Ke alaka'i- March 2018

M A R C H 2 0 1 8 · Vo l u m e 1 1 9 : I s s u e 3

Pa g e 22 C hr i s B ea rd : Advocate f or p e o p l e wi t h di sabi l i ti e s

COV ER: Page 34 Stude nt s uppo rts c o ns ervatio n, zoo s , and s ea parks

THE LEADER

Page 40 Senio r c reates drea m fo o d truc k in Kahu ku

MARCH 2018 • VOLUME 119 • ISSUE 3

ADVISOR Le e A n n Lam ber t MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS Denali Loflin

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kev i n Brown COPY EDITORS Savanna Bachelder

Gosuke Kawano

Brooklyn Redd

Hannah Jones

Antoniette Yee

Emmalee Smith Jessica Gonzalez Leon Helam Lau

VIDEOGRAPHERS Kel sy Si m m ons Cour t ney Bow Ni el sen

Zeek Cheng

Kenny Vi l ayvong

Tomsom Cheang

ART & GRAPHICS

Adam Brace Ally Pack

M cKenna Locken Brooklynn Redd

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ART DIRECTOR

A lvin V i ncent Dy

Lor i n Vi l ayvong

Ky le Gab Bat ac A dam Case

NEW S CE N T ER BOX 1920 BYUH LAIE, HI 96762 PRINTER P r int Ser vi ces

MANAGING EDITOR Josh M ason

CONTACT

Email: keal akai @by u h. edu Ad Information: keal akai ads@gmai l . com Phone: (80 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 6 9 4 Fax: (8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 4 9 1

Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquiries: ke a l a k a i @ by u h . e d u .

To s u b s c r i b e t o t h e R S S F E E D

ON THE COVER: Kendra Nelson pulls rope out of the ocean at Kahana Bay. Read her story on Page 34.

o r t o v i e w a d d i t i o n a l a r t i c l e s , go t o ke a l a k a i . by u h . e d u

ABO UT US

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

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PH OTO SUBMISSIO N Called “Follow the Light,” this is a sunset on the BYU-Hawaii campus. Photo by Julian Gutierrez

Share your photo with us and we may feature it in our next issue. E-mail us your high-resolution photo with a caption at kealakai@byuh.edu

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

KEA LA KA I.B YUH .EDU Instagram: @KEALAKAINEWS Snapchat: @KEALAKAINEWS Facebook: KE ALAKA‘I YouTube: KE ALAKA‘I NEWS

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MARCH 2018 • VOLUME 119 • ISSUE 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Campus Comment: If you could be a Disney character, who would you be?

CAMPUS LIFE

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Day in the life of social work major Leticia Tomez

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Hong Kongese, Taiwanese, and Chinese students celebrate Chinese New Year

14

Clubs host Hunger Banquet to raise awareness of global poverty

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New Social Work Club open to all majors, provides service opportunities

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Brazil and Portugal Club created to build bond among Portuguese speakers

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Administrator who has cerebral palsy encourages students to advocate for people with disabilities

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Employee appreciation dinner honors staff members employed at BYUH

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Peace linguistics class starts to examine words used in teaching

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Give & Take offers free clothes and items in exchange for service

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28

C A L E N D A R

TVA students share benefits of living there

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MARCH

FEATURE

15-17, 20-22

Students want more slow songs at dances for dating and socialization purposes

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Marine biology major wants to promote conservation and become orca specialist

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Local couple called to preside over mission in Papua New Guinea

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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31-April 1

Student author self-publishes books based on his personal dreams

Student starts Kahuku waffle food truck

LIFESTYLE

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Highlight of the Mormon athletes at the 2018 Winter Olympics

SATURDAY-SUNDAY General Conference at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. HST. General Priesthood Session at 2 p.m.

Broadcasts will be held in the HGB and Stake Center.

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Students address stigma surrounding divorce in the Mormon community

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Students say reading for fun happens less during college

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Health Center warns students of contamination during flu season

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Balancing the beach and grades

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FRIDAY-SATURDAY Culture Night in the Cannon Activities Center at 9 p.m.

Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday.

Enactus launches first wearable pregnancy monitor

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THURSDAY-SATURDAY, TUESDAY-THURSDAY “Solana,� a new musical production in the Little Theater at 7:30 p.m. on weeknights, 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17.

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APRIL 5

THURSDAY Empower Your Dreams presentations at the Polynesian Cultural Center IMAX Theater from 8:30-11 a.m.

Awards ceremony from 3:45-4:45 p.m. in the HGB upstairs chapel.

Tips from students for buying used cars MAR CH 2018

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Campus Comment:

If you could be a Disney character, who would you be and why?

B Y D E N AL I LO F L I N / PH OTO S B Y GAB B ATAC AN D K E L SY SI M M O N S

Hannah Kelly, freshman biology major from California, said, “I would be Jane from Tarzan. I think I can relate to her curiosity and to her love for wildlife… and her love for Tarzan.”

Toby Macabagao, senior biomedical major from California, said, “I would want to be Shang from Mulan, because he’s buff, strong, and tall, which is what I would like to be.”

Nofo Papa Talanoa, freshman biochemistry major from Tonga, said, “I would be Moana.

She is my favorite recently. I love that she is Polynesian and how she saved her island.”

Cooper Christensen, senior graphic design major from Utah, said he would like to be Tarzan. “I would like to be able to talk to animals and date Jane Porter. Plus he’s basically a superhero because of his wild upbringing.

Everything is new to him and he always gets to experience new things and be excited about the world. I would like to have that.”

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campus life

in this section A day in the life of social work major Leticia Tomez

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Social Work Club offers service opportunities for all majors

17

Andy Curtis designs peace linguistics class to develop peaceful English language

25

Students from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China celebrate the Chinese New Year

10

Brazil and Portugal Club unites Portuguese speaking students

18

Give & Take lets students give their old stuff and get new things

26

Clubs host Hunger Banquet to encourage advocacy against poverty

14

Chris Beard encourages future teachers to advocate for people with disabilities

20

Married students say living in TVA is like living at home

28

Ho‘omaika‘i Employee Appreciation Night honors 30- and 35-year employees

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Students say they want slow songs at dances to promote dating and socialization

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CA M P US LIF E

Leticia Tomaz

Social work major B Y D E N AL I LO F L I N A senior from Brazil, Tomaz says the poverty she has seen, the lack of education for people, and political corruption have influenced her decision to major in social work. She wants to work with women to empower them and help them see their individual beauty and worth. Photo by Adam Case.

Senior social work major, Leticia Tomaz from Brazil, said, “I wanted to go into social work, so I could work towards fighting social injustice.”

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What is your favorite part about studying social work?

What are some jobs available for this type of major?

She said she loves to study something she is passionate about and something she can relate to. “It has everything to do with application so I really get to apply the things I learn and work on role playing. Even when I’m not in class, I can apply it. I am always working with people and making connections. People will come to me and I’m able to listen to those who reach out to me.”

She mentioned a lot of people don’t realize that social work careers can be so broad. “You can go into anything you are really passionate about. There are so many unique things you can do with it.You can work with people with illnesses and advocate for them.You can also work with all sorts of age groups, and even internationally. There are also options in disaster relief and empowerment.”

What made you decide this major?

What advice do you have for someone interested in social work?

Tomaz shared her desire to major in social work started when she moved from the United States to Brazil. “It really opened my eyes to different things like poverty. Kids that should’ve been in school were out on the streets selling things to make a living for their family.

“If you go to a public school, you can’t afford a private school for better education, and I experienced that. The teachers weren’t engaged, and students dropped out. The government there [like other places] is corrupt and people are not treated fairly. That’s what made me decide to go into social work,” Tomaz continued.

what do you want to do with it?

“I started out wanting to work with poverty and the homeless, but I have recently decided that I want to work with women. I want to be able to empower them and help them realize their beauty. I want them to see that they are worth it.

Tomaz continued, “The media portrays a certain unrealistic beauty, and I have seen people who feel that they don’t measure up. I want to allow people to see that value goes much deeper than outward beauty.”

“Don’t be afraid to find out more about it. Social work usually gets grouped into a robotic category and stereotyped working as a counselor, but it’s so much more than that.”

Pros “You can apply it literally everywhere,” Tomaz said. “You don’t realize all the people around you going through hard things.You can’t see any deeper than they will let you. But in social work, you can really experience what’s going on.You are really able to read cues and be better prepared to react, respond and help those people who open up to you.”

cons According to Tomaz, social work is a difficult profession. She explained, “What we want to do is find the beautiful in the ugly. You have to be prepared to deal with a lot of problems.

People grow up with problems that we don’t always see or know how to deal with. And you have to be able to know how to help without taking any of [the problems] home with you or becoming too attached.”

Describe a typical day “I usually get up early for class and have between two to three classes each day. I’m taking classes like medical social work, mental health and substance abuse.”

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Hong Kong Club members celebrate the New Year by giving guests a red envelope with a riddle and opportunity to participate in a drawing. A traditional New Year’s dish called poon choi was also served. Photos by Kyle Gab Batac 10

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Celebrating Chinese New Year away from home Students from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China have different food for the same festival B Y TO M SO N CH E AN G

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ong Kong, Taiwan, and China Clubs celebrated Chinese New Year through preparing traditional Chinese dishes to make students feel at home, said club participants.

T H E H O NG KO NG CLUB

With a large basin full of delicacies served on each table, members of the Hong Kong Club celebrated Chinese New Year by having poon choi, also known as Big Bowl Feast on Feb. 16, the first day of the year as marked on the Chinese calendar.

At the beginning of the activity, Adrian Chan, the activity coordinator of the Hong Kong Club, who is a junior majoring in peace building, said, “There are 10 dishes in every basin, and all these 10 dishes are made by different people.”

Shing Chung Or, a sophomore from Hong Kong majoring in computer science, was the main chef for the event. He explained, poon choi is a famous Cantonese cuisine served in a large basin that consists of Chinese dishes such as grilled pork belly, radish, tofu, and fried tofu skin.

“The dishes are not just randomly placed in the basin with no order.

We put Chinese vermicelli, cabbage, radish, fried tofu, and mushroom at the bottom because they need to absorb the sauce.” Or continued, “Grilled pork belly and chicken, are put on the top to make the poon choi more colorful and inviting.”

According to History.com, it’s a common tradition for Chinese people to cook a great amount of food and gather together as a family during the New Year. Or relayed the purpose of the poon choi dinner was to make students feel as if they were home.

He recalled, “When we were planning activities for the club, we realized that Chinese New Year was coming soon, and new students [from Hong Continues on Page 12 MAR CH 2018

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CA M P US LIF E Scan this QR code or visit our youtube channel to watch our video of this event!

Continued from Page 11

Kong] had arrived too. So we came up with

Food is an important part of their celebrathe idea of having poon choi, to bring all of us tion of Chinese New Year as well. While the together and unify us.”

Hong Kong Club had poon choi, the Taiwan

Besides Chinese attendees, Hyrum Casand China clubs prepared traditional Chinese tro, a Filipino freshman majoring in business dishes, such as mapo tofu, white cut chicken, management, said he felt that “everyone was and fried noodles. connected to each other during the celebration.

Similar to Hong Kong students who ate “I like that they invited [people from different poon choi together, it means much the same countries] to come and celebrate Chinese New for students from Taiwan and China to gather Year. My fiancée is from Hong Kong, and it’s together and have dinner as a family. my first time to celebrate Chinese New Year.”

Despite the slight differences between the ways people in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China TH E CHI N A A N D TA I WA N CLU B celebrate Chinese New Year, they all share the

The second day of the year according to same spirit - to make celebration activities the Chinese calendar, the China and Taiwan exciting and joyful.

Club conducted a combined celebration for

With the Chinese food, music, and enthuChinese New Year, and a singing contest was siasm in the room, although there wasn’t the held throughout the dinner on Feb. 17 at Aloha traditional burning of firecrackers, lion dance, Center Room 155. or dragon dance during the activity, the singing 12

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contest still created a similar atmosphere of passion for the festival.

Katelyn Liu, a freshman majoring in elementary education from China, expressed the joy she felt in the activity. “It’s not like a very formal event. The event holders and hosts are not professional...we felt even more relaxed and more at home.”

Hannah Weng, a Taiwanese freshman majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said, “If [the clubs] didn’t have this activity, we’d have nothing for this Chinese New Year [here in America].”

Tingju Liu, a sophomore from Taiwan studying social work, who is the vice president of the Taiwan Club, said it was not the first time the China and Taiwan clubs combined their New Year’s activity together. “It’s a chance for us to learn how to cooperate with other

Left: Students play a variety of games at the activity. Right: Participants prepare to eat a Hong Kong delicacy called poon choi. Below: A savory Cantonese dish called turnip cake is served at the event. Photos By Kyle Gab Batac

clubs, and it’s good to have members of the China Club here. The atmosphere becomes a lot more passionate because of their presence.

They know how to interact with others and they are willing to be engaged in activities.”

Jason Ma, the president of the China Club, and a freshman from China majoring in accounting, expressed his gratitude for the Taiwan Club. “All of us worked hard, and everyone was looking forward to the coming of Chinese New Year. Members of the Taiwan Club are very friendly. Since we share similar traditions, it’s good that we get to share our common festival together.”

Not only students from China and Taiwan, but also returned Chinese-speaking missionaries and students from other Asian countries, participated in this activity. JunHee Kim, a sophomore from Korea majoring in TESOL,

said, “It was kind of loud to me but still happy.

Of course if it’s silent, there is no happiness.”

As a Korean, Kim commented on the differences between how Koreans and Chinese celebrate New Years. “We also gather as a family, but what we do is put pictures of our ancestors or paper written with their names on the table.

Then we cook food for them, light incense sticks, and bow to them.

“Our ceremony [for ancestors] was originally from China, but now, Chinese people focus on spending time with their families.” •

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Hunger banquet Clubs join together to encourage advocacy against poverty B Y H AN N AH JO N E S

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n an effort to end world hunger, student clubs working to enact change banded together to create awareness for their communities at the Winter 2018 Hunger Banquet. Although each club has a different approach they focus on, all who attended this year’s banquet have the same goal: to raise awareness of the importance of fighting world hunger.

The different clubs set up booths and passed out pamphlets to recruit students to join their organizations. To educate guests on the scope of world hunger, only four of the attendees were given food from Seven Brothers, while 15 people got rice and beans and the rest of the attendees got a spoonful of rice with no utensils.

Saren Eastwood, a junior from Washington majoring in peace building, was one of the coordinators for the banquet. She helped at the banquet “to make people feel inspired and to know that we honestly are

really blessed to be at this university, and even Arbinger Club. He said, “Arbinger is just if it’s small, we can make a difference.” helping you to see people as they are. People Gabe Fryar, a sophomore from are people. They have needs and desires and Pennsylvania majoring in peace building and hopes, etcetera. Once you realize that, not only political science, is the president of a ONE. “It are you helping them, but it also helps yourself.” is a club that’s is all about political activism.

For Eastwood, this year was her first Our motto is that we don’t want your money. time at the Hunger Banquet. She said, “I’ve We want your volunteerism and your time. only heard good things about it. I heard people “We try and teach people how other talking about how it really was impactful and people live. It’s all about raising people’s that they never really thought to that extent quality of life and sustainable development.” about world poverty, but it really is a big Ofa Moeai, a disability coordinator and problem.” clinical counselor at BYU-Hawaii, participated Moeai said she was invited to the in the even hoping to raise awareness for banquet having never attended the event. She her services. She mentioned, “I like that the said, “I think they asked us to come because students here are all like-minded. They’re really they knew the students here would relate to interested in helping people and celebrating those in the helping profession. diversity and kind of speaking up for, often “There’s always a peace building effort times, people who don’t have a voice.” that needs to be happening. We help students Colton McLane, a senior from to find peace in situations that they may not Washington, D.C., majoring in peace building be able to find a solution to. Therefore, we are and political science, is a member of the peace builders too.”

Continues on Page 16

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Scan this QR code or visit our youtube channel to watch our video of this event!

“More than 1 billion children, worldwide, are living in poverty. Hunger is the number one cause of death in the world, killing more than HIV, AIDS and tuberculosis Dr.combined�

Barbara Hong said she hopes to better the campus community by raising awareness on individuals’ rights and legalities concerning disability. Photo by Stop Khemthorn

-Gabriella Corbett

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Continued from Page 14

Students gathered together to eat different rations of food while listening to speakers about world hunger issues. McKay Center Director Chad Ford said the center is working to help homeless on the North Shore. Photos by Alvin Dy

McLane said he thinks the event is good pointed to the window behind him, referencing the same way that I count, that makes me feel for everyone. He stated, “I feel like it was the community as he vigorously stated, “We uncomfortable. helpful for me and it’s helpful for others.” have a lot of our brothers and sisters who are “I’m advocating a different approach,

Fryar’s said he appreciated the people struggling right now.” which is that we see those people who are who attended. He said, “I think the greatest Though Ford emphasized there are struggling as people. People like us. People thing is it has a lot of people who are open people to help in the Laie community, [who] have needs, dreams, desires - like we do to changing the world and young passionate Eastwood added, “We’re so privileged to live who are struggling.” minds. When you get a lot of those kinds of here where we don’t have to see it every day, Ford issued a call to action to the people in the same room, I think that’s when but in my mission I did. On the daily basis, students of BYUH. He stated, “Over the next good ideas are born. All of these stations are you see people who are in poverty. They’re few years, the McKay Center is going to be about helping people and looking outward. suffering.” launching a homeless project in conjunction Not looking at yourself but looking towards Ford shared a story about one of Laie’s with BYU. other people.” local bus stops. Complaints were filed about “Our job is to take a different approach, While all the students have similar goals, a homeless man who “smelt bad” and spent … try to see these individuals and work with Gabriela Corbett, the Arbinger Club field “too much” time at the bus stop bench. Ford various professionals to find resources we can director, explained the purpose of the goals by said, “People got together and came up with a get and to try to see what we can do at least giving statistics on world hunger and more. creative solution. here in this little spot on our island.”

Corbett shared, “Nearly half of the world’s “They changed the bench, and put Ford clarified, “I don’t know all the population - more than 3 billion people - live in some speed bumps basically, so that no answers. I don’t know exactly how to solve on less than $2.50 a day. More than 1.3 billion one could lay down or sleep there anymore. this problem here, but I am committed and live in extreme poverty, less than $1.25 a day.

Problem solved, right? Except it isn’t solved. dedicated to working with lots of different “More than 1 billion children worldwide One way to try to get rid of poverty is try to people so we can figure that out going forth.” are living in poverty. Hunger is the No. 1 get it out of our sight so we don’t have to see He asked for help. “All I’m asking for is cause of death in the world killing more than it everyday. not your money, but your time, your energy HIV, AIDS and tuberculosis combined.”

“One way to look at the homeless is see and your enthusiasm,” he said. “We hope that During the event, Chad Ford, the them as objects - things that are in our way. this will be the start of something great that we director of the McKay Center, spoke and You can see them as people who don’t count can do together.”• 16

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Gaining confidence to help others New Social Work Club seeks to give service opportunities to all students, not just social work majors

BY G O S U K E KAWAN O

Social work majors say everyone is welcome to join the new Social Work Club to learn how to better serve others. Photo by Adam Case

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resident of the Social Work Club, Alysha Gurr, a senior from Calgary, Canada, majoring in social work, said she started the club hoping to provide service opportunities to students at BYUHawaii, regardless of their major.

She said, “We used to be the club that was basically only for social work students, but we decided to move to an on-campus club so we could expand and have a bigger outreach and have the option for more than just social work majors.”

Sheyanne Lyn Petrovich, a senior from Oregon majoring in social work, said, “I would like students to just get out of their comfort zone, try new things, help people, and don’t stick to your own circle of friends. This club can help you gain confidence in working with people and cultures in which you aren’t familiar. I would love to see students branch out and look past themselves.”

In addition to the club’s goal, Petrovich, who served as a secretary for the Social Work

Club, said she hoped to help more students become aware of what social work is all about.

Another important vision she has for the club is “help people realize that there is opportunity to serve all around them,” Petrovich said. “You don’t even have to be social worker to do social work.”

She said through this club, she would like to “strengthen the bond between community and university.”

Aubree Hunter, a junior from Utah majoring in social work and the vice president of the club, said, “I would like to see the students in the club really come to enjoy the service opportunities we provide and realize that service can be creative and fun when done with others.

“I want them to feel like they have somewhere they can go to start thinking of others and make a difference,” she concluded.

Gurr explained what makes the club unique is that the Social Work Club offers various activities that involve people.

Gurr said she hopes the activities provided by the club gives students a taste of what social workers do.

Gurr said her interest in social work was sparked when she lived outside of her home country teaching English in China and the Ukraine.

Hunter said, “Social work is important to me because my best friend growing up dealt with severe family issues with her parents getting divorced, seeing both of her parents go in and out of rehab, and having her mom get turned in for neglect. [My best friend] and her six siblings were put to foster care, but with the help of social workers, they were able to reunite the family.… I want to help people and show them their potential and hopefully have people turn out like my best friend.”

Petrovich said, “Social work matters to me because it is about taking care of each other.

Each one of us is a son or daughter of God and social work is about giving all people the chance to succeed.”•

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New Brazil and Portugal club The Brazil and Portugal Club presidency hopes to create an environment for students to share their common language and culture B Y GO S UKE KAWAN O

abriella Colbett, a senior from Maryland majoring in international cultural studies and the president of the Brazil and Portugal Club, said she established the club because she felt the sense of responsibility to showcase her culture and establish the bond among those who speak Portuguese on the BYU-Hawaii community.

She said even though there is a Latin American Club, she wanted to start the club because Brazil is “way different from the rest of the countries in Latin America.”

Xavi Herrera, a junior from Tennessee majoring in biology and the vice president of the club, said he hopes to bring the happiness and uniqueness of the Brazilian and Portuguese culture to BYUH.

Speaking from his experience serving a two-year mission in Brazil, Herrera said, “[Brazilians] are really laid back. Things are not so much a big deal. People have a huge emphasis on family and the importance of family first.” He said one of the things he liked about the Brazilian culture is their attitude on how “we should be happy and laughing.” He

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said he hopes to apply this more in his own life.

Colbett said, “It [Latin America] also represents so many different things [under] one umbrella.” She said she was not aware of the fact that there were so many students from Brazil and Portuguese-speaking countries at BYUH.

Colbett started out by having a party at her house that involved Brazilian cuisine such as churrasco and inviting her friends. Hosting those events developed her desire to start a club on campus.

According to Colbett, the main reason she established the club was to offer students the opportunity to speak Portuguese and get to know each other in a unique culturally friendly atmosphere.

“I just want them to feel the love and compassion of the Brazilian community and culture because we are very open, and we love to dance, have fun, smile, laugh, and hug,” Colbett said.

Herrera said, “We would like to bring more fun activities to those who are participating in the club while learning about Brazilian culture and heritage.”

Gabriella Colbett and Ana Camargo hold a Brazilian flag. The new club hopes to include Portuguese speakers and anyone who wants to learn more about diversity and cultures. Photo by Adam Case

Leticia Tomaz, a senior from Brazil majoring in social work who recently joined the Brazil and Portugal Club, said, “I mainly decided to join because I’m Brazilian, and I want to be able to connect to my culture. I know that the club offers cultural food and dance, and it’s nice that we finally have a Brazilian club,” she said because they will be able “to perform and share with the school our cultural dance.”

Tomaz said the club “has a lot of potential, and the presidency is amazing,” She added, “They are doing the best they can. Gabriella, the president ....she is always on top of things. She is so giving of her time and devotion. She’s always making Brazilian food for events, making sure there is enough.”

Talking about Culture Night coming up at the end of March, Colbett said the club is practicing Capoeira and Samba to entertain the audience.

Colbett said as someone who was born in the United States with her father from America and mother from Brazil, she has great respect toward both countries. She said she is grateful for everything she has

learned about her rich native culture.

Tomaz said, “I want to let BYUH students know the club is for everyone to join, and you don’t have to be from Brazil or have served a mission there to join. It’s fun with a lot more people, and together we can show the campus what Brazil is truly about, and it’s about diversity.

You can never really tell who is Brazilian because we are so diverse looking.”

She continued, “Each state pretty much has its own culture and language, but we are all one. We don’t look at each other based on the color of our skin because we are all mixed, and we love our diversity.”

Herrera concluded, “Brazilian club is lit. School can be stressful, dating can be stressful, and people are poor. It’s college, but we are having food and a good time. We get to know each other. It’s a nice escape from stress.” •

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“The disabled are actually the largest minority in the world and the most unique, as anyone can enter this minority at any time in their lives, due to injur y or illness.”

-Ariella Barker, Pushliving.com

Chris Beard:

Advocating for people with disabilities Beard urges people to become advocates like for others like those who did it for him B Y ADAM B RACE

hris Beard, the director of Compliance and Internal Audit Services at BYU-Hawaii, spoke to prospective teachers about his experience as a person with a disability on Feb. 9. Beard, who has suffered with Cerebral Palsy since birth, spoke about the effects of having a disability and the role that it has played in his life.

With his specific condition, he demonstrated how “it affected mainly fine motor skills and speech” by taking a quick walk around the front of class and writing his name on the board, tasks that ordinarily prove little chal-

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lenge for others. Beard shared the struggles of his early life; how teachers would not allow him extra time on tests, how he had to roll a typewriter around his high school campus, being bullied, struggles with friends and dating.

However, Beard said he has not let this condition define his life. He said, “We’re all different and no one is better than anyone else.”

Beard focused his message on advocacy and standing up for those in need. Through his life experience, Beard said he has become who he is today through advocates who have played a major role in his life.

Speaking on these influences, and how students could become advocates for others, he shared, “No matter what type of child or learned adult … be an advocate for whomever you’re working with. … Advocate for individuals, for their needs, but also stick up for them as a person and realize that everybody is human. We have thoughts and feelings. Don’t shut someone out just because they’re different. Learn from individuals. Be a better person because of them.”

Tavia Thompson, a research assistant to Dr. Barbara Hong who works in the special

Chris Beard speaks to education students about how people who advocated for him helped him overcome and rise above the challenges associated with his cerebral palsy.

Photo by Alvin Vincent Dy

education program at BYUH, shared insights she learned from Beard’s comments. “It was really inspiring to see how much intelligence, experience and insight he had.” Thompson added one of lessons she learned that day was simply, “Don’t judge people by how they look.

He talked about how we as people need to learn to be more accepting and not judge what we’re seeing without knowing. I wish everyone could be more like that.”

Thompson said she related to Beard’s talk as someone who has worked with people with disabilities, including her sister. “It is easy to assume that if there is something wrong physically there must be something wrong mentally.

It always hurt me to see how mean people can be when they really don’t know and expect everyone to be like them.”

Students were given a few minutes at the end of the presentation to ask questions. When asked what helped him to be successful in life, Beard highlighted three distinct people who have impacted his life.

The first two are his parents, who were determined to never give up on him, according to Beard. Beard said about their determination,

“I had parents who took the attitude of, ‘This is my child. I don’t care what my child has. We’re keeping him and we’re going to help him the best we can.’”

His third role model growing up was a physical education teacher who saw him for who he was. His teacher also happened to be the men’s basketball coach. “He had the forethought and the inspiration to see that I needed to have interaction with others and to get involved in something,” said Beard.

Through this teacher, Beard became the manager for the high school basketball team.

Beard expressed his love for this job. “It was the best time of my life … He helped me with the social aspect and opened up the social part of my life.” Beard commented how his life began to change as he made friends and became a part of something much bigger than the disability he once felt restricted by in his life.

Beard has served as the director of Compliance and Internal Audit at BYUH since 2014.

He is married and has three children who he said he loves spending time with them. Beard graduated in the top 15 of his graduating class in high school. He then went on to earn his

“No matter what type of child or learned adult … be an advocate for whoever you’re working with. … Advocate for individuals, for their needs, but also stick up for them as a person and realize that everybody is human.”

-Chris Beard

bachelor’s degree at Castleton State College.

He has since worked in the casino and hospitality industry before working with the Church Education System for the past 10 years. •

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Top: Employees and their families gathered for a feast during the awards ceremony. Bottom left: President Tanner awards Wes Duke, who is a 30-year honoree. Bottom right: Families dish up food at the buffet. Photo by Wesley Ng. 22

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Ho‘omaika‘i employee

appreciation night Honorees and years of service award winners gather to receive recognition and celebrate B Y DAN I CASTRO AN D SAVAN N A B ACH E L D E R

and-held fans glued to Popsicle sticks were handed to BYUHawaii faculty and family of faculty at the Ho‘omaika‘i Employee Appreciation Night on Jan. 25 due to the broken air conditioning in the Cannon Activities Center where the event was held.

The event honored faculty and staff for their years of service, and distributed the V. Napua Baker Management Awards, the President’s Appreciation Awards, the Sione H.M. Feinga Performance Awards and the Faculty Awards.

“This has been an incredible journey, and I’m looking forward to a number of more years,” said Wes Duke, the senior accounting manager of financial services and 30-year honoree. “These events are nice, just to reconnect with employees that you’ve known, or haven’t had the chance to on a regular basis. This is fun to celebrate.”

Marilu Lee, the dining facility manager for Food Services, said, “I always attend every year because we cater for them. I commend [those who have been] here 35 years … and their service. We love working here.”

Lee went on to talk about her favorite aspects of the event. “I love the decorations, and I love the way we got to the dinner quickly so we could dance and enjoy the night.”

The cover band Hawaii Soul played after the awards were distributed, giving patrons the chance to dance and celebrate their achievement and the achievement of their colleagues.

Daniel Henderson, an assistant professor of Music, said, “I love that feast. It’s my second year being here. A good buffet with everyone else is cool, and I loved seeing [those] who got awards. It gives me something to aspire to, and it makes me admire this community more. There are a lot of remarkable people here, and that just shines a light on a few of them, and learning about them.

“Dancing was great. I love dancing, I actually wish that more people would dance,” he said.

H

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Pictured clockwise with BYUH President John Tanner are years of award recipients, Leilani Auna, Cary Countryman and David Porter. Following the ceremony, employees danced with their colleagues. Photos by Wesley Ng. Continued from Page 23

Henderson continued, “Music and dance is essential to every celebration. To get together, move your bodies in rhythm, smiling, full of good food. Music, dance, food and community. Ohana. That’s a celebration to me.”

The 35-year honorees, Marynelle Chew, Anna Kaanga, David Porter and Earl Wyman, were each featured in a video where they discuss the lessons they learned and the spirit they’ve seen at BYUH. Chew, the head of Library Access and Collection Services, shared how much she values diversity.

“I’m from Chicago. I grew up in the ‘60s. Chicago was a very black and white city and there is still a lot of racial tension. So, working here has helped me stop seeing people’s color or race. I just see people.”

Kaanga, an administrative assistant for the Religion Department, said, “There are so many wonderful students and people who have

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come and gone on campus and they’ve impacted my life and in so doing impacted my family I hope. We’ve made lasting eternal friendships that will carry on to the other side.”

Porter, the chairman of the Exercise Science Department, talked about the spiritual mission of the school. “I really believe that the purpose is not just to give an education with a piece of paper and an opportunity for employment, but to help them understand how to live the gospel, how to teach the gospel, how to be leaders of the gospel in their home countries.”

Wyman, an assistant professor of TESOL, said being at BYUH has enhanced his life. “Working at BYUH has been a blessing because for 36 years I’ve felt like I’ve been on vacation, and the people I work with, the students and my colleagues and the whole community of Laie, and just the beauty of Hawaii, has just made life very enjoyable.” •

The Purpose of Peace Linguistics Andy Curtis started peace linguistics in hopes of developing peace within the English language

BY HELAM LAU

Andy Curtis advocates peace through speaking the English language. Photo by Gab Batac

ndy Curtis, the professor and founder of peace linguistics, a new class only offered at BYU-Hawaii was “inspired by the 400 journal articles about peace education and peace study I read,” shared Curtis. “I found that there is a hole between applying linguistics and peace study.”

Curtis is a professor at Anaheim University, and this is the second Winter Semester he has been on campus to teach this course. “I am who started this class. The idea actually came from Brother Mark James, who approached me some years ago about the peace linguistics courses. It took a year of planning and preparation. I taught it alone for the first time last year.

This year I am co-teaching with Sister Nancy Tarawhiti who is in the English language teaching department. She will be teaching it after I finish my block teaching in February. This class is really like a combination of peace education.”

Curtis said, “One of the things that makes this class different from other peace building courses is the fact we use the linguistics approach. There are lots of stuff done with the language of peace, but there is very little done with the linguistics of peace.

“For example, we study “Words are Deeds.” We look at words as actions. If you tell somebody I love you or I hate you, it has an equivalent meaning. When saying ‘love,’ you create love. But by saying ‘hate,’ they make hate manifest in the world. It is different from peace building, as this class focuses on the language, even the potential to create peace or war carried by every word, phrase, and line.”

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Curtis used the government of the United States as an example. He said they look at President Trump’s tweets in class. “Some tweets help like, ‘Kim Jong-un of North Korea made a very wise and well-reasoned decision.’ While other [tweets] do great harm and damage like, ‘Why would Kim Jong-un insult me by calling me “old,” when I would NEVER call him “short and fat?” Oh well, I try so hard to be his friend.”’

According to Curtis, what students are hoping to take out from the course is “an awareness of how language works in a detailed and systematic level into their work whether it be counseling, international diplomacy, or linguistics itself.

“What we do in peace linguistics class might help with their daily life. Some of my married students shared their experience when they argued with their partners. They suddenly realize the words they were saying makes the situation worse so they just stop talking for a while, which they don’t normally do. Being aware of the words they are saying and a little bit of silence helps prevent disagreement.”

As a non-member of the church, Curtis shared one of the most enjoyable things his students had taught him about the language of the LDS Church. “We discussed the word ‘veil’ in class. Also, on Sunday I went to my first sacrament meeting and someone introduced me to a young boy as elder.” Curtis said shockingly, “I was thinking if he was an elder, then I must be ancient. I have been reading the Book of Mormon for a year now, and I keep coming across the example of linguistics.”

Cassandra Disner Chotipairat, a senior from California majoring in TESOL said, “I have taken linguistics classes. I have seen how this peace linguistics class applies to linguistics. In this class, there are many peace building literatures. As you look at the articles about peace, linguistics is really important. It adds more correct definitions to it.

“One of the articles we read in class is about non-killing language. We discussed how much we don’t like the word ‘non-killing.’ In its own way, it is not peace-holding because of the word ‘killing.’ So we studied how we can use our language more peacefully.”

“This offers me a different perspective in linguistics. Since I am going to teach English as a second language, there would be a lot of cultures, which foster the possibility of conflicts and misunderstandings. I know how to incorporate peaceful language in a classroom setting.

“I would define peaceful language as words of compassion, encouragement and forgiveness. If something is really good, we say ‘I’d die for it’ or ‘I’d kill for it.’ Why not say, ‘I’d live for it right now?’ That turns a negative to a positive word.”

Colton McLane, a senior from Washington, D.C., majoring in peace building, said, “This class summarized all the concepts I learned like conflict analysis from peace building. I am able to identify how those concepts are established in a spoken or written form.

It is like breaking down the meaning behind words we use in communicating peace.” •

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The

Give Take &

On campus students can find their favorite things for free B Y H AN N AH JO N E S / P H OTO S B Y ALV I N DY

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oing to the Give &Take can help students save money and discover unique clothes and other items. Randy Olson, a junior from California majoring in finance, works at Give & Take. He advised, “You never know what you’re going to find there, but it’s always of value.”

Inosi Kinikini, a freshman from Fiji majoring in biomedicine, said, “It has been so useful. It saves me money and it saves time. They have what you need.”

Other students shared Kinikini’s enthusiasm. “Give and take is my life,” exclaimed Min Edwards, a junior from Oregon studying exercise science. Edwards said she could go on for days about how great Give & Take is, and said “being able to find something that you love and use for free is pretty awesome.”

Olson shared his favorite part of Give & Take. “I love how everyday there are new items being brought in and how we are able to make people happy. Donations are freely accepted.

Pretty much everything is accepted. Think before you throw away because people can really use your stuff. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Having found flashlights, goggles, and furniture, Olson said, “[I] highly suggest it because I’m sure there is something every student can find there that will be beneficial.”

Edwards explained how she always tends to find her favorite clothes there. “I have entire outfits I wear on a daily basis from Give & Take.” She said she loves finding something for free and being able to use things others don’t need or want anymore.

Kinikini’s favorite aspect of Give & Take is also the clothing. Having found his favorite T-shirt there, he said. “It has all these beautiful clothes. They have a lot of good T-shirts at the Give & Take. I can save tons of money.”

Olson said he likes Give & Take because of the money he saves going there. “There have been a lot of things that are pretty beneficial.” He added, “The staff is super friendly, and they speak many different languages. If you’re looking for something you can’t find, they will be sure to find it for you.”

He laughed and joked, “You could even find a boyfriend or girlfriend in there.”

Edwards said Give & Take is a resource under utilized by the students. She laughed and said, “I kind of don’t want to suggest it to other students so they don’t go and take my stuff.”

Olson added, “People need to take more advantage of it. The community has taken more advantage of it than the students.”

While acknowledging not everyone finds treasure at Give & Take, Edwards said, “When you go to Give & Take, just keep an open mind and be patient. See the potential of what you’re looking at.” •

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Karlie Ellingson works at Give & Take where people donate items, like decorative pieces, clothes, dishes and furniture, they don’t need or want anymore. Students can do service at Give & Take and then take home things they need or like for free. Give & Take is located by the Temple View Apartments. Photo by Gab Batac

“I have entire outfits I wear on a daily basis from Give & Take...keep an open mind and be patient. See the potential of what you’re looking at.”

Min Edwards

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LIFE

TVA

TVA residents like having more privacy, spending time with their spouse and are learning to budget together B Y ZE E K CH E N G

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Jayson Leung and Youjin Oh in their TVA residence. Photos by Alvin Dy.

ecently moved-in TVA residents expressed their gratitude for married life and said they like how living in TVA gives them privacy and allows them to share more time with their significant other.

Krystal Yamamoto, a senior from Virginia studying hospitality and tourism management who was recently married to Tasuku Yamamoto, a sophomore from Japan studying computer science, expressed, “We don’t need to worry about curfew anymore, and we have our own personal space especially for cuddling. We don’t need to plan when and where to meet because I know he will be home.”

Tasuku Yamamoto added, “Now, we can hang out with our married friends more often since we are closer to them. We go home and other places together rather than meeting in one place.”

Krystal Yamamoto said, “This semester works out very good. We finish our classes around the same time. We often cook and eat together.”

Emily Batac, a marine biology alumna from Florida who is married to Kyle Batac, a sophomore from the Philippines studying graphic design, said, “Off campus doesn’t

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have the feeling of home. It’s like a really long sleep over, but TVA is actually your own place.

I’m willing to spend time and buy things to decorate.”

Kyle Batac said he enjoys not being checked on by the resident assistants. “I enjoy the privacy, not having an RA check in on me in the middle of the night and not needing to worry about clean check every week.”

Emily Batac added, “It’s nice to have a private bathroom. We had five girls sharing the same bathroom. I needed to be out quick.”

Tasuku Yamamoto said he enjoys having a clean roommate. He said, “I had housemates who were not clean and you can’t force them to clean. It’s nice to know that your ‘roommate’ is clean.”

Emily Batac expressed, “There was only a little space to store food, and the food would disappear every now and then. It’s nice to have my own space now.”

Emily Batac also feels like her diet has gotten better. She said, “I eat much better than I used to. I don’t skip meals anymore and I eat less microwaved food because my husband cooks for me.” Kyle Batac prefers his own cooking rather than food from the Café.

The married couples said they have also adjusted their mentality on spending money.

Tasuku Yamamoto explained how they budget their money. “We made a house accounting book for all the expenses. We keep everything in a Google doc and keep all the receipts. We try to eat within our budget.”

Kyle Batac said, “I used to buy things without thinking much, but all the expenses are all together now. I have to think about what we need instead. Everything must be budgeted.”

According to Krystal Yamamoto, she is grateful because their marriage has helped them grow together a lot. “We talk and discuss many things. We adjust to each other’s lifestyle.”

Tasuku Yamamoto added, “We can rely on and support each other even more than we used to. When one person is tired, the other can cook or clean.”

Kyle Batac is grateful for his wife, Emily.

“Just having someone crazy enough to marry me is everything and being there in my hard times. It’s nice to go home with a person who will love me for the rest of my life.”

Emily Batac also said, “It’s a huge blessing to have Kyle here. It’s nice when I come home.

He has made food for me already.” • MAR CH 2018

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Are we human,

or are we dancers?

Students say they want more slow songs in order to socialize and talk with people while dancing B Y DAN I CASTRO

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n a survey performed at the BYUH Cafeteria, 56 percent of students reported they want to hear more slow songs at school dances. Several students who attended a recent dance shared their thoughts and experiences at dances held on or near campus.

Heather Haney, a sophomore from the Big Island double majoring in biomedicine and Hawaiian studies, shared what motivates her to attend to dances. “I go to the dances because it gives me something to do on a Friday or Saturday night. I enjoy going to them because I meet new people and hang with the friends I already have. I personally refer students to the chapter dances more than the [schoolsponsored] dances.”

For others, going to a dance is not their first option. Mitchell Jenson, a freshman from Washington majoring in computer science, said, “I have a pretty good time at the dances but not the best. I mostly go because my friends want me to go and to make new friends.”

Keiana Shinkle, a freshman from Texas and Oregon majoring in secondary mathematics education, said she doesn’t like to stay long at these types of activities. “Generally, I go to dances to hang with my friends and ideally make some new ones. I have fun for a while, but they have a tendency to be consistently awkward and often better classified as a stand or sway rather than a dance.

“I like going, but I rarely stay for more than 30 to 45 minutes. I recommend the dance to my outgoing friends who like to dance and we’ll go for a bit, but ultimately wind up elsewhere doing something where it’s easier to actually socialize,” Shinkle continued.

Jenson said he isn’t a fan of the music and recommended more music variety. He commented, “Not everyone is looking to just jump up and down like a rave. There are so

I

many old classics, including a couple of slow songs each dance. That would increase the diversity and enjoyment. If you go to make friends, you shouldn’t be there because it isn’t the best atmosphere to make friends. It is mostly just a rave.”

Instead of constant up-beat music, Shinkle commented that introducing more slow songs would be a huge benefit. She stated, “Loud music is fun and energetic, but makes a difficult environment to converse with those around you.” She added, “I think having slow dances can be extremely advantageous as it better allows for actual socialization and increases the possibility of meeting others.

“Slow dances provide a chance for people to ask strangers to dance in a lowrisk environment, which naturally leads to conversation and interacting with others both in and out of your immediate friend group,” Shinkle added.

Haney counseled that playing more slow songs would be beneficial to the atmosphere BYUH tends to advocate. “If this school is so forward on dating, I think they should play slow songs to help encourage students at activities like these. It gives an opportunity for someone to get to know someone better.”

Jenson shared the same mind-set, and he advocated, “If slow dances were more commonly played, the amount of dates happening would increase. This would also cause guys to be more comfortable with taking chances to ask girls out. Dances would become more [of] a social hub where people can meet new people they are interested in.”

However, playing more slow songs can present several issues, such as deteriorating the environment some students want. Shinkle said, “Slow dances can bring down the mood that the deejay has built up and the pumped up vibe that people have going.”

Do you like the majority of the music at school sponsored dances?

Yes: 62%

No: 38%

Would you like to hear more slow songs at dances??

Yes: 56%

No: 44%

How many slow songs do you think should be played at school dances?

Three or more: 14%

Two: 24%

Continues on page 32

Three: 26%

One: 12% Zero: 24%

From a survey of 50 students in the Cafeteria.

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Students suggest slow songs for school dance so they can talk to the people they dance with and get to know more people.

Photos by Gab Batac and Alvin Dy

“Loud music is fun and energetic but makes for a difficult environment in which to converse with those around you....

I think having slow dances can be extremely advantageous as it better allows for actual socialization and increases the possibility of meeting others.”

Keiana Shinkle Continued from page 31

Haney recognized that not all students are confident enough to ask someone to dance.

Haney said, “Slow songs can be a mood killer for most, [especially] if you’re too scared to ask someone to dance or if it’s just not your style of music.”

Haney would like a mixture of both hype music and slow songs. She shared a “good compromise would be to play four or five slow songs throughout a dance and that’s it. I

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think [they] still have up-beat dance songs, but throwing in a slow song every once in a while isn’t bad.”

Shinkle agreed if the school wants everyone to come and enjoy the dance, the school should do its best to accommodate different types of music. She recommended playing a slow song every five to seven songs. “That way, the high-energy could be maintained, but there is the sprinkled

opportunity [to socialize] for those who want to.” Compromise and understanding is what Jenson suggested. He understands “the lack of slow dances could save the feelings of some people who get rejected along with saving the girls from dancing with guys they don’t want to. Personally, I love slow dances because it opens up a whole new style of dance. Not to mention it is a great way to get to know someone better.” •

feature

in this section Kendra Nelson wants to become an orca specialist and promote marine conservation

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Local couple Finau and Lucy Hafoka called as mission presidents in Papua New Guinea

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F EAT URE

We are bigger than ourselves

Marine biology major Kendra Nelson says she is passionate about helping others to understand the importance of marine life B Y AL LY PACK

Kendra Nelson said people care for animals better when they see them in real life. She said she helps clean beaches to protect animals and also humans, Photo by Gabriel Batac

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“As I got older, it opened my eyes more and more to the entire world and that every animal is cherished.”

Kendra Nelson

he was just 3 years old, sitting up in a small nondescript stroller.

Her parents brought her along with them to Sea World San Antonio. Fascinated, she watched the “Shamu Show,” a show put on by trained orca specialists.

Kendra Nelson, a freshman from Arizona who has a self-described dedication and passion for marine life, especially for killer whales, said she knew she wanted to be a Shamu trainer since that day at Sea World.

Heidi Vasaloff, headmaster at Trivium Preparatory Academy in Arizona, where Nelson went to middle and high school, said, “Kendra has been unwavering in her passion for ocean animals. She was always a good advocate for helping us remember that we’re bigger than ourselves with the ocean and the health of our ecosystems.”

Of her passion, Nelson herself said, “It has evolved from just wanting to work with killer whales and orcas - which I love dearly - to dolphins, sea lions, and then it branched out and I loved all animals.”

Sabrina Domrique, a freshman majoring in math from Oklahoma and Nelson’s friend, described how before she moved to Hawaii, she never felt the need to care about marine life.

She commented, “Since moving out here and meeting Kendra, someone who is truly knowledgeable about this, I’ve realized that just because I don’t see it doesn’t mean that these things aren’t happening.”

Vasaloff agreed that Nelson had been a major player in helping to bring about change in her hometown in Arizona. “She still has a lasting influence on me and everyone else in the community just by sharing her passions. She has all these other gifts and talents, and yet she decided ‘this is what is important to me.’ The courage to do that - to be that committed - is just amazing. This is who she is.”

Domrique said what is so special about Nelson’s passion is she takes the time to educate herself about what she believes in. She added, “Kendra knows how to use social media as a platform to get her message out there.”

Nelson stated she loves wild research and going out on boats, but she especially tries to push causes on social media because “it’s not something that’s looked at very often. It’s just kind of shoved under the rug.”

Becoming a marine veterinarian might be her future goal, she said, but she loves field research. “Going out in the wild and helping out with

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sharks and everything is super beneficial, but I also really do love the animals that we have in captivity. I think they also help hand-in-hand with bringing awareness.”

Domrique commented about Nelson,“She doesn’t take these things lightly.” Vasaloff had a similar opinion. “She’s done her research and she knows her facts. And she’s definitely serving fully in that capacity.”

Nelson said she has found multiple opportunities to help the community and wildlife around her. In Arizona, she was in contact with the Keiko Conservation, a group dedicated to helping marine life specifically.

She has continued working with the group by participating in events like the monthly beach clean-up program put on by the One Ocean Conservation with social media influencers Ocean Ramsey and Juan Oliphant.

She participated specifically because she said she likes “places that are providing a better environment for wildlife and for us. It’s not just for animals because we are part of it too.”

However, in contrast to some other conservationists, zoo work and other volunteer efforts are also “under her belt,” as she likes to put it, when it comes to her background in wildlife and animal conservation efforts. She said this is important for the world because “seeing an animal in real life really helps people to love and care for it. People are going to care more for something they can see and interact with instead of just reading about it.”

Zoos and other facilities with animals in captivity is what brought Nelson out into wanting to help their wild counterparts, she said.

“Every animal I just want to help and save to the best of my ability,” Nelson commented.

BYU-Hawaii has provided her with a hands-on learning experience, Nelson noted. When she was deciding on a school, she said she wanted to major in marine biology, and BYUH seemed to be the best fit for her needs. She said, “I don’t have as much of an opportunity in Arizona.”

Her headmaster, Vasaloff, said, “I’m incredibly proud of her for not only seeing her clear path but choosing a university that affords her opportunities in that specific field. I wish everybody could do that. When it comes to things that fill and inspire you, Kendra has had a really clear sight of what she wants.” •

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F EAT R eli gURE i on

Finau and Lucy Hafoka are BYUHawaii graduates who have worked in education. They have met with BYUH students from Papua New Guinea to learn about them and their families before leaving to serve in PNG. Photo by Gab Batac

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Called to

Serve

The Papua New Guinea Port Moresby Mission to welcome Laie locals as the new mission president B Y GO SU K E KAWAN O

inau Hafoka and his wife, Lucy Hafoka, said they are grateful for the opportunity to be on the Lord’s errand and assist his work in Papua New Guinea.

He said, “It’s an honor and privilege to be trusted in such a major responsibility to help build the kingdom in Papua New Guinea. … I trust the Lord. He knows our weaknesses and still calls us.

“We are determined to do our best. With his help, we can do this. I feel good and grateful for the opportunity to serve, learn and grow.”

Lucy Hafoka said, “I feel very nervous and at the same time, I feel very blessed and thankful for the trust Heavenly Father has in me to serve the Lord with my husband.”

Since the church in Papua New Guinea has only been organized there since 1979, says Mormon newsroom, Lucy Hafoka is looking forward to working with missionaries and members to spread the gospel.

Finau Hafoka said, “As President Uchtdorf said, ‘It is not where you serve, but how you serve.’ We lift where we stand. To me it doesn’t matter whether we are called to serve in Tonga or any other place ... as long as we have the faith and courage and determination to do and serve.”

Finau Hafoka has been learning about Papua New Guinea as much as he can after they received the mission call so that he can

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familiarize himself with their culture and customs. He said, “It’s exciting to learn about everything about people, culture and church.

The church is very young so it’s a lot of training. I’m sure people are ready to receive.”

Finau Hafoka said he and his wife have also been trying to contact students at BYUHawaii who are from Papua New Guinea so they can learn about their families since they might run into them once they get there.

“I’m pretty sure that God had prepared the way as he promised. So, when we are in the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to his help. That’s the kind of attitude we take to this mission. We will go and do our best and rest will rely on the Lord and spirit,” Finau Hafoka stated.

Lucy Hafoka said, “I believe this is for the Lord, and we are blessed with people in Papua New Guinea.” She added, “Culturally with my personal experiences in Tonga, I think that we would be very helpful…in Papua New Guinea.”

Lucy Hafoka said she had been studying from “Preach My Gospel” and brushing up on her baking and home-making skills like sewing.

When it comes to doing God’s work in Papua New Guinea, Finau Hafoka said there is a great need of training and support to local leaders. He said, “I know I will spend a good part of my time working with these leaders.

In this mission, we have two stakes and six districts, so there is a lot of working with members and district leaders.”

Continues on page 38 MAR CH 2018

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Continued from page 37

Finau Hafoka shared tips for gaining a personal testimony and preparing for a mission.

He said first, “Study read and ponder the Book of Mormon. That’s what you are going to teach and preach.You must have a testimony of that before you help somebody have their own testimony of that.

“You must have the testimony of the church.You cannot give something you don’t have, so you have to have these things in order for you to be able to be a better and more effective missionary.

“Some missionaries go out to the field and look for these things and convert while they are on a mission field, but I prefer them to have this before they go on a mission. They will be a much better missionary when they are out on the field.

“If not, they would spend the first three, four, six months of their mission finding out these things for themselves and then they’ll have to teach others about it.”

He concluded, “I want my missionaries to remember that I care and love them. We want them to know that we are the disciples of the Savior, and we have the testimony of this great work, and we’re all in this great work together.”

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Lucy Hafoka said, “I just want to love my missionaries as I love my own sons. I will love and support and nurture them to be successful missionaries.”

Filly Metta, a sophomore from Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, explained how the Hafokas attended the PNG Gospel Forum on Sunday, Feb. 18. She said, “They said education is the key to success… I feel that those things they mentioned are things that they will continue to stress and help missionaries and members in PNG to prepare and achieve.

I think they have the spirit of the Lord and so much love too. They will do a lot for the people of PNG.”

The Hafokas both graduated from BYUH and were married in the Laie Hawaii Temple on Jan. 31, 1981. They had their first son while living in TVA.

Finau Hafoka continued to pursue his master’s in counseling psychology at the Chaminade University of Honolulu. After the completion of his master’s, he started working as a school counselor. He has been working at Kahuku High School for the past 28 years. They have five children, they said, and four of them went on missions.

Lucy Hafoka had been working as a English language learners teacher at Laie Elementary School and Kahuku High School part time after graduating from BYUH.

Finau Hafoka said he hopes to contribute to his mission with his career skills and experiences as he interacts with missionaries, members, and non-members.

Finau Hafoka said, “This is the first and hopefully this isn’t the last. I think if we look back on the mission and purpose of the school, I’m not surprised that these things happen. It was a vision from David O. McKay that from this place leaders go out there and establish peace internationally. This place prepares people, not just students but people like us, former students, to go out and serve as well.

“I truly like the sign of the entrance ‘Enter to Learn and Go Forth to Serve.’ I think this is one of the many results from that great prophecy.”

Lucy Hafoka said, “I’m just grateful for this great school and its teaching in my life and for the community and for family members for the help that they have given us to where we are now.”•

entrepreneurship

in this section Enactus team markets world’s first wearable pregnancy monitor with smartphone application

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Thomas McClellan self-publishes novel series based on dreams he’s had

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Tyler Johnson starts waffle-based food truck in Kahuku

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Enactus team launches Rubi, the world’s first wearable pregnancy monitor Rubi launches in May through a Kickstarter campaign, under the direction of co-founder and BYUH student Nathan Neeley

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Nathan Neeley, left, and Bianca Neeley, show what the Rubi app looks like on their phones. The app links with a band worn by pregnant women and monitors their baby’s movement. Photos by Gab Batac 40

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ubi, the world’s first wearable pregnancy monitor, launches in May through a Kickstarter campaign, said co-founder Nathan Neeley, a senior from California majoring in business management

The BYU-Hawaii Enactus team plans to present how the pregnancy monitoring bands impact women in rural areas and the islands at the Enactus competition in Kansas City.

The non-profit will distribute the pregnancy monitors throughout clinics in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands since the statistics for stillborns are high in the Pacific Islands, he said. Neeley explained this sector of medical technology has not been updated in decades. In explaining this unique vision of Rubi, he said, “We are a pioneer product of prenatal development. We hope [to] bring down [the] infant mortality rate and increase peace of mind.”

Rubi functions to prevent stillborn deaths, he said, because embedded in a sleek maternity band, patented sensors count the duration of kicks from the baby. The data from the baby is sent to an app on the mother’s smartphone to alert when the baby’s life is at risk.

Worldwide one of every 75 babies are stillborn, while nationwide in the United States 12.5 percent of pregnancies are high risk.

The team’s vision is tied with the United Nations to reduce prenatal mortality rate by 1.2 percent or one of every 60 babies.

Rubi is aligned to realize this vision for every mother who is high-risk. The objective is for each mother to walk out of the obstetrics and gynecology clinics with the Rubi pregnancy monitor as firm hope in her hands.

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Neeley shared his personal tie with the product. “Growing up my mom worked night shifts as a labor and delivery nurse, and I always wondered why she would come home crying sometimes. Even with my mom working at the top hospitals in California, she still experienced preventable stillbirths. I truly want to be more than just another entrepreneur. I want to create a change in the world, and I believe Rubi is bringing that into fruition.”

Kailey Searle, a junior from Colorado majoring in business management, expressed her excitement in being the newest member of the Rubi team. “The effect of the pregnancy monitors will ripple generation to generation.”

According to Neeley, infants are not surviving to full-term when women lack healthcare access. The mothers and babies remain in critical need. The Rubi team seeks to establish relations with third world countries to form the non-profit.

Bianca Neeley, a former midwife and Nathan Neeley’s wife, reflected on her personal experiences with pregnant women in clinics.

With care, she remarked, “I immediately thought of the tiny hospital I worked at in Vanuatu and how beneficial a Rubi band would have been while you’re out there in the middle of nowhere with an anxious first-time mother, a prehistoric Doppler giving inaccurate readings, and a power outage. A Rubi band would have been a game changer on so many levels.”

The technology for Rubi first began in 2010 when Dr. Anton Bowden, a professor at BYU, developed the world’s most highly deflective piezo resistant nickel infused silicon strain gauge sensors. Throughout the past decade, these sensors have been tested

extensively, Nathan Neeley said. Rubi Life LLC has been in progress for a year now. More than $1 million in funding, and accredited through 13 Ph.D. researchers, who have studied applications from the technology for thesis work, Rubi placed first in the Utah Entrepreneur Competition and second nationwide.

This summer Rubi team will be traveling to China to meet with manufactures. Professor Jason S. Earl, academic director for the Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship said $1,000 has been allocated for the Rubi Project in the goal to establish a distribution center for Rubi.

The support for Rubi includes participators from BYUH, BYU in Provo, the University of Utah, and midwives throughout the United States, Neeley said.

Tonga is one of the target countries to distribute the Rubi pregnancy monitor. Mele Morey, a freshman from Utah majoring in Hawaiian studies, offered her immediate family in Tonga connections to network Rubi in the region. Morey explains: “My roots in Tonga come from a legacy of doing things for others ,and in doing so, changing the world around you as well as expanding that influence. The people there [in Tonga] are open and welcoming to things that can allow them to progress, such as Rubi.”

The Rubi team would like support from students and local community members to form solid connections with the medical clinics of the Pacific Islands.

If there is any interest in networking, “RubiKicks” can be found on Twitter and Instagram. • M AR CH 2018

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Thomas McClellan said he writes down dreams and notes every day to help create his stories. Photos by Gab Batac.

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Dreams become a novel

Basing his self-published books from his personal dreams, BYU-Hawaii student Thomas McClellan shares his passion of writing B Y AL LY PACK

homas McClellan, a senior from California, said he is in the process of writing his fourth novel in his self-published series “Orrleth.”

A business management supply chain major, McClellan’s passion also lies in writing.

“I could write for years and years even if I was a full-time writer.

I have lots of different stories and series that I’d like to work on. I just don’t have enough time to do it,” he commented.

One interesting fact about McClellan is he writes more than he reads. He said, “I love the potential to try and convey your thoughts as best you can to someone else.”

McClellan said his passion for writing is the reason why he is able to feel motivated in completing a novel. “[Writing] is a journey for me too,” McClellan said. “I know the beginning and the end, but I don’t know how [the characters] get there. So even though I’m writing it, I’m the audience at the same time.”

McClellan also said his writing schedule is more structured than most authors he has seen. Due to the fact that many of his story ideas come from dreams, he has learned to instantly record his creations.

“When I wake up [from a dream], they’re so powerful,” he said. “I immediately grab my phone or notes and start writing everything I can remember. They are different from standard dreams. Super stark, very detailed, and [you] absolutely could not mistake [them] for something else.”

In addition to recording his dreams and thoughts as he receives them, McClellan has learned success and completion come through a minimum amount of writing he requires of himself each day. He said that is where he feels other writers fall short.

His favorite thing about writing, specifically, is constructing characters. “I like creating the characters because it’s like I am creating people.

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I have these histories, personalities, and experiences, and a lot of them aren’t my own,” he said.

Unlike other authors, McClellan said he does not feel he has a specific inspiration or author he models his writing after.

McClellan said, “If you’re going to have a role model, you should be the role model.” However, he said he does enjoy Edgar Allen Poe’s works and “the feel.”

Talking about his existing series, “Orrleth,” he said, “[Gospel aspects] are hiding in there. If you read it, you won’t see it at first, but if you go back and read it, you’ll see that it’s there.”

He said his third book, “Orrleth: Ghost in the Field” incorporates more spiritual aspects and aspects of Hawaii in general due to his transition from BYU in Provo to BYU-Hawaii.

The choice to self-publish, he said, has been somewhat of a struggle. He said he has tried to submit to publishers, but he has found publishers don’t want anything to do with self-published works.

McClellan said since he self-publishes, it is difficult to find places to stock his books. He said he has gone through the process of trying to place his books in libraries multiple times, to always come out with the same result: nothing.

“You’re basically branded into oblivion if you self-publish,” he said.

“You’re stuck.”

However, he said this hasn’t stopped him. McClellan said he enjoys the freedoms of self-publishing and his biggest support has been his mom through it all. She helps with design aspects to ensure his creative success. • TO L EA R N MO R E Find Thomas McClellan and his books on amazon.com, check out his website www.orrleth.com, or find him on goodreads.com

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Ty’s beach bus BYUH student makes his dream come true of having a food truck after visiting food trucks globally and transferring from BYU-Idaho

BY DENA LI LO F L I N

BY EMMA LE E S M I T H

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BYUH senior Tyler Johnson sits in front of the food truck he painted, renovated and made into his mobile waffle business in Kahuku. Photo by Adam Case.

yler Johnson, a senior at BYU-Hawaii, opened his own food truck in Kahuku to fulfill his dream of having one. Johnson said, “I want to create a happy food truck experience. When I came home from my mission, food trucks were the craze. I fell in love with food trucks.”

Johnson, a business finance major from Arizona, completed about five semesters at BYUIdaho before transferring to BYU-Hawaii. He said, “I wanted a truck for a long time, but it wasn’t really viable in Idaho because I would have to close it up when it’s cold and snowy, which is mostly all year round. When I transferred to Hawaii, I realized it was the best opportunity to make my dream happen.

“I realized that Hawaii, being so big into food trucks, would be the best place to do it. I knew that the Lord was opening doors for me and with his help, I could do so many things beyond me,” Johnson added.

According to Johnson, he played with the food truck idea for a year and put everything together mentally. “When I moved out [from Idaho], I bought the bus from a guy out in Haleiwa. I started outfitting the truck right away. Whenever I didn’t have class, I worked on it. I painted it, made it look pretty, and finally put all the equipment in it.”

Originally Johnson wanted a soda truck, but said he needed another item to really bring people in. He said, “One night we had hotdogs for dinner.

The next morning, I made waffles, and I thought, ‘What if I put this together?’ So I stuck a hotdog in my waffle, and it was delicious.”

Johnson decided to call his creation the “Weenie Waffle.” He said it is his favorite item on the menu. “It’s a killer. I preach the ‘Weenie Waffle.’ People are pretty tentative of it, but the adventurous people always get it, and they love it.

“I googled waffle dog, and found machines in China and Budapest that make them. This was

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when I realized there was a lot more I could do with that machine. I have just been experimenting and coming up with new things to include on the menu,” he continued.

For those who don’t get the “Weenie Waffle,” Johnson said there are other dessert waffle options such as “Double Stuff,” which according to Johnson, is his favorite dessert-style waffle that has Oreos and Nutella or peanut butter.

When asked about the best part of the job, Johnson replied, “I have always wanted to own a business. It has been very fulfilling to come to work and see the things I have been dreaming of and knowing I created it. I love when customers come back and just want more. Sometimes, while I’m working, I hear people talking about how good [the waffles are], and it just makes me happy,” Johnson added.

“Other [food truck employees] will just shout your number, but I like to connect and meet people even just by asking them how their day is going. I usually have music going and a ping pong table outside so people can come and hangout. It’s cool to feel like people’s days have been made better by coming to my bus.”

Johnson said his “two favorite things are traveling and food trucks.

Every time I travel, I find a food truck. I’ve been to food trucks in Ecuador, Mexico, New York, London, Washington, D.C.

“When I kind of felt tired going to school, I moved to D.C. and got two internships that I was excited about. I started setting goals and going places, realizing I could do anything I really wanted,” he continued.

After being denied by BYUH twice, Johnson said, “Coming to BYUH was very empowering to me. I always got into Provo and Idaho, but I finally got into Hawaii and transferred with my sisters.

“It just helped me realize that if you work hard, pray hard, and you’re earnest about it, you can do anything you put your mind to. It was a really good launch pad to come out here, and realized I could make it happen,” Johnson added.•

BYUH senior Tyler Johnson sells hot dog waffles and desert waffles at his food truck in Kahuku. Photos by Adam Case.

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lifestyle

in this section Highlight of two Mormon athletes at the 2018 Winter Olympics

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Health Center instructs students to not spread sickness during flu season

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Divorced student and those with divorced parents say Mormons need to remember to love all

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School in Hawaii presents challenge of balancing grades with fun

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Students say textbooks dominate their reading more than books they like

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Check odometer and listen for strange noises among when buying a used car

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Illustration by Ally Pack/information taken from Olympic.org

Left: U.S. Olympic Bobsledder Chris Fogt poses for a portrait in 2013. Right: Jerica Tandiman waves to spectators after the women’s 1,0 0 0 meters speedskating race at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Photos by AP

Mormons at the Olympics Chris Fogt and Jerica Tandiman, LDS members, compete for 2018 Winter Olympics B Y AL LY PACK

wo USA Olympic athletes competing this season are joined by a similarity: their religious beliefs. Belonging to the LDS Church, Chris Fogt and Jerica Tandiman have inspired BYU-Hawaii students.

In an interview with Deseret News, Tandiman, a speed skater, said her LDS faith had contributed to where she is today. “It’s definitely part of who I am. I think it’s helped me to have confidence in the things I do. … It reminds me to be a good person and keep that balance in my life. … It keeps me humble.”

Tandiman has also attended BYU-Hawaii, reports the West Jordan Journal.

Students at BYUH like Aline Weitzel, a junior from New York majoring in hospitality and tourism, said she thinks having members of the LDS Church in the Olympics is encouraging. “It brings awareness about the gospel,” Weitzel remarked.

Jon Keith, a freshman from California majoring in exercise and sports science, said he didn’t know any of the LDS Olympians prior to the Olympics, but he said, “Even not knowing any Mormon Olympians beforehand or even what they do, I know that they get a lot of publicity because they stand out. People

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notice that and especially notice the happy and wholesome lifestyle they live.“

Weitzel commented similarly, “When you’re in a competition with a lot of diversity and culture, questions will appear when you’re getting to know someone else or the competition.” She later said she thinks knowing that an athlete is LDS is nice because it’s most likely not as common as other religions.

In addition, she said, “I think it’s very inspirational just because they are members of the Church.”

Tandiman, in her interview with NBCOlympics.com, described when the Olympics first inspired her.

She said her earliest memory of the Olympics were the Games in 2002. She recalled the speed skating events were held at the Utah Olympic Oval, which she described as being practically built in her backyard.

“I don’t remember a lot about the events, but I do remember watching the torch go through the Kearns High School parking lot. I didn’t then know that I would later be chasing an Olympic dream of my own, but watching that flame sparked something within me,” she commented.

Mike Mullen, an alumnus from BYUH who graduated in business management, was able to visit Korea. He said, “It’s the Olympics.

Who wouldn’t want to go? I had to go to Korea to meet with some people anyway so why not enjoy the Olympics as well?”

Concerning the Olympic competitions overall, with his experience in-person Mullen said, “The atmosphere is electric. It is amazing to see the world united, cheering for all the athletes.”

Keith, although not able to attend the Olympics stated, “As a country [we should] be patriotic and watch the Olympics more. It’s a good way to strengthen our international relationships, learn something and enjoy some like educational and wholesome television.”

Weitzel added her thoughts and said, “I like the Olympics just because I get to see different countries and what everyone has and how they trained for it.”

Mullen also commented that he most enjoyed watching the ski aerials. He said, “I think the ski aerials are spectacular. It was incredible to see them in person. I don’t know how a human body can spin that much, that high in the air, and land safely.” • M AR CH 2018

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Addressing the stigma surrounding divorce within the Mormon community

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Illustration by Lorin Vilayvong

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ompassion and understanding are essential to dealing with members of the church who have gone through divorce, according to BYU-Hawaii students. Students shared how their personal experiences with divorce have shaped their perspective and what they want fellow Mormons to know about divorce.

Gabriella Gomez, a senior from Guatemala majoring in communications, shared, “My parents got divorced when I was preparing for my mission three years ago. It is the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

Keaulani Silieto, a junior from the Big Island majoring in Pacific Island studies, shared her personal story. “I came here to BYU in 2008 where I met my ex. We met, and I got pregnant and then we got married. We were suspended. We tried working on the marriage, but it just didn’t [work].” A year and half later, Silieto found herself filing for divorce.

President Dallin H. Oaks said in his April 2007 conference talk on divorce, “Some see themselves or their loved ones as the victims of divorce. Others see themselves as its beneficiaries. Some see divorce as evidence of failure. Others consider it an essential escape hatch from marriage. In one way or another, divorce touches most families in the Church.”

He continues: “There are many good Church members who have been divorced. I speak first to them. We know that many of you are innocent victims—members whose former spouses persistently betrayed sacred covenants or abandoned or refused to perform marriage responsibilities for an extended period. Members who have experienced such abuse have firsthand knowledge of circumstances worse than divorce.”

President Oaks then addresses those considering divorce: “I strongly urge you and those who advise you to face up to the reality that for most marriage problems, the remedy is not divorce but repentance. Often the cause is not incompatibility but selfishness.

The first step is not separation but reformation. Divorce is not an all-purpose solution, and it often creates long-term heartache. ...Spouses who hope that divorce will resolve conflicts often find that it aggravates them, since the complexities that follow divorce—especially where there are children—generate new conflicts.

“Think first of the children. Because divorce separates the interests of children from the interests of their parents, children are its first victims.”

President Oaks adds “the best way to avoid divorce from an unfaithful, abusive, or unsupportive spouse is to avoid marriage to such a person. If you wish to marry well, inquire well.” He encourages people to date over a period of time, see their prospective partner in all kinds of situations and get to know their family.

Jason Grubbe, a senior from Oregon majoring in English, has parents who have been divorced since he was 11. Although it was a “punch in the face at that time in my life,” Grubbe said he felt that “they totally should’ve [divorced]. It was a good decision because it was really bad for a really long time … It was just decaying over

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a while. When they split up, it was more positive in our lives. In general it’s definitely not plan A, but if you got to do it, you got to do it.”

Silieto addressed attitudes surrounding divorce. “I think people still see it as a very negative thing, which is sad. When you’ve tried your best, you’ve tried everything and you just have no other options, then you’re just like, ‘Okay, that’s what I need to do.’” She went on to clarify that despite her efforts to make her marriage work she thought the right thing to do was to end the marriage even though ward members encouraged her to work it out.

Gomez explained, “Not all families are perfect. I would like the topic of divorce to be more open in the church so that more people are aware that it does happen and so they can better understand why. We shouldn’t be trying to hide it and pretending like it never happens … They’re not alone and it’s something some of us have to go through.”

Grubbe said, “I don’t think anyone is really pro divorce.

General society isn’t that much different from the church … It makes marriage less big of a deal. So, because Mormonism is huge on marriage, then divorce is a bigger deal.”

In an LDS Living article written by Josh Lockhart, Dr. Jonathan Swinton, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Salt Lake City, stated, “‘Those who experience a divorce need a lot of support from others to help manage those high levels of stress.’”

Silieto said, “There’s a big negative culture about it. I’ve known people who have left [the church] because they’ve just been really judged by others. The hardest thing for someone to hear is you didn’t try hard enough or you didn’t have enough faith.

“That’s not what it’s about.You don’t know what’s going on in a marriage unless you’re in the marriage yourself. Don’t assume things because that makes it worse.”

Despite her desire to salvage a marriage, Gomez said people should comfort those in conflict. Having come from a Catholic oriented background, she said, “Mormons often focus on how you’re supposed to have an eternal family so [they] step over the commandment to love all. We forget that people need help and attention.”

She added, “We should consider how to love others, forgive others and resolve that kind of conflict that is not normal.”

Silieto said, “I wish people would understand the value they have. After my divorce I really lost my sense of worth, especially because we’re a family-oriented church … I’m grateful that I was able to get a divorce. I would’ve never met my wonderful husband.

If it wasn’t for my divorce, I would not have my two younger children who I love and adore. I wouldn’t have a lot of things if I hadn’t gotten a divorce.”

Dr. Swinton advised in LDS Living, “‘If you have experienced divorce, don’t beat yourself up or feel you are lesser in any way.

Relationships are really difficult. Just do your best. The Lord still loves you and will always be there to support you.’” •

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Reading for pleasure Teacher encourages students to read more to develop knowledge and writing skills

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Megan Erickson reads in the library. Finding time to read books beyond class-assigned reading requires having a desire to read, says English Professor Ned Williams. Photos by Alvin Vincent Dy and Kelsy Simmons 52

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Note: Professor Ned Williams said, “Reading is one way to develop a knowledge of two very important realms, and that is the knowledge of yourself. I don’t think you can know much about yourself unless you read thoroughly. It’s a very revealing experience.”

lthough students and faculty of BYU-Hawaii said they believe reading for pleasure is beneficial, not all feel they have the time to do so. The responsibilities of college life and work usually take precedence, and some students said textbook assignments and required readings make up for lack of extracurricular reading.

“The student who feels like there is no time to read hasn’t really developed a desire to read,” stated Ned Williams, a professor of English. “If there is a desire to read, it has to be learned. … The students who are really readers, they have figured out a time to read. Sometimes it is scheduled and sometimes it’s just by a feeling. It really is different depending on the student circumstance.”

When asked how often she reads for her own pleasure, Sarah Lukov, a freshman from Laie studying biology, said, “I would have to say I wish I would do it more. I don’t read for pleasure. I read textbooks everyday except Sunday. … I like reading, I just don’t really have time.”

Malinda Liddell, a freshman from Colorado majoring in social work, said, “I mean, I like to read, but I haven’t had time for the longest time.”

She sat in silence as she thought and then said, “I’m trying to think if I’ve had the chance to read for pleasure since getting here. I have a couple books that I’ll pick up every once in a while.”

Asked how often she reads in general, Liddell answered, “Daily.”

She explained, “I’m in five classes right now and they’re all pretty textbook heavy. I have to read a couple chapters, usually at least four chapters between all of my classes a week. Four or five depending.”

Liddell said, “To be honest, it takes me a little while to get into a book, but once I get into a book, I can’t put it down. But I have to have a good period of time to dedicate to that.”

Williams said, “Students get caught up in many things, especially our students. Students have to give time to not only their classrooms, but also their work schedules, the requirements for their home life - particularly married students - and then church assignments. There are many very valid enterprises that are competing for their time and attention.”

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In his life and experience with reading, Williams has found, “There always has to be a combination between pleasure and requirement.”

Williams stated, “Every day is a pleasure for me to read, some more than others. It’s probably more important early on to read for delight and entertainment and for the pleasure of reading.”

Williams recognized, “There is assigned reading that may not begin with pleasure.You really have a choice from at least two pools of selections of things to read. The primary pool should be what delights you, what interests you. And the other should be those works, depending on the academic pursuit, that you’re just required to know.”

Although Liddell doesn’t spend her time reading for fun, she said, “I think reading is good for you. There are a lot of things you can’t learn [from] just talking.” She disclosed, “It’s kind of a weak point for me because I love talking and learning by ideas, but it’s hard for me to set aside time to get focused on a book. But I know if I did, I’d be able to learn a lot more. Also, I think the way it stimulates the brain is probably very beneficial, which is why I say not enough. I probably should be reading more.”

Lukov agreed, “I feel like [reading] just helps your brain process. If you can read and understand something in a short amount of time, then that can help you in a lot of other ways in your life, not just reading.” She explained, “It can help you in your writing. If you read, you’ll write better because you’ll have a wider range of vocabulary and be able get a point across easier.”

Similarly, Lukov said, “If you don’t have time, don’t stress. On the breaks, make time because it will benefit you. And it will keep your mind going so you don’t come back to school overwhelmed.”

At some point in everyone’s life, people will find their niche for reading, said Williams. “Reading is competing with a lot of other attractions students face. There’s never a formula for everyone. People will encounter a [genre] at a certain time in their life that almost creates a kind of chemistry between them and [that genre].” •

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Flu season The Health Center and students take action by instructing people not to contaminate others and to wash their hands B Y H AN N AH JO N E S

Illustration by McKenna Locken

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ccording to Hawaii News Now, the Center for Disease Control, CDC, reported in late January the number of people affected by the flu in Hawaii went from moderate to high, making it one of the states most severely affected by influenza this season. Sick BYU-Hawaii students and a nurse from the Health Center discuss how to stay healthy.

Lena Tyau, a registered nurse working in the Health Center, said there is more sickness going around recently “because flu season is between November and March.”

Tyau has seen many cases of influenza as well as “some mono and a little strep” coming through the Health Center. She explained, “It was in the papers, as a national trend influenza was going down, but it’s taken a swift uptake and Hawaii is one of the states that highest activity of flu cases.”

Hans Nieto, a sophomore from Ecuador majoring in business, stated, “I've been sick for two weeks … One night I was talking with a friend by the temple and it was getting cold and I didn't bring my jacket. I started to sneeze, and it got worse and worse till I got completely sick.”

Nieto said, “Generally, the body is not good at handling radical weather changes. I think that is a factor for getting sick at this time of the year.”

Tyau explained how to stay healthy, “There’s a big push from administration about educating how to prevent spreading it and if you have it, how to minimize spreading it.

The main thing is frequent hand washing and then trying to keep healthy yourself … For prevention, come in and get the flu shot … Put that as No. 1.”

Delphia Lloyd, a freshman from Idaho majoring in hospitality and tourism management, advised those with immune systems struggling to adjust to college. “Make sure you’re trying, at least, to eat healthier and getting your body used to living here, otherwise your immune system will just crash.”

Tyau added, “For those who eat in the cafeteria or anywhere there are shared utensils, like tongs for the salad bar, always, always use hand sanitizer after you use the tongs because you go from tongs to your food, and you’re going to put it in your mouth, and you’re going to come out with the flu.” Lloyd gaged and said, “I notice [people] will cough into their hands and they go to the café.”

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“Flu is a virus, so it does not respond to antibiotics.

That’s one of the reasons you don’t have to come to the Health Center if you think you have the flu, because that’s how you actually kind of spread it. If its mild, it’s not severe, stay home and rest.”

-Lena Tyau, Health Center nurse

Tyau also suggested, for those who are already sick, “If they’re going to cough or sneeze, make sure they’re covering so they don’t let the germs get out.”

Nieto reasoned, “If it is the flu, there are a bunch of ways in which someone can get contaminated. Sometimes when a person sneezes and doesn’t cover his mouth, that person would spread the disease through the air and other people around could inhale that air and get contaminated.”

Lloyd said she is “also known as disease girl.” She said, “Basically, what’s been happening since midway through last semester, I’ve been getting new sickness regularly. Last semester I had extreme skin reactions to dust mites. It made crazy rashes around my eyes, mouth and down my neck and then it made my mouth swell up.

“After that healed, which was after the first week of second semester, I got styes, an infection in your eyelid. I got two within two weeks. Once that cleared up I got this, which is a combination of three things. I’ve got a sinus infection, an upper respiratory infection and bronchitis.” With an optimistic attitude, she said, “It’s all good. There are some people who have it worse.”

Lloyd wears a mask to protect herself from getting sick. “So, you notice I’m wearing a mask right now. Everyone makes fun of me for wearing it, but you know what, when they don’t wear masks that’s how [they get sick].

“When my roommate didn’t wear a mask and was coughing up everywhere in our room and all over people, she got our friends sick and me sick. After that happened, she was like, ‘Maybe I should wear a mask,’ and I was like, ‘Darn right you should.’ There’s nothing wrong with wearing a mask. It’s highly affective and it helps you get around because you don’t have to worry about coughing on everyone.”

Lloyd explained how she got sick. “I got it from my roommate. She was sick for about a week. It’s a wet season so all that moisture in the air really helps everything stay in the air and helps the bacteria cultivate. I think it’s just cause [students are] getting used to the Hawaii climate and ecosystem, because that’s definitely what it’s been for me.”

Nieto decided, “The best way to prevent getting sick is to know the basic information of how the diseases develop in the environment and take precautions about it according to the knowledge you have. The Health Center should be a good resource of that kind of information.”

In hope of getting better, Lloyd recommended, “First, go to the doctor if you notice so you can prevent it and prevent it from spreading. Ask for a mask. Use the hand sanitizer dispensers....Find the ones that work.”

Lloyd added, “I know the bathrooms work, so use the sinks and wash your hands regularly.”

Lloyd said her first instinct was to go to the Health Center, but Tyau advised students not to. She explained, “Flu is a virus, so it does not respond to antibiotics. That’s one of the reasons you don’t have to come to the Health Center if you think you have the flu, because that’s how you actually kind of spread it. If its mild, it’s not severe, stay home and rest.” She said there isn’t much the Health Center can do to help if you know it’s the flu.

Tyau concluded, “If you’re sick, the main thing is they need to stay away from other people, and it’s going to be hard because it’s going to mean missing classes, missing work and sometimes not going to church, but the campus is aware what’s going on. Someone is going to be talking to the dean of students to hopefully talk to the teachers about being less strict about absences.”• MAR CH 2018

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BYU-Hawaii’s geographical location Students say they try to enjoy the beach and get good grades B Y H AN N AH JO N E S

YU-Hawaii students said they go to the beach with varying tourism management, said, “I go like once a month, because I’m too busy levels of enthusiasm and frequency. However, students agreed doing homework and studying … It’s really pretty to look at, but I’m not going to college in paradise is just as academically rigorous as a big fan. It takes the whole day and then there isn’t really anything to do.” going to school anywhere else.

Benavides finds herself at the beach because of her passion for

Alexa Benavides, a senior from California double majoring in ansurfing. She said, “I love to surf. It’s one of my hobbies. It keeps me thropology and peace building, said, “I go once a week.” However, when sane.” Even when she can’t surf, Benavides explained, “I really enjoy the she was a freshman she said she “went to the beach almost every day warmth of the sun, and even when it rains, I love the feeling of the except Sunday.” saltiness.”

Joshua Lewis, a student from Washington majoring in business

Lewis said he makes time for the beach to unwind. “It’s relaxing. It management, is spending his freshman year quite the same way. He said, takes your mind off the craziness of life. Sometimes I guess I go because “I go every day except Sunday, unless I’m busy with school.” it’s just soothes. Regardless of tanning, it’s just soothing. The sound of the

Benavides reasoned, “Being a senior, I’m in a lot of my end-of-thewaves is one of my favorite sounds.” road classes so it does take a little bit more work than before. I’m a lot

For Pula, it’s simply enjoying her surroundings. She said, “I really more focused on getting those things done.” like to take my camera to the beach and I love being able to see different

Camry Pula, a freshman from Utah majoring in business managethings overtime.” ment, said, “I go to the beach like three times a week. I’ll probably go

Lewis said, “Sometimes when there’s a lot of things to do, but you more when I’m a senior because I’ll be living off campus and I’ll be more have the option between the beach and studying, the beach wins.” irresponsible.”

As far as the beach being a distraction from studies, Lewis reasoned,

Sarah Shong, a freshman from Washington majoring in hotel and “It’s not too difficult as long as you plan it.”

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Students say it is a challenge to learn how to include the beach into their lives. Top: A view of Waimea Bay on the North Shore.

Below: Students and prospective students gather on the beach during Holomua last year. Photos by Alvin Dy and Olivia Tsan

Though Pula has a love for going to the beach, she had the opposite opinion of Lewis. She mentioned, “The beach is a distraction for me because as soon as I get stressed I want to go to the beach, but then I’m stressed all the time because I go to the beach instead of doing what I need to do.”

Pula said, “I have a lot of family who went here before me, and they always told me to make the beach a reward, but I don’t think it should be a reward. I think you should prioritize what you value, and if you value the beach, take your homework there.”

Lewis added, “If you allow it to be a distraction, it will be. But if you put your school work first, then the beach will be a place to unwind.”

Lewis addressed the stereotype of coming to school in Hawaii. “I think when people say that I’m going to Hawaii and things are going to be easy, it’s because they associate it with recreational activities and leisure. They don’t realize that it is school that you’re going to do. School is school.” •

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Buying a used car BYUH Students share why they buy cars, how to avoid issues and what to look for B Y DAN I A. CASTRO

Check the odometer

Listen for any strange noises when driving

Take someone who knows about cars

Ask when it was last serviced

Illustration by Lorin Vilayvong

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or Tim Orrego, a sophomore from Canada studying psychology, buying a car was a necessary step for him and his growing family. He shared he and his wife “were expecting a baby, so we had to go to doctor visits and eventually the hospital. We figured we needed a car for that. Also, food prices are a bit cheaper at Costco than at Foodland.”

Isabella Dearaujo, a freshman from California studying business, found purchasing a car was worth the investment. Especially when it comes to avoiding the need to depend on public transportation. She said, “My brother and I co-own a car. What motivated us to get a car was the bus is good, but it takes so long to get anywhere. There are some places the bus can’t take you.”

Not all BYU-Hawaii students want to have a car but still find ways to liberate themselves from the boundaries of Laie.

Shane Laird, a sophomore from Utah studying biomedicine owns a motorcycle. He commented, “Owning a motorcycle has its ups and downs. Gas is super cheap.You can fill up for a couple of bucks and go on for a while. I like the freedom and being able to ride and go wherever I want, but the problem is here in Hawaii it rains all the time, so you get soaked all the time. The roads get wet and you can slip easier. Despite that, I love it.”

Orrego works as a mechanic and offered counsel to students that may be considering beginning the journey of car ownership. Orrego commented on the financial strain that comes with car ownership. “This is a big investment.

You’re paying registration, maintenance, and insurance. It’s got to be worth it.You don’t want to spend more than $1,000 on something and have it break on you.

“Be careful when you’re buying a used car.

You don’t want to be spending more money on something that is going to end up costing a lot more than you planned. Take someone you know who knows about cars. Question the owner in depth about their car,” Orrego said.

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Dearaujo advised students not to get too caught up looking for the perfect car. “It’s important to manage your expectation.You need a car that’s reliable and easy to work on.

You don’t want anything that’s going to give you a headache, [but] you’re buying a used car.

You’re buying as is. The idea is that you’re going to have to put money into it to maintain it. It’s not the same as buying from the dealership. It’s your responsibility to know that [the car] is not going to be perfect all the time.”

Orrego warned, “Be very frank with the person you’re buying the car from. If they seem pretty shady or don’t want to give you exact answers, it’s okay to be suspicious. There might be something they aren’t telling you. I think some people know their cars have problems and then they do try to sell them to unsuspecting students such as myself. Our car needed the wheel bearings replaced, but I didn’t know that. That was a pretty expensive thing to get replaced.”

Dearaujo said, “When you’re buying a car, you’re buying it from a person. Not only do you need to check the car out, but you need to check the person out.You need to figure out what kind of person they are. I have friends who bought a car and then a week later the engine blows out because the car didn’t get the oil change.”

According to Orrego, knowing what to look for can be a huge asset in avoiding car trouble. “It’s important to know how many kilometers [or miles] the car has and check if it has been serviced recently. Cars should have information to show when it has been serviced.

Check how old the battery is or when was the last oil change. Listen for sounds or odd noises when the car is running. A car shouldn’t have weird noises. Check it out, find it and determine whether it’s going to be something simple or easy to fix. That’s going to determine if you want to buy the car or how much you’re going to pay for it.” •

“When you’re buying a car, you’re buying it from a person. Not only do you need to check the car out, but you need to check the person out. You need to figure out what kind of person they are.”

Isabella Dearaujo

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Pictured is Sharks Cove up on the North Shore.

Photo by Alvin Dy