspiration, to follow that.” She said she never planned to go to BYUH, but after visiting the campus, she felt a prompting to apply. “I didn’t even tell my parents I applied. I just applied … And it was the best experience of my life,” she shared.

Justin Evans, a 2015 graduate from Arizona, said, “I learned the importance of studying hard and working hard on your education … the importance of trying new things that seem really hard at first, and putting your effort into growth.” He said working as a canoe guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center taught him the importance of hard work. “For two weeks I

couldn’t move any of my muscles, [but] it was one of the funnest jobs,” he shared.

Working as a tour guide at the PCC taught Natalie Kerr valuable lessons as well, she said. “I loved getting to learn about my culture, being Samoan, [and] I loved getting to learn about other peoples’ cultures, like other Polynesian islands, as well as the [cultures of] people who came through the Center,” she shared.

Justin Evans also said his work as an accounting tutor helped prepare him for his current career as an accounting manager at The Siegfried Group. “Even though I didn’t think I was the most amazing accounting student, it was a great benefit for me to stretch myself,” he explained.

Suzanne Evans said the education she received while attending BYUH has been helpful while she home schools their daughter. “The professors at BYUH, since it was such a small class, they really made you feel like you mattered. So I’m trying to pass that on with my teaching right now.”

Go forth to serve

Justin Evans said the service from the BYUH community greatly influenced how he serves others now. “There was a time where I couldn’t even afford food, but even in that same time, I don’t feel like I ever went really that hungry,” he explained. “There were people in the community who were inviting me for dinner and really treating me with generosity and service that you wouldn’t expect. I’ve tried to carry that forward.”

As a student, Suzanne Evans said she had many opportunities to serve “through my callings at church and through my day-to-day interactions with people … I got to meet so many different people which gave me more empathy.” Currently, as a stay-at-home mom, Suzanne Evans said service is constant in her life.

Serving in the Relief Society presidency at BYUH gave Suzanne Evans opportunities and experience she said she wouldn’t have had otherwise. “I think that’s carried into my normal life now,” as she serves in the Primary presidency, she explained.

Justin Evans said since graduating from BYUH, he’s had opportunities to serve in church callings, his career, and in his day-to-day interactions. “Whether that was as secretary in the bishopric, or being able to have visibility and to help serve others when it came up,” it’s been important to have “a service mindset of bringing ethics and honesty,” he said.

Natalie Kerr, who is currently a stay-athome mom, said she regularly reflects on her time at BYUH while raising her two sons. “I

was always around TVA,” for her classes as a social work major, she said, “and there were always kids running through. Those families were always an example to me.” The children and families always looked “happy and carefree,” she explained, but looking back on it now she realized just how stressful it must have been for those parents. “I wanted to be a parent like that and I wanted my kid to have fun and enjoy their life,” even if it was stressful for her, Natalie Kerr shared.

Cameron Kerr said his connection to BYUH was what set him apart from other candidates when applying for his current job because his boss was also an alumnus. “Just having that education at BYUH, it opens up a lot of opportunities to share the gospel with others,” he explained.

He said “going forth to serve” can manifest itself in many different ways. “I think for me, the service piece is always being an example of the believers, always being an example of Christ and sharing that light with others,” he shared. He explained in his career, living by

Christ’s example has given him opportunities to hand out a “Book of Mormon” and share the gospel with his coworkers.

Natalie Kerr said the simple acts of service she witnessed at BYUH had the biggest influence on her life. “I think there were a lot of different experiences at BYUH where people would do the smallest things for you, but it meant so much,” she shared. She explained how she strives to be that person for others in her day-to-day life.

Cameron Kerr agreed with his wife, explaining, “I think the motto, ‘Enter to learn, go forth to serve,’ sometimes we think that we’re going to change the world by being in this crazy job or crazy leader.” He continued, “But I think the most important piece to me so far has been serving my family, like being a good husband and father.” •

Suzanne Evans on her graduation day in 2010. Justin Evans in front of the Laie Temple in 2011 before his mission. The Evans on their wedding day in 2014. Justin and Suzanne with their daughters in front of the Laie Temple. Natalie and Cameron Kerr on the boat as students. The Kerrs with their children The Kerrs during Culture Night.

Photos by Suzanne Evans, Natalie Kerr and Yui Leung. Graphics Nozomi Miyata.

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