New Student Issue Fall 2019 by Ke Alaka'i News

NEW STUDENT ISSUE 2019

A GUIDE & INTRODUCTION

FOR YOUR START AT BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;HAWAII

Culture Night 30 Visa & immigration guidelines 36 Hurricane preparedness 94 Students: Walmart prices are worth the drive 112

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

ADVISOR

LeeAnn Lambert EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Brooklyn Redd

COPY EDITORS

Dani Castro Bruno Maynez Noah Shoaf

ART DIRECTOR

Lynne Hardy

MANAGING EDITOR

Emily Hancock

DESIGN INTERN

Anuhea Chen

ART & GRAPHICS

NEWS CENTER

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS

PRINTER

Brad Carbine Milani Ho Ip

Mackenzie Beaver Tomson Cheang Geena De Maio Malia Diaz J. Eston Dunn Mikaela Gray Elijah Hadley Esther Insigne Will Krueger Alyssa Odom Haeley van der Werf Emi Wainwright PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chad Hsieh Ho Yin Li

VIDEOGRAPHERS

Diandra Mongan Shannon Crowley

Box 1920 BYUH Laie, HI 96762

Print Services Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquiries: kealakai@byuh.edu. To view additional articles, go to kealakai.byuh.edu

CONTACT

Email: kealakai@byuh.edu Phone: (808) 675-3694 Fax: (808) 675-3491 Office: BYU–Hawaii Aloha Center 134 ON THE COVER: Students in the Tahiti Club prepare for Culture Night, where cultural and hobby clubs perform to share their cultures. Photo by Chad Hsieh

ABOUT US

The Ke Alaka‘i began publishing the same year the university, then called Church College of Hawaii, opened. It has continued printing for more than 60 years. The name means “the leader” in Hawaiian. It began as a monthly newsletter, evolved into a weekly newspaper, then a weekly magazine, and is now a monthly news magazine with a website and a social media presence. Today a staff of about 25 students works to provide information for BYU–Hawaii’s campus ohana and Laie’s community. © 2019 Ke Alaka‘i BYU–Hawaii All Rights Reserved 2

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

A girl jumps from Laie Point, a popular cliff diving spot in Laie. Photo by Kelsie Carlson

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

STAY UP TO DATE WITH US!

KEA LA KA I.BYUH.ED U 3

Highlights 30 25 Purpose of parking permits

Security director says requiring a permit for cars makes sure they are registered, insured and safe

88 Ask the Pro: David Whippy

An intercultural peacebuiding assistant professor explains how to overcome conflict

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

28 Food Fest

Clubs report a high demand for their dishes and desserts during popular annual event

80 From mission to farmers Returned missionaries from the Philippines help people build better lives by raising pigs

On the cover Culture Night

Club leaders say annual event honors culture and tradition, increases understanding, raises awareness and unifies students

Contents 08 Don’t be a squiggle 10 Resources for students at BYU–Hawaii

12 Commuting around

BYU–Hawaii campus

14 Good grades pay 16 How to file your taxes 18 Center for Academic

Success aids students

22 Title IX is here for students

52 Singing her way

104 The Circle Island Tour

54 Ask the pro: Yifen Beus

106 Nu’uamu Pali Lookout and

to BYU–Hawaii

56 Carving a new tune 58 Practicing casual English

114 Matsumoto’s shave ice

68 Alumni diffuses anger

118 Everyone is ohana

with education in Jordan

74 Linking family and culture

30 Culture Night

79 Fitness meets Instagram

32 We are one

80 RMs help pig farmers

36 Visa and immigration

84 Ask the pro: Jeff Merrill 86 Play ‘Pirates of Penzance’ 88 Ask the pro: David Whippy

40 Serving babies and families

94 Hurricane preparedness

42 Learning a little differently

98 Car buying tips

46 Defining disabilities

swap meet

66 Ask the pro: Tēvita O. Kaʻili

28 Food Fest

for internships

110 Bargaining at the 112 Students: Walmart prices

join the Church

72 Ask the pro: Joel Reece

39 Tips on applying

nearby hikes

62 Korean siblings

25 Purpose of parking permits

guidelines

around Oahu

100 Huki: Beyond Legends

are worth the drive

122 15 ways to avoid the freshman 15

124 Hawaii bans sunscreens that harm coral reefs

132 A missionary and his

adopted Hawaiian mom

134 Taking a flight of faith

from Myanmar to Laie

138 Sacrificing for the Sacrament

140 Laie Summer Youth Trek: The Battalion of Lord

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

Campus Life

08 Don’t be a squiggle

18 The Center for Academic

36 Visa & immigration

at BYU–Hawaii

22 Title IX is here for students

39 Tips on applying

12 Commuting around

25 Purpose of parking permits

10 Resources for students

BYU–Hawaii campus

14 Good gades pay 16 How to file your taxes

Success

28 Food Fest 30 Culture Night 32 We are one

guidelines

for an internship

40 Serving babies & families 42 Learning a little differently 46 Definitions of the most common disabilities

Don’t be a squiggle BYUH President John S. Tanner explains the importance of being a disciplined disciple BY HAELEY VAN DER WERF President Tanner used the story of “The Dot and The Line,” to teach the value of discipline and how it leads to greater freedom. Photo by Monique Saenz

message to you today could be “Myrephrased this way: Don’t be a

squiggle. Be a spectacularly disciplined line,” said university President John S. Tanner in a devotional last Fall on Sept. 18 at the Cannon Activities Center. President Tanner explained the origins of the words discipline and disciple. He said each word comes from Latin origins meaning to learn and be instructed. “When I use the term disciplined disciple, I do so with these original meanings in mind. A disciplined disciple follows the master with exactness and honor, like Helaman’s Stripling Warriors.” “What matters most in this life, brothers and sisters, is not who we are, but whose we are. What matters most is whose we are. What ultimately matters is: are we faithful disciples of Jesus Christ? Have we taken his name upon us? Do we follow him? Are we trying to become like him? President Nelson has reminded us that we are not Mormons, we are

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” In showing students how discipline will increase their freedom, President Tanner read a picture book entitled “The Dot and The Line.” The story describes a line who is hopelessly in love with a dot. The dot finds the line boring and goes off with a wild squiggle. Willing to do whatever it takes to win the dot’s affection, the line learns to bend himself into various angles. He begins forming shapes so complex that he needed to number his sides to keep track of them. At this point, the line goes to the dot and squiggle and shows what he has disciplined himself to do. The dot, realizing that the freedom she thought she saw in the squiggle was actually chaos, leaves with the line. Jess Harris, a freshman from Utah majoring in English, said she felt particularly inspired by the idea that the line had a goal and stopped at nothing to achieve his goal. “I liked the feeling of inspiration that came from the idea that if you try your hardest to reach a goal, if it’s the right goal, God will make it possible.” President Tanner expanded on the words spoken by David O. McKay at the dedication of BYUH concerning the preparation of disciple leaders. President

McKay singled out the three disciplines in which these leaders would be prepared: testimony, character, and intellect. Beginning with testimony and character, President Tanner explained how at the core of becoming a disciple leader is a testimony. He expressed how it is not enough to just know the gospel, but one must also live it. He emphasized the words of the apostle Paul, saying, “Fallen angels understand and believe. Only disciples follow the Savior.” He then described the importance of education by using Doctrine and Covenants Section 88, which talks about the importance of gaining an education. He followed this by quoting part of President McKay’s dedicatory prayer, which highlighted the importance of being able to share the gospel in an intelligent manner. This allowed those who hear it to be led onto the path of righteousness. He finished this thought by saying, “The purpose of education is to train the intellect so we may be better able to fulfill our mission to serve and to save the world.” President Tanner urged students to take advantage of the opportunity they have to learn. “This will expand the scope of your service and allow God to use you in ways He otherwise could not. It will enable you to make greater contributions

to the kingdom and to the world, to enjoy a more abundant life, and to experience greater freedom than you otherwise would had you not acquired self-discipline and academic discipline.” He also stressed the importance of daily scripture study, an area that especially touched Elise Miller, an exercise science freshman from Oregon. “I loved how he emphasized the importance of daily scripture study and spiritual moments... Before the devotional, I knew I should’ve been reading my scriptures but I wasn’t. Ever since that devotional, I was inspired to read them, and I have kept up on it every day so far. I plan on continuing this routine.” President Tanner went on to describe a higher order of freedom that can be obtained from true discipline. He explained how there is a distinction between license and liberty. He said, “Liberty refers to morally-grounded freedom... license by contrast refers to irresponsible freedom.” To illustrate the difference between the negative freedom “from” and the positive freedom “to,” President Tanner made his way to the piano with Jennifer Duerden, a special instructor in the Music and Theater Department. He showed how he was unable to perform the Rachmaninoff piece sitting at the piano because he said he had never had the discipline to take more than one piano lesson. He then invited Duerden to play the piece, which she did with ease. “With respect to the piano, I am a squiggle and she is a line,” he explained. “I am an undisciplined disciple. She is a disciplined disciple. I haven’t paid the price to enjoy the positive freedom of playing the piano.” President Tanner then listed areas in which students may want to increase their discipleship. They included prayer, fasting, language, and music. In reference to study habits, he quoted President Dallin H. Oaks’ advice to students at BYU in Provo saying, “Work first, then play.” He urged students to use play as a reward for completing their work.

President John Tanner, left, says since he only had one piano lesson, he has limited his ability to play the piano. But since Special Instructor Jennifer Duerden, seated, has put in the time and discipline to practice the piano, she has the freedom to play even difficult pieces. Photo by Cameron Gardner

“Don’t be a squiggle. Be a spectacularly disciplined line.” He followed with asking students to remember their commitment to the Honor Code. He explained how the Honor Code is more than just a list of rules. It is about being true to one’s word. He showed how the higher standard at BYUH is similar to that of the Missionary Training Center and how both groups are representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “I’m less concerned about the failure to be neat and modest than I am about failure to keep your word… The purpose of that is to help us develop disciplined disciples.” President Tanner concluded by giving the example of President Russell M. Nelson. He described how President Nelson not only had the discipline to become a surgeon, but he also chose to discipline himself to have neat

handwriting that could easily be read by his patients. During his time as a surgeon, President Nelson also felt he should learn to play the organ, as well as learning multiple languages. He managed his time so well that he was able to serve as a stake president while he was a physician. President Tanner challenged students to write down promptings they may have felt during the devotional. He said he wants students to create a “to become” list because “true discipleship is not just about acting like a disciple, it is about becoming a disciple.” •

Resources for students at BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hawaii Learn more about special deals available to students BY ALYSSA ODOM

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

Graphics by Lynne Hardy

1. The Media Production Center recording studio If you have a song or podcast you would love to record, you can follow these steps and the Media Production Center will help you.

Step 1: Submit a project request

form on BYU–Hawaii’s University Communications & Relations website at https://ucwebform.byuh.edu/ form/media-production-centerproject-.

Step 2: The media production center will review and approve your project. According to MPC sound technician, Riley Weston, a junior from Oregon studying computer science, huge or long-term projects cannot be taken on by the MPC. “We want people to have the opportunity to record their content. We will do our best to work with people who have prepared content and a real desire to get it recorded.”

3. Microsoft Office 365 is free for all students All you need to use Microsoft Office is your CES Net ID and password. BYUH’s website says, “Office 365 is available to students and university employees at no cost. The license enables users to install a full desktop version of Office applications on five personal computers as well as five Windows tablets and/or Ipads and multiple smartphones.” Office 365 includes both online and offline access to documents and editing. The download will come directly from Microsoft. The software will only continue to work while you are a current student or employee of the university. When your role as student or employee is terminated, the software becomes read-only. Download Office 365 using the link https://oit.byuh.edu/ O365Desktop.html.

4. BYUH C-Store

2. Free movie streaming to all students Watch a variety of movies and TV shows from BYUH’s free movie streaming service, using the link movies.byuh. edu provided by Seasider Activities. To watch them, you have to have access to BYUH wireless services.

BYUH C-store BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals. Check out the C-store inventory at the end of the night, from 9 p.m. onward, to see what leftovers there are for the day. When over in inventory, the C-store offers bentos and drinks at a discount of buy one get one free. The BYUH C-store deals and discounts change weekly, check out the announcement board in the store as well as the Facebook page, BYU-Hawaii C-Store.

5. Discounted Adobe membership for graphic design majors If you are a graphic design major, you can get Adobe software at a discounted price. All other students can get a student discount on Adobe software by going to adobe.com. The discount for graphic design majors can be found on the BYUH “Student Center.” Adobe Software Purchase for Graphic Design Majors only. Once payment is made, please email darryl.kimak@byuh.edu with a copy of your receipt. You may also contact Darryl at 808-675-3206 if you have any questions. Amount: $48.

6. Travel deals when booking with the BYUH Travel Office Staff members at BYUH Travel Services are ready and willing to help students book travel at the best cost and quality. Come to the travel office to find discounts on flights, rental cars, and hotels. When booking through BYUH, students will receive discounts on airlines such as Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, and United. All BYUH students can also receive two free checked bags on Hawaiian Airlines when booking through Travel Services. 11

Commuting around BYU–Hawaii campus Campus Safety and Security gives information of the rules regarding transportation on campus BY MIKAELA GRAY

BICYCLES

CARS

WALKING

LONGBOARDS AND SKATEBOARDS

According to Rafael Ramos, the operations manager the BYU–Hawaii Department of Public Safety, DPS staff issue anywhere from 200-300 bicycle permits each semester. Riding bikes on sidewalks come along with the same $20 citation as skateboards, However, he said it happens with bikes less often than with skateboards and longboards, said Ramos. If people lock their bikes on a railing or anything that’s not a designated bike rack, DPS will issue a $20 citation, he said. Hannah Kessler, a freshman majoring in elementary education from Texas, and Rob Angerbauer, a freshman majoring in graphic design from Texas, said they ride a single bike at the same time. She sits in the basket and Rob pedals. “It’s like my free ride,” she said.

On average, 500 car permits are issued a semester, said Ramos. Ben Coffey, a sophomore living off-campus, explained a car is the easiest way for him to get to and from campus. When it came to the cons, Coffey and Ramos brought up the cost of maintaining the car, insurance and gas. Coffey also mentioned that “at the beginning and end of semester people expect you to give them rides to the airport.” Ramos said the only circumstance where a car is worth the cost is when a student lives outside of Laie. Even then, he said, students can take a free shuttle offered by DPS at midnight that will take students home to Kahuku or Hauula.

For students without cars, bicycles or longboards, walking is usually their primary mode of transportation. Emma Jagganaikloo, a sophomore from Idaho majoring in international cultural studies, explained how she came to enjoy walking. She said she has a longboard but rarely uses it because she loves walking so much. “Walking is fun. You get to think about life. It’s just you and the world, and it’s a good way to start the day with a nice brisk walk.” As much as she said she enjoyed her time to meditate while walking, Jagganaikloo lives off-campus. “It’s a 15-minute walk to school. It can be annoying to walk that if it’s hot outside or you just want to get to campus,” she said.

One can see the stacks of longboards and skateboards outside the Joseph F. Smith Library and the Cafeteria. According to Ramos, the biggest problem he encountered with longboards and skateboards is theft. “Students just don’t lock up their boards very often, and they get stolen,” he said. Riding on the sidewalks incurs a $20 citation, added Ramos. London Little, a freshman majoring in psychology from California, said, “I ride a longboard and a con about it is that I can’t ride on the sidewalk and it’s not a car. A pro about it is that it’s faster than walking.”

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

Scholarships are readily available to students who get good grades at BYU–Hawaii. Photo by Ke Alaka’i Staff

Good grades pay Financial Aid staff discuss resources, like the merit scholarship, BY MACKENZIE BEAVER

Students note college can be an expensive decision, but BYU-Hawaii Financial Aid workers said getting good grades pays off. BYUH students can get their school paid for based on their college Grade Point Average (GPA) through the University Merit Scholarship. The University Merit Scholarship automatically puts students into consideration for having good grades. According to the BYUHwebsite, the University Merit Scholarship Policy is: “A student will automatically be eligible for scholarships after completing one semester at BYU–Hawaii. For a student to receive a scholarship, the student must be enrolled in at least 14 credits for the Fall and Winter semesters, and nine credits for the Spring term. The amount of scholarship available will be determined by the students cumulative GPA.” Currently, according to BYUH’s website, tuition at BYUH is $2,780 per semester. With good grades and taking at least 14 credits per regular semester and nine credits per Spring Semester, students with a 3.650 cumulative GPA are automatically given anywhere from one-fourth of their tuition to their entire tuition paid for depending where their GPA falls on the scale. According to the Financial Aid office, the scholarship is available because of donors and previous alumni of BYUH. Along with students receiving scholarships based on GPA, students are also eligible for financial aid and Pell Grants based on their income and family income. Students interested in applying

for federal student aid are invited to apply for FAFSA. Student workers in the financial aid office said, “Students are also invited to apply for external scholarships, and we encourage students to find scholarships on their own.” They also shared the Financial Aid office had a link to external scholarships on its website. Eddy Tsing is a Financial Aid counselor, and students are encouraged to go and talk with him for help finding scholarships. Several academic programs at BYUH offer scholarships for students in their major, and these scholarships are open to all eligible students. The academic program scholarship postings are sent out on the BYUH bulletin at the beginning of each semester as well as listed on posters around the BYUH campus at the beginning of each semester. Karlie Dotson, a junior from Utah studying communications, received the communications program scholarship in the Winter 2019 Semester. “Receiving the communications scholarship really helped me, especially because I am paying for school by myself. It gave me the opportunity to remain debt free, and it definitely eased the stress I felt about paying for my education, which I am so grateful for.” For more information about the merit scholarship, visit https://financialaid.byuh.edu/Merit_Scholarship or visit the BYUH Financial Aid Office. •

The GPA requirements for the University Merit Scholarship beginning in Fall 2019 are: 3.650 - 3.749 1/4 Tuition 3.750 - 3.849 1/2 Tuition 3.850 - 3.949 3/4 Tuition 3.950 - 4.0 Full Tuition

For more information about the merit scholarship, visit https://financialaid.byuh.edu/ Merit_Scholarship or visit the BYUH Financial Aid Office.

TAXES

HOW TO FILE YOUR TAXES BY HAELEY VAN DER WERF

STEPS 1 W2

This article is meant to be a broad introduction with some basic tips for international students who are filing their taxes and was not written by tax professionals. For more specific information and questions, International Student Advisor Lenisi Pasi said students should visit International Student Services (ISS) in the Lorenzo Snow Administration Building and accept the invitation on Canvas to become a member of their tax hub. ISS staff are not tax professionals but they can lead students to the resources they need to file their taxes.

Receive W-2 forms

Some students may receive a 1042-S form

Students are NOT guaranteed a tax refund According to Pasi, as of January 1, 2018, international students must file taxes every year to maintain their status. Every student, whether they are employed or not, needs to fill out a form 8843. Pasi reminded students they are not guaranteed a tax refund. If they owe a balance, it is because not enough tax money was withheld from their paycheck during the tax year.

2 1040NR

Fill out form 1040NR NOT form 1040!

Begin early

Students should also file their taxes as soon as they receive their W-2 forms and not wait until the last minute to file.

8843

Fill out form 8843

.gov .edu

Mail forms before April 15 16

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

Do not use websites that do not end in .gov or .edu ISS reminded students that unless they specifically recommend a website for tax help, students should avoid websites that do not end in .gov or .edu to reduce the risk of being scammed. Phone calls from random numbers claiming you owe the IRS money are also scams and should be ignored.

International students should be aware of their resident status when filing taxes. Photo by Monique Saenz

Resident Aliens A resident alien is anyone who has been issued an alien registration card, also known as a green card, or who passes the substantial presence test, according to IRS.gov. Resident aliens report their entire world income on Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ like U.S. citizens. Nonresident Aliens All non-U.S. citizens are considered nonresident aliens if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t meet the green card test or the substantial presence test. Nonresident aliens use Form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ to report only income sourced in the United States or is closely connected with a United States trade or business. Pasi explained it is important for students to make sure they fill out a 1040NR and not a 1040 which is meant for U.S. citizens and resident aliens. Students should also know they cannot submit a 1040NR online. It must be printed and mailed in.

Dual Status Aliens A dual status alien is anyone who was a resident alien for part of the year and a nonresident alien for part of the year. Dual status aliens report their entire worldwide income for the portion of the year they were a resident alien and report only their U.S. sourced income for the part of the year they were a nonresident alien. If you were a nonresident at the end of the year, you fill out a 1040NR. If you were a resident at the end of the year you fill out a 1040. Tax treaties Under certain tax treaties, residents of foreign countries may be eligible for reduced taxes or exempt from income taxes on certain incomes they receive from within the United States, according to IRS.gov. Tax treaties vary by country, and you can find if your country has a tax treaty with the United States here. According to hawaii.edu, Hawaii does not honor federal tax treaties, so even if you

are exempt from paying federal taxes or have a reduced rate you may still need to pay state taxes. Resources available to students Pasi explained international students cannot file their taxes with TurboTax, as it is only for domestic students. Instead, ISS recommends students use Sprintax. There is also a program on Canvas, Pasi said, where students can receive answers to more specific questions. Each international student is automatically invited to the course. They need to accept the invitation, and they will have access to the tax hub. Students should review all the material in that course so they can be prepared for tax season. The IRS website and the Hawaii tax website are the two main and most reliable resources for students to get information about their taxes. The frequently asked questions section of Sprintax is also a good resource for students, Pasi said. â&#x20AC;˘

The Center for Academic Success creates a student refuge Senior missionaries, guided by the Spirit, help students achieve success in all aspects of education and their lives BY GEENA DE MAIO

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

Elders and Sisters Rickey, King, and Baker said they strive to create an ohana at the Center for Academic Success. Photos by Chad Hsieh

enior missionaries and BYU–Hawaii students work together at the Center for Academic Success to teach lifelong skills such as organization, time management, and study habits. Thought of as a refuge by the senior missionaries, they said they prepare students to build the kingdom on campus, in their homes and in their home countries. THE CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Sister King, a missionary from Utah explained, “We have students who tran-

sition from another university or a new country to this university. There is a lot expected and challenging ....We can help them transition into university life.” The senior missionaries said they welcome all students to stop by the CAS, from incoming freshman to graduates. They also all agreed they serve as a bridge from home to university and provide students with tools to succeed. Elder King, a senior missionary from Utah, said he helps students position themselves for success and provides support for students to reach their academic pursuits. Welina Fetner, a senior from Hauula, Hawaii, studying music, shared her perspective changed as she spent time at the CAS. When Fetner came to BYUH a freshman, she said she was enthralled with friends and a life full of freedom. She recalled, “I stopped going to classes and I didn’t want to listen to teachers or anybody else. Then something happened in my life that traumatized me a lot, so I dropped out of school all together.” Because of low grades and leaving school, Fetner could not return unless she went to the CAS. She explained Admissions employees wanted to make sure she was going to be reliable and responsible. When Fetner went to the CAS, she remembered feeling like they were open, kind and didn’t seem to judge at all. Rather than critiquing her, she said the missionaries helped with time management, organization, and did grade checks to make sure she was doing what was needed to become successful. Fetner emphasized her growth from her freshman to senior year at the CAS with the support of the senior missionaries. She said, “I didn’t have very high confidence, but they were beside me.” She added the CAS is a welcoming place where students should feel secure.

Now an employee of the CAS, Fetner said she works with students who were in the same boat as she was. Thoughtfully, Fetner said she greets the new students with a smile and introduces them to the missionaries because it can be scary to come if they are unfamiliar with the center. “I think that’s one of the main things everyone here has been trying to do - to build up a community. That way students will feel comfortable coming in to receive help.” In reflection of her five years at the CAS, Fetner said, “I didn’t realize everything I did back then would affect me so much in the future. You never realize how much your choices to not go to class and not get help will affect you. Coming in to the CAS is just one of the simplest and happiest choices.” Sister Rickey from Nevada, said, “The students and their desire are amazing. We are just trying to take their desire and turn it into reality. Sometimes your desires, what you want to do, what you dream about, life gets in the way and you get a little off track. We want to see them succeed and finish. We’ve been called and set apart and our main jobs is to make connections with the students. We love everyone who comes through that door.” Elder King said he works with a diverse group of students, from those who struggle and those who need another set of eyes. He said, “The upperclassmen were coming here and saying, ‘Oh I wish that I would’ve known this as a freshman!’ We want the freshman to stop by.” DIV ER SITY

When students enter the ASC, the senior missionaries ask the student to write their name and country on a board behind them and take their photo. Elder King said there were 32 countries on the board. Continues on Page 20 19

Left: Sister King helps a student. Top right: Students write their country of origin on a whiteboard. Bottom right: Photos of students. Photos by Wesley Ng Continued from Page 19

“Many of our students have not been away from home. We encourage them to use their time in an organized manner. “They are working, going to church, have callings, school, social life and the beach. We show them there are ways they can do what they want, and we but also show them the things they need to do,” explained Sister Rickey. Sister King said the needs vary for each student including language, homesickness, cultural interaction and the assimilation into a new diversity. “We truly get to be right on the front line to interact with students,” said Elder Rawley from Utah. “It’s exciting as we get to teach each student that comes in to find out their name, what country they are from, see whether they have served a mission, and if they are first, second, or third generation members of the church.” 20

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

O H A NA FEEL

An early graduate from high school, Danielle Sheridan, explained college can be scary for a 17 year-old. “I feel very new to everything, but [the senior missionaries] just made me feel very comfortable,” Sheridan said. “I am a challenged student so the first week of school I had to come here and meet them. At first it was annoying because it was a hassle, but when you come in here you really feel the Spirit because they just love you so much.” Sheridan said when her paper was due, Elder King reviewed her work. She said, “He helped edit my thesis and helped me look up articles that I needed. They really take their time. Just to know that they care about you. If you miss your parents, come in here. It’s all the senior missionaries in here.” Sister Rickey said, “We all have a lot of children. Young adult children.” Elder King added, “We are called to be academic grandparents.”

“It’s our blessing, I have learned more from the students. They are blessing to us every day,” Sister King said. “We don’t want any of our kids to go home. It doesn’t matter if they are our students or not, they are ours. I am sure there are many teachers on this campus that feel the same way. We don’t want to see them go home, we will do everything we can.” “A lot of students come in here because they just want to see them or because they need somebody to talk to,” explained Fetner. In response, Kathleen Laceste, a sophomore in art education from Laie encouraged, “Don’t be afraid to come in and talk.” BUIL DING T H E KING DOM

“Most of us here feel there isn’t a student here by accident. They are here because they are at the right place at the right time. We don’t feel that we are here by accident either. We are here at the right place at the right time where

Motivational quotes are displayed around the CAS. Photo by Wesley Ng

the Lord would have us here too,” Elder Baker from Utah said. He continued, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to realize we are here to help serve the students. The idea is that the Lord wants them to receive their education and we are going to help them in the best way we can.” Sister King from Utah fondly recalled her mission assignment, “When we first got our mission call we knew we would have students from over 70 different countries. We knew the students here would be leaders in their countries, so our vision is to help build the kingdom.” Elder Baker said as missionaries they strive to touch the hearts and lives of students not only academically but spiritually. “We encourage them to not forget to seek the Spirit in their studies, learning and tests. We do prepare these classes with skills, but we do invite the Spirit to be with us in our preparations and in our presentations and that the Spirit

will be with the students. It’s not only to strengthen them academically but it’s to uplift them, and the Spirit uplifts.” He emphasized the students need to be buoyed up by the Spirit and by their relationship with their Heavenly Father and Savior. Elder King added, “We could never tell anyone else to make the Holy Ghost your study buddy.” The senior missionaries also teach student development classes. Sheridan explained good habits are taught, and one of the classes helped her know what to do to help herself study in different ways to accomplish tasks for classes and teachers. “I liked the talk given by President Nelson describing that education is our responsibility, because we are all about education and academics. But we know there is nothing done without being spiritual in its core. Being a full-time missionary in academics is kind of the marriage of those two between those two points,” Elder King said.

Elder Rickey summarized a promise from Doctrine & Covenants 19, “As missionaries we are promised that as we serve not only our lives will be blessed, but our family’s lives will be blessed. We take that seriously, like a covenant. As we sacrifice to serve, the blessings are promised and we receive the blessings because we are serving.” Sister Rickey explained the word sacrifice in Latin means “to make holy” and does not mean to give something up. She said sacrifice is the action to make something holy. From the sacrifices of the senior missionaries, students, and families to come to BYUH, Sister Rickey said it means to become holy. “We are all making this sacrifice so we can take it to our hearts and minds and offer it to the next person, whether it’s these students that go back to their countries, or us as we go back to our families,” said Sister Rickey. •

Title IX Director Patricia "Patti" Abbott came to work at BYUH in November 2018. Photo by Monique Saenz.

TITLE IX IS HERE FOR STUDENTS Title IX officials welcome deputy coordinator and share changes BY HAELEY VAN DER WERF & NOAH SHOAF

The Title IX Office hired a new deputy coordinator and is hoping to educate students about what happens when they report sexual misconduct through new videos, rebranding, and an emphasis on training BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hawaii staff. A senior missionary and two Title IX employees shared 22

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what they wish students knew about their office, including the difference between Title IX and Honor Code, as well as how much the people at Title IX care about the students who come to them.

Our purpose is to help students. When a student comes to me, it is important that reporting parties have amnesty surrounding events that are close in time to what they are reporting. We are never looking for reasons to victimize them. We are just looking to help. THE NEW DEPUTY COORDINATOR

Patricia Abbott said she came to work at BYUH in November 2018 after she and her husband decided to move to Hawaii. “I have a background working in domestic violence, and I am an attorney. I graduated from law school in 2003 from BYU Law. I spent the first nine years of my career working for non-profits [regarding] domestic violence and family life. “My husband and I decided to come to Hawaii. I was very fortunate to find this job opening because this is really where I like to work. I love helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.” Title IX Coordinator and Vice President for Student Development and Services Debbie Hippolite Wright said of Abbott, “The Lord provided her. No [doubts] about it. We needed her....We prayed during our selection. We went through our processes, as we should, but we also let the Spirit guide who should be here. We believe that. I’m so thankful for Patti. She’s really someone special. “We had so many excellent candidates.” Hippolite Wright said Abbott stood out above all the other candidates for the position. “Patti is smart, compassionate, organized. She takes initiative. She’s got fabulous experience, knowledge of the law, and knows how to conduct investigations. She’s open to training. “If you don’t know Patti, go meet her. Go sit down and have a chat. She’s positive. She’s mature ... She has immersed herself in the work of Title IX, the outreach, and investigations.” Cheryl Cozzens, a hale coordinator and licensed therapist who has worked with the Title IX Office, said working with Abbott has

been great. “She’s been proactive, and she has a real passion for helping students who have been victims. She does a great job. “I’ve only been here six months and the girls I have sent to [Patti] to work with have had nothing but positive praise for her and have felt very comfortable in talking to her. That has been really comforting to me. We’ve launched a couple of programs working on prevention and working on getting the students to come forward sooner and get help.” INITIATIVES FOR 2019

According to Hippolite Wright, “We are doing so many things. We have our entire year planned out. A video on bystander training will come out. It will also be part of an online training piece for all faculty and staff, and probably students as well.” According to her, Title IX has also been rebranded with new posters, banners, bookmarks, and brochures. “We always have our contact information. One hundred percent of our students getting their IDs will have some kind of training. We want it to be good and it’s very informative.” Abbott said, “We have another bystander awareness campaign that we are kicking off. We’re here to reach out students, even if they are busy. “Sister Cozzens is a trained psychologist. In her work, she noticed a lot of students come to her saying they have been hurt by relationships, whenever it is sexual misconduct from another party. So she did two different training sessions on avoiding relationship pitfalls, sexual grooming and manipulation in relationships. The goal is to start a conversation about relationship violence.” Cozzens said, “We are hoping for a senior couple to be called to head the com-

mittee. All of us are so busy. We can’t run the committee to keep things rolling. That’s where we’ve had difficulty. We’re all buried in doing the things we normally do. We need a committee, a club, or a couple to spearhead it, keep it rolling, and get people involved.” Hippolite Wright further shared, “We have new videos. We had the Consent video, the End the Cycle video, and the Bystander video is coming out soon. We’ve done far more outreach to say every person who is walking around this community should be on the Rave Guardian App. “We’re trying to do prevention. We want to demystify sexual assault and Title IX. We want to be talking about things like healthy relationships, when somebody’s being manipulative in a relationship, looking for the tell-tale signs of someone being controlled emotionally, psychologically, and physically.” Another emphasis of the Title IX Department, she said, is focusing on additional training for BYUH employees. “What we’re doing this upcoming year is we’re moving to a campus safety training program. We’re purchasing a training program. What we like about it for Title IX is it has content in there already, but we can also add our own content.” WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TITLE IX

Concerned about Title IX’s reputation Abbott said, “It is easy to have a false impression of Title IX as an adversary, or looming presence, that might be out to get you. That is completely untrue. Our purpose is to help students. When a student comes to me, it is important that reporting Continues on Page 24

We can make sure students get access to Counseling Services, to medical services, accommodations with classes, employment or housing. The more people know about us the more we can help … I think sexual violence is underreported. No one ever needs be ashamed to come forward to us. Continued from Page 23

parties have amnesty surrounding events that are close in time to what they are reporting. We are never looking for reasons to victimize them. We are just looking to help. “So, if they come in and they have been a victim of sexual misconduct or harassment, we just try to help. First, I try to evaluate the case to make sure they are safe, then we see what kinds of accommodations we can put in place to fix what is not working. If they need to go to court, we can help them go to court; temporary restraining orders. We do a lot of things I don’t think the students know about. “We can make sure students get access to Counseling Services, to medical services, accommodations with classes, employment or housing. The more people know about us the more we can help … I think sexual violence is underreported. No one ever needs be ashamed to come forward to us.” Cozzens made a distinction between Title IX and Honor Code. “I want them to know [Title IX] is not Honor Code. They are not going to get ratted out and sent home. “The purpose of Title IX is to be supportive and help them through the process, heal, and with a variety of strategies. Whether it is getting through the court process, setting up a temporary restraining order to keep the person off campus, or sending the person home.” Hippolite Wright said she wants students to know, “We’re methodical and impassioned about what we are doing. We want to be sensitive to the needs of those men or women who come through here. Whether the assault is same gender or opposite gender, that is not an issue for us. It is fair and impartial.

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“The other piece is amnesty. Let’s say somebody was at a party where drinking and drugs were going on, and that person was sexually assaulted. They can come to Title IX and know they have amnesty at or near the time of the assault. They don’t have to worry about getting kicked out of school if they come and report. Regardless of whether somebody was using marijuana or drinking, no one deserves to be violated.” Hippolite Wright said she wants students to know Title IX is going to be there for them through the entire investigation process. Students can begin the healing process by reporting sexual misconduct and the members of the Title IX staff will help the students get the help they need and do whatever it takes to make the student feel comfortable on campus. The process that occurs when a student comes to Title IX is another thing Hippolite Wright emphasized. She said her fear is students don’t know what happens when they report something, so they don’t report because they are scared and unsure. “I want them to know we’re committed. As far as preventing, stopping, and then remediating or helping with coming out of all of this. That’s who we are.” •

The BYUH Title IX Office is on the second floor of the Lorenzo Snow Administrative Building. Its phone number is (808) 675-4819.

Rave Guardian App keeps students safe BY COURTNEY BOW NIELSEN

If students are heading somewhere alone late at night or early in the morning, they can connect to BYU–Hawaii Security on the Rave Guardian app and request to be tracked to ensure they make it to their destination safely. This app also allows you to connect to Security instantly via telephone or messenger, according to the BYUH Public Safety website. The BYUH website says, “After downloading the app, please make sure location and push notification services are turned on. This allows us to respond and communicate with you in the event of an emergency.” The Rave Guardian App is available for free download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. For more information, visit publicsafety.byuh. edu/node2.html home.

Campus $5 parking permits should be purchased by students, faculty and staff to avoid ticketing. Photo by Ke Alaka‘i staff

The purpose of parking permits Director of Security says his office is willing to work with students concerning their vehicles BY KE ALAKA‛I & SECURITY STAFF

BYU–Hawaii Director of Public Safety Mike Kuehn explained, “The intent of the whole parking program is to protect the university from liability. Being protected from liability is important because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is self-insured. If an accident happens [on campus], the Church could be liable.” Requiring a permit is the only way Public Safety can know all cars on campus are properly registered, inspected and insured, said Kuehn. Kuehn wanted to assure students the university is not trying to use permits to make money. “There isn’t another university that I know of in the country

that charges $5 to park. I recently came from Utah State University where parking privileges cost students hundreds of dollars each year.” Students sometimes complain about being ticketed and towed over the breaks. Kuehn said there is an easy fix to avoid getting ticketed. “If you are going to leave your vehicle over the break, come in and let Security know so we don’t tow your vehicle.” Please be mindful that if a student buys a car from another student who hasn’t paid off their tickets, he added, the new owner would inherit all the citations. “When you give someone a ticket, you are giving the car a ticket.”

Kuehn said, “It is important for students to come in and talk about issues they are having with parking. Our goal is to educate and not punish. We want our students to practice good citizenship living and studying with others in a close community.” According to the campus Security website, all citation appeals must be done at the Security Office within 14 days of receiving the ticket. According to Kuehn, if students are not able to pay the fine, campus Security is willing to organize community service for the students. Kuehn continued, “At the end of the day, I don’t want to give citations or tow vehicles. That’s the last thing we want to do.” He also stressed the importance of legalizing vehicles to avoid worrying about situations like these. In order to obtain a $5 parking permit, students must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and their vehicle needs an up-to-date state registration and safety sticker. The $5 yearly parking permits need to be renewed a year after being purchased. Visitor passes can also be issued for family and friends, he said. • 25

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Chinese Club member shares what his club is selling at Food Fest held in 28 in the fall. Photos by Ke Alakaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i staff

Food Fest Clubs report a high demand for their dishes and desserts during popular annual event BY BRUNO MAYNEZ & TOMSON CHEANG

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Cooking food outdoors in the LIttle Circle entices customers, say students who sold food and desserts to raise money for their clubs.

Last November, 19 clubs participated in the annual BYU–Hawaii Food Fest, with hundreds of people attending the event. Utilizing the space of the Little Circle, the clubs used the aromas from cooking food and banners to attract customers. People eagerly stood in long lines for clubs, such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Samoa. While music blared in the background and children jumped in the bounce-houses, students and locals crowded the different tents. Some clubs sold main dishes. New Zealand offered sausage sizzle, meat patties and potato salad, while Fiji sold curry with rice. Other clubs had desserts for sale. For example, Europe sold Italian soda, Taiwan sold bubble drinks and Australia sold assorted desserts. BYUH President’s Wife, Susan Tanner, said Food Fest is one of her and her husband’s favorite nights on campus. “We love seeing everybody share their culture, and we love all the community support. Tonight, we’re grateful for the good weather too.” One enthusiastic attendee, Ralph McAfee, a senior missionary from Utah, called Food Fest a delight. “This is my second year attending Food Fest and I love it. It is the highlight of my week. I’m going to visit

all the clubs and taste the food,” he said. In between chewing on a barbeque stick and laughing, he said, “My goal for tonight is to gain 50 pounds, and that will be very easy for me.” McAfee is a religion teacher and said he loves seeing his students at Food Fest. “It’s so exciting to see my students outside of the classroom because I get to visit and talk with them. I get the chance to see what kinds of foods they can cook. “I appreciate all the work the students put into this event. I love the fact that they make sure the food they make is good quality and flavorful.” ADDING A HAWAIIAN TWIST Barbequed meat from the Mongolian Club was sold out in less than two and a half hours after Food Fest started. Shijir Purevdorj, a junior from Mongolia majoring in finance and the president of the Mongolian Club, said the club’s strategy was to put the grills in front of their tent. “The display was real barbeque. People could see the process of how we made the food so that people could have an appetite for it.” Marla Chinbold, a freshman from Mongolia majoring in business management, said the club’s barbecue is a traditional Mongolian skewer, but

they added pineapple to the skewer because they are in Hawaii. “We love representing Mongolia at Food Fest, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share some of our food.” ONE-HOUR WAIT TIME While waiting for his date, Nozomi Takashima, a freshman from Japan studying human resources, said, “This event is good for couples because you can have fun trying different things that are delicious. “One of my favorite places was the Taiwan tent. They were selling milk tea. I like it because it’s fruity and refreshing. The boba in the milk tea tastes delicious.” The Bubble Bomb, an egg waffle with Nutella and sticky puff from the Hong Kong Club, turned out to be one of the best sellers as wait times for the dessert exceeded an hour. The long line of the customers for the Bubble Bomb lasted throughout the whole activity. According to Michelle Lung, the president of the Hong Kong Club and a senior from Hong Kong majoring in TESOL education, each Bubble Bomb takes three minutes to make, and they did not expect the dessert would be such as popular as it was so they only had two machines to make the Bubble Bomb. • 29

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Culture Night Club leaders say annual event honors culture and tradition, increases understanding, raises awareness and unifies students BY NOAH SHOAF

The China Club performed at Culture Night on Friday, March 22. Photo by Chad Hiseh

Despite differences in language, years of traditions and geographical separation, BYU–Hawaii’s Culture Night 2019 broke those boundaries, according to BYUH ohana members, as 27 clubs used music, dance and storytelling to celebrate and educate. Culture Night 2019 was on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 in the Cannon Activities Center. Throughout the two-night event, clubs told stories of war and love. From Hong Kong’s “Lion Dance,” to Mongolia’s Genghis Khan celebration, performers said their performances were more than a way to entertain. To members of the New Zealand Club, Culture Night was a way to stand against any form of terrorism and racism, said Elijah Wanoa, a senior from New Zealand majoring in political science. Like New Zealand, Australia dedicated its performance to the victims of the massacre at two Christchurch mosques on March 15. When the Latin American Club closed its set, the members gathered wearing shirts coordinating with the colors of the Venezuelan flag. Saba Ramirez, a senior from Ecuador majoring in communications said, “We wanted to make it more obvious to people on what is happening over there. People are actually suffering.” Like the clubs who used their stage time to raise awareness, the Hawaii and New Zealand clubs also chose to focus their performances on the 100th anniversary of the Laie Hawaii Temple because they said the temple blessed their ancestors and them. Culture Night was more than a celebration was evident with this year’s

changes, said Student Clubs Manager Fahren Niu, a junior from Laie majoring in political science. She said instead of having emcees, the BYUH Media Production Center produced introduction videos where club leaders described the meaning of their performances. Niu added this a challenging task elevated the event with its highlights of the people behind the performances. People behind the performances were Debora Putri Wijaya, a freshman from Nevada majoring in TESOL, and Secretary of the Cambodian Club Pattica San, a sophomore majoring in business management. According to Wijaya, Culture Night was a way to overcome the disconnect that comes from being Indonesian but raised in America. “When I first joined Indonesian Club last semester, I kind of felt weird because I didn’t grow up in Indonesia like everyone else. I don’t even know the language very well. But by being a part of Culture Night, I was able to spend more time with everyone. I felt like they didn’t care whether I knew their language or grew up in the same place as them.” San said dancing in Culture Night was a way to represent his childhood growing up in an orphanage in Cambodia and being the dance teacher there. From Kiribati, Kimberly Tetabwa Tokanang, a freshman majoring in political science, said Culture Night helped her cope with homesickness. In the Gamers Club, President Kristen Conrad, a senior majoring in English from Washington, said she wanted people to understand in the gamer’s culture, there is a place for everyone. • 31

WE ARE ONE Three clubs dedicate Culture Night performances to victims of recent tragedies to bring awareness to world issues BY HAELEY VAN DER WERF

Women of the Aotearoa Club dance with poi balls during Culture Night. Photo by Ho Yin Li

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Hundreds of Culture Night audience members were quiet when the Australia Club dedicated a moment of silence to the families and victims of the massacre at two Christchurch mosques that happened on March 15. The same audience cheered as the Latin America Club displayed a banner showing its support of the Venezuelan people. Australia, along with the Aotearoa Club, dedicated their Culture Night performances to the Christchurch victims, and the Latin America Club dedicated it's performance to those suffering from the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela.

"As the New Zealand Chapter, we had a responsibility to dedicate... those people who had lost their lives."

THE CHRISTCHURCH MOSQUE SHOOTINGS According to CNN, “At least 50 people were killed and 50 wounded, in a hate-filled terror attack targeting two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.” An Australian gunman targeted the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Mosque in central Christchurch during Friday, March 15 noon prayers. Responding to the terrorist attacks, Elijah Wanoa, a political science senior from New Zealand, explained the responsibility they felt as New Zealanders to show support to their country after the shootings. “As the New Zealand Club, we had a responsibility to dedicate ... to those people who had lost their lives. It’s our way of giving back because we can’t do much here in Hawaii. It shows them we love them for who they are and shows solidarity with our government and the people of New Zealand.” An important part of being from New Zealand, Wanoa explained, is feeling safe. “We’re very proud of the fact we feel safe in New Zealand. Those things don’t happen to us at all. For that to happen to

us was very shocking and unprecedented. “We will stand against any form of terrorism, racism or whatever it is. As a New Zealander, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you're from, you should feel safe. That's what we try to create as an environment in our own chapter. If you come and join us, you will feel safe and included.” Chesser Cowan, an intercultural peacebuilding sophomore from New Zealand, further explained, “We wanted to show that family comes first regardless of your skin color or culture. Growing up you treated everyone the same regardless ... Sure, you get the occasional racial slur, but to do something like that really shocked our whole country. “For the club, we wanted [to] show them that’s how we show our manaaki, which means care or love. We wanted them to know we actually care even though we’re not there. It’s how we are going to portray our message. A lot of people have been dedicating stuff to them. This is our message.” Mahonri Eteru, an undeclared freshman from Australia, said they decided to dedicate the club’s

Tai Tonumaipea performs with Australia Club. Photo by Ho Yin Li

performance to New Zealand because “Australia and New Zealand have been close throughout the years. We are like brothers and sisters. We wanted to pay our tribute and respect to them. When it happened, we decided we would do [our dance] for them. It wasn’t until the night of the performances when we came up with the idea for the minute of silence. “We just wanted to show we are all one at the end of the day. We have different cultures. We represent Australia, New Zealand, Tonga or whatever we are. But at the end of the day we are one people. We are connected. Especially New Zealand because they're right next door to us.” Elijah Lemusuifeauali’i, a Pacific Island studies sophomore from Australia, said, “One thing I think people should understand is a lot of Polynesians who live in Australia now, their families migrated over from New Zealand to Australia. I wanted to highlight that because New Zealand is the place where our families started. A lot of our families still live in New Zealand. With the close relationship Continues on Page 34

The Latin America Club members raise flags of Latin American countries at the end of its performance. Photo by Chad Hsieh

Continues from Page 33

between Australia and New Zealand, we just wanted to show our respect to them.” Eteru said the moment of silence was eye opening. “It was different. It was a good opportunity for them … to sit and think about what happened in New Zealand - to see the bigger picture. It’s more than just noise, stomping and standing around. It’s about connecting and bridging the gap between what was, what is and what will happen. That silence helped me to just be in the moment … and seeing the bigger picture. I think we were able to open up some eyes.” THE CRISIS IN VENEZUELA According to BBC News, “Growing discontent in Venezuela, fueled by 34

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hyperinflation, power cuts and food and medicine shortages, has led to a political crisis. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó has declared himself interim president following large protests, [inspiring] opponents of current socialist President Nicolás Maduro.” As “We Are One” by Pitbull played over the speakers, the Latin America Club gathered wearing shirts coordinating with the colors of the Venezuelan flag. Two club members stood up on chairs and revealed a banner that said, “Dedicated to Venezuela.” Katja Scheel Lopez, a hospitality and tourism management senior from Guatemala, explained, “Since we started this semester, we have been keeping up with the news on what’s going on in Venezuela. I have a lot of friends from Venezuela. I actually have a friend who is

a refugee there right now with her family. With everything that has been happening … I thought, ‘How can we help?’” The club’s main goal, explained Saba Ramirez, a communications senior from Ecuador, was to raise awareness. “The truth is we wanted to make it more obvious to people what is happening over there. People are actually suffering.” According to Ramirez, countries from Central America, South America and the United States are trying to donate food and other supplies, but President Nicolás Maduro burns everything. Ramirez said, “They are not receiving any donations right now. People are really dying. Two million Venezuelans have left their homes in just one year. They don’t have anything to eat. It’s bad. They have been like that for more than five years but now it’s

The Latin America Club members dance during its Culture Night presentation. Photo by Chad Hsieh

worse … Even though we are far away, we are Latinos. We try to support our own culture of Latin America. When you support someone, you feel stronger and have hope to fight. For me, this was dedicated to our family.” Both women said the video of the club’s performance has reached people from Venezuela who have expressed gratitude for their support even though they are so far away. At BYU–Hawaii, Ramirez said people want to know more about what is happening. “ On Monday after the performance, the people who participated in Latin America Club came to me and told me their teachers said, ‘I saw you performing. We saw you guys dedicated it to Venezuela. So what is happening in Venezuela?’ They didn’t actually know the background of it.”

Scheel said she thinks it is important for everyone to know what is happening because it is an international issue. “There is an opposition in Venezuela right now, and many countries are supporting the leader of the opposition. The U.S. sees [Juan Guaidó] as the president right now. Even though he isn’t the legitimate president, they see him as the president.” She said they decided to make a banner because, “It gives them hope and makes them feel like they are not alone. There are actually people who care … to have a banner shows we put work into it and we thought about it. Even the shirts all represent the Venezuelan flag colors. It was representing them. It was for them.” Their inspiration, Ramirez shared, came from a concert put on by Latinos in support of the Venezuelans. Ramirez said, “We kept looking at videos of

what is happening in Venezuela and the support. Latinos made a huge concert for them. After we watched that they were screaming, ‘We need help. We need help.’ “We can support them from far away. They can receive the message that we are with them. We can do something right now just by doing something for them. The song ‘We Are One’ was a big deal for us. We are one by putting our flags together and doing that song and dance. It shows we are with them. We just made the Venezuela flag bigger to say, ‘This is for you.’” •

Passports from around the world. Photo by Kyungji Kim

Visa & immigration guidelines Keeping your focus on maintaining your status, says International Student Services staff BY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICE STAFF

As an international student preparing to attend BYU-Hawaii, there are many important points to remember that will help you have a positive experience at the university, say staff members at the International Student Services Office. The staff will help you understand the requirements and expectations regarding your student status. You are responsible to maintain your status – from the time you arrive in the United States in August 2019 – until you graduate and return home.

officer has questions answer politely and explain you will be studying at BYU-Hawaii for a bachelor’s degree. Make sure you know the major for your degree – it is printed on your I-20 or DS-2019.

We recommend that you dress comfortably for your flight and be sure you look like a BYU-Hawaii student. Your neat appearance in appropriate attire and pleasant manner when passing through Customs and Border Protection will make it likely that you will be granted entry to the United States. Having a student visa stamped in your passport does not guarantee admission. If the

All international students are required to physically check-in at the International Student Services Office. You will complete this process on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019 between 8:30 a.m. and noon. Bring your passport and I-20 or DS-2019 to the Heber J. Grant Building on campus. As part of the check-in process you will also attend a mandatory Orienta-

PREPARE TO TRAVEL Before you leave home for the international airport where you will board your flight to Hawaii, make sure you are carrying your passport and I-20 or DS-2019 in your carry-on bag or bag pack. You will need to quickly find these documents when you reach international arrivals in the Honolulu airport. 36

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CHECK-IN AND ORIENTATION

tion. Meet our staff and learn more of the requirements and expectations to help you through your academic career at BYU-Hawaii. MAINTAINING STATUS Here are the basic requirements you must comply with in order to remain in status on your student visa. 1. Your visa gives you entry to the United States either as an F-1 student or a J-1 exchange visitor. Most visas are granted for four years. See an advisor in International Student Services if your visa is less than four years. You may remain in the United States if your visa expires as long as you are a full-time student. 2. Full-time enrollment is required each semester. You must have approval from the university to be a part-time student. 3. Follow all university rules of conduct including academic honesty and the Honor Code. We encourage you to help others – students, faculty and staff keep their commitments to live by the standards. You may lose your student status if you are suspended. 4. Payment of tuition each semester allows you to receive medical care through the Student Medical Benefit program. You are required to have health coverage while attending the university. If you are married your family must also have health coverage. 5. Your primary purpose for coming to BYU-Hawaii is to earn your degree and return home. To gain admission you were required to show how you will pay for your education. You may work on campus or at the Polynesian Cultural Center for up to 19 hours each week each semester and up to 40 hours a week during breaks, including summer vacation. 6. Keep International Student Services informed of changes to your personal information – name changes, marital status, changing your academic major, changes in financial status, employment and health insurance.

7. Follow all civil laws that apply to residents and citizens on the United States. Failure to do so will result in separation from the university. 8. April 15 is the deadline to file income taxes in the United States. International Student Services offers free information to assist all international students. 9. If you have a need to travel outside the United States during your studies, complete the International Student Travel Request at International Student Services. Before you travel have your I-20 or DS-2019 signed by an advisor. The signature shows the CBP officer on your return to Hawaii that International Student Services approved your travel. As much as possible, plan travel home during the breaks between semesters. It is important not to miss classes so make sure you arrive on campus well before the start of each semester. COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES AND RETURNING HOME Work closely with your academic advisor to ensure you complete all your degree requirements within four years or 12 semesters. Apply for graduation early. Make sure you do not owe the university tuition, fees and other charges. Use the Graduating Seniors checklist on the International Student Services website. Our staff will assist you with filing a travel request. The earlier you plan your travel home the less expensive the airfare will be. You must notify the Registrar’s Office of your plan to discontinue. International Student Services will close your SEVIS record 30 days after graduation if you hold a J-1 visa or 60 days later if you have an F-1 visa. In the dedicatory prayer of this campus in February, 1955, President David. O. McKay foresaw the graduates of this campus becoming “genuine gold.” We are excited to meet you at the mandatory orientation on August 27, 2019. Welcome to International Student Services! Contact us at internationalstudent@byuh.edu or 808-675-3516 or 3517. • 37

Seasider Sports is here to provide BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hawaii Students with fun sporting events, tournaments, and other activities throughout the school year.

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Tips on applying for an internship A rundown of all the things a student needs to get done to help them register for internships BY ESTHER INSIGNE

What you need to begin your application for an internship, according to the staff from the Career Center: your internship with your https://byuh.joinhandshake.com/ 4 1 Map Academic Advisor. login with your Internship Get approvals on the 2 Meet 5 Academic Internship Approval Coordinator. Get approval and work on objectives.

hired. (Get offer letter and 3 Get MOU – this is sent to you by the internship provider) Apply on Handshake.

The Career Center offers services like helping students register for internships, writing resumes and cover letters; practice interviews and conducting personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Florence Farnsworth, a volunteer from Utah, said, “If somebody wants to know how to write a resume, we are happy to help. We take [examples] and show them. If they even haven’t had work experience, we still can help them from just the volunteer things they’ve done.” Tita Mongan, a sophomore from Indonesia studying communication, said, “[Students] have to talk to their internship coordinator. They have to ask whether their internship will be counted as an academic internship or not, and whether it will be counted as credits. They have to find their own job.”

Form (Found under experience on Handshake)

with your Relationship 6 Meet Manager for funding and airfare.

“If a student is planning to do their internship in Asia or the Pacific, there is a funding you can apply for called the ‘Yamagata Funding.’ [It] can provide some financial support as well as your airfare as you go on your internship.” Mongan shared, “The funds depends on how long you’re doing the internship for. We encourage students to do it early.” Hyrum Portugal, career mentor from the Philippines, explained it’s important to prepare months in advance. “There might be changes in the process or some things that will hinder you.” Felmar Bagol, an alumnus from the Philippines, shared a few tips. “First, expand your connections. Second, plan and prepare ahead of time. Third, save money. Fourth, find an internship that will help you build your skills and your resume.” • 39

F EAT U RE

Sister Kathy Edgar, a certified International Board Lactation Consultant, visits the Harris family. Photo by Chad Hsieh

Serving babies and families Students who are going to be parents are automatically included in the Visiting Nurse Program, says nurse/missionary BY TOMSON CHEANG

Teaming up with the Health Center and ward Relief Societies, Sister Kathy Edgar, the senior missionary in charge of the Visiting Nurse Program at BYUHawaii, said she visits students who are in need of counsel. She teaches them knowledge on how to be prepared for childbirth and parenting. Edgar said she graduated from the nursing school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. As a nurse, she experienced taking care of pregnant women and newborns. She is a certified International Board Lactation Consultant. The Visiting Nurse Program is an educational visiting program for 40

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students who are new parents. Edgar said the program was created by another senior missionary named Sister Black. “Sister Black saw a need in many young mothers who didn’t have their mothers to be with them when they had babies. They were a little lost and didn’t know what to expect.” Eli Harris, a junior from Missouri studying English education whose wife recently had a baby, said, “Kids are great. It’s awesome to have an army of nurses and family here to look out for them. They’re precious. It’s good to know there are others looking out for the little ones, not just the parents.”

EDUCATIONAL VISITING

In a month prior to a child birth, Edgar said she meets with both the mother and the father and teaches them what to expect during childbirth, such as how the father could help support the mother. After new parents bring their newborn baby home, Edgar said she would make at least three more visits to them, each time for a different purpose. In the first visit, Edgar said she ensures the mother’s health is good and she educates the new parents about breast feeding and sleep safety for infants. “I also do the first bath [for the baby] with them if they want,” explained Edgar.

In the second visit, Edgar said she does an examination of the baby’s health and coaches the parents on how to feed the baby well. She also follows up on the emotional needs of the parents, Edgar said. Talking about the importance of maintaining good mental health with a newborn, Edgar said depression is common ailment among new parents. “[It] has a lot to do with their mothers being away. Also both [parents] are students and they’re bringing a new life into the family.” In the third visit, Edgar said she educates the parents about vaccinations for the baby, when to call a doctor, when to go to the emergency room, how to take care of the baby’s teeth, and birth control. Edgar expressed how much she cares for the students. She said, “I make sure the mother has a doctor’s appointment for the baby and herself, and I ask whether they would want to continue [to be visited] or if they feel secure. I visited some of the girls for several months.” Edgar said she tries to be as flexible as possible to the mothers’ needs outside of the curriculum. She shared, “I pray before going to visit each day and ask Heavenly Father to guide me and what the particular needs of that mother are.” New parent, Genysie Van Duren, a senior from Colorado majoring in art, expressed her gratitude for Edgar. “There was a time when I wasn’t sure whether I was doing it right. It’s good to have Sister Edgar help me reassure I’m doing it right and make sure my baby is good between the actual doctor visits.”

HOW CAN STUDENTS CONTACT EDGAR?

Edgar said she contacts all pregnant students so students don’t have to worry about how to get into the Visiting Nurse Program. “I have a list of pregnant girls from the Relief Society and the Health

“There was a time when I wasn’t sure whether I was doing it right. It’s good to have Sister Edgar help me reassure I’m doing it right and make sure my baby is good between the actual doctor visits.”

Center. But once I missed a girl from both the Health Center and the Relief Society. I felt terrible that I missed one mother,” shared Edgar. Edgar said if a pregnant student is overlooked by the Visiting Nurse Program, or if she wants help from the program earlier, she may contact Sister Edgar through Facebook Messenger, where she could be found by her name, Kathy Edgar.

HELP FROM OTHERS AND THE SCHOOL

Edgar expressed gratitude for the Health Center and other individuals helping pregnant students on campus. She said the program could not exist without the Health Center. “The doctors and nurses there [at the Health Center] always return my calls and immediately see any mothers and babies I am worried about. The Health Center also has purchased all the supplies we use in our birth class.” Edgar said another senior missionary, Sister Jane Beuhring from Utah, has made a blanket for every new mother on campus for the last two years. “She works in the Title IX Offices, but she buys all the materials and does it on her own.” Sister Jane Beuhring expressed her love for the newborns on campus. “I just love those little babies. They grow up really fast. If it’s just one little thing, a gift for them, I’m happy to provide that.”

EDGAR’S FEELINGS

Edgar said, “The program has been a joy for me. I admire these mothers. The majority of them are students. They work. Their husbands too. I admire the way they work together to raise the new little life in their home. “It’s one of the greatest joys in my life. Serving as a missionary, you develop a great love. I could feel how much Heavenly Father loves them. I also pray I could make them understand how much Heavenly Father loves them and He loves their babies. They’re his children as well.” Sister Edgar is finishing her mission soon and hopes the program can continue. “[The Church’s website] is advertising for another senior missionary to replace me. Hopefully, they’ll get another one to continue.”

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASS

A childbirth education class is also held in the Relief Society room at the Stake Center every Tuesday night from 7 to 9 p.m. The contents of the course include preparation for delivery, newborn care, and breast feeding, said to Edgar. •

Students may register for the class by sending an e-mail to birthclass@byuh. edu. Husbands are also encouraged to join the class, said Sister Edgar. 41

Learning a little differently BYU–Hawaii faculty and a student share their opinions on the importance of special education BY ELIJAH HADLEY

Special education carries connotations when spoken, according to understood.org. According to the website, “You might picture children with disabilities spending the day tucked away in a different kind of classroom, separated from most of the kids their age.” Federal law has changed to where children who have disabilities are required to learn in a classroom with general education students. BYU–Hawaii faculty and students with experience in special education were asked their opinion on its importance.

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Dr. Barbara Hong, Special Assistant to AVP on AIDE/504 Coordinator, said she prepares teachers how to work with children with special needs. “From mild to moderate disabilities. These include conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, attention deficit, and dyslexia.” According to Hong, “People with intellectual disabilities like Down syndrome or autism may seem different from each of us, but they go on to do great things.” Hong added the importance of putting the individual before their condition. “In special ed, we never say ‘disabled child,’ or ‘autistic child,’ We say ‘child with disabilities,’ or ‘child with autism.’ It’s wrong and dehumanizing to refer to someone by their disability. Everyone has a disability whether they know it or not.” She believes the difficulties of special education come from instructors. “The problem is not the kids being incapable of learning. It’s the teachers who are not prepared for teaching special needs. Those children end up being classified as ‘disabled.’ There has been a trend in the special

ed world, saying ‘there is more of a teaching disability than a learning disability.’” Hong believes children can help others who are different. “Kids don’t necessarily see disabilities clear as day. They don’t look at a kid with one leg and immediately exclude him or her. Kids love working together. They will tell me how happy they are to have a child with special needs in their group. What some people might see as a weakness becomes a strength. “I would pose the question ‘what can we embrace by having people who are different, and how can we use it to grow our society?’ They are all up there, they are visible. If you are not learning to interact and work and socialize with people who have disabilities, you are being shortchanged.” Hong graduated from BYUH with her bachelor’s degree in special education. She earned her Ph.D from Columbia University in the same field. She said, “As a program coordinator I feel sometimes special educators don’t think our job plays a huge role, but the effectiveness of a program is dependent on the structure of that program. The

Dr. Barbara Hong prepares teachers to work with children with special needs. Photo by Ke Alaka‘i staff

job helps me as a special educator to help discover my passion and what it is I might not consider about others. “Essentially I teach teachers how to teach kids with disabilities. We work with children with special needs, not specifically severe disabilities. Mildmoderate disability means something more like attention deficit, behavioral problems, and autism. Particularly my area is on learning disabilities like dyslexia.” Hong said educators and staff do not prepare teachers very well and send them out to teach unprepared. She continued, “My job is … to improve the quality of the teaching. The goal is to have fewer kids out of the classroom and more being included with their classmates.” In 1975, the United States Congress enacted the Education For All Handicapped Children Act. It introduced inclusion to the public school system, requiring schools to provide equal access to education for students with physical and mental disabilities. According to Hong, “When [the Act] was first introduced into public schools, parents were worried teachers

would not have time to work with their children if they had to teach children with disabilities. There was a lot of argument and controversy, which is rightly so, because the teachers were not prepared.” Although 1975 was almost 45 years ago, Hong felt special education still had room for improvement. “Looking back at 1975 to now,” she explained, “I still see teachers who are not prepared. In every classroom these days, there is no such thing as a pure classroom. You will always find someone who is advanced, someone who is behind, somebody who cannot pay attention, or someone who comes with emotional issues. It’s almost difficult to teach a class like that. “If special ed kids were excluded, it would be like the 1950s all over again. As Brown v. Board of Education proved, separate is not equal. We want to go beyond our normal mandate and teach the teachers how to teach a diverse classroom.” “There are many studies now in the business sector about hiring people with autism and dyslexia. They have all the skills they need,” Hong said. “Many people in the business sector have

OCD or another learning disability. If we try to fit everybody into a structure they do not excel. But if we give them a better environment, they can excel. So why is it education is the last group to recognize this? If we allow them to innovate and be themselves, I think we’ll all be surprised what we can see in these kids.” Tavia Thompson, Hong’s teaching assistant and a senior from Texas majoring in elementary education, shared her personal connection with special education. Thompson has worked with Hong for almost three years. She said, “One thing that has become especially personal to me is seeing how individuals in this program are able to help people in our community. I have helped organize two annual events with a program founded by Dr. Hong called PACE (Parents as Advocates for Children in Education). “Students from her classes are able to volunteer and familiarize themselves with how members of our community can be benefited by teachers who are knowledgeable and Continues on Page 44

Continues from Page 43

determined to find ways to best educate students with disabilities. Seeing the different problems that come up on the education of a child with disabilities can be frustrating, but opportunities like this have allowed me and other students to be aware of what we can do with our knowledge and experiences.” Just like Hong, Thompson said she had no intention of being apart of the special education program when she came to BYUH. “But I was inspired by the passion and determination of Dr. Hong to continue taking classes and become qualified. “I have an older sister with autism, so special education has always been a part of my life. Growing up I was able to see how teachers who sacrificed their time and efforts to helping her in every way they could were able to assist in her educational progression. This helped me in my decision to learn more about the profession of special educators.” Caryn Houghton, a special instructor in art, explained how well-known artists created even with

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disabilities. She said, “Studying the lives of artists in history gives one a deeper appreciation of individual artists–their abilities, struggles, and their strengths and weaknesses. Many artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Michelangelo, while extremely gifted, struggled socially. Other artists like Chuck Close and Frida Kahlo didn’t let physical challenges stand in the way of their art.” When asked how art played a role in the lives of students with special needs, Houghton explained how her daughter, who has high functioning autism, needed support. “I have appreciated the instructors that have been supportive of her artistic abilities. She loves to draw and is passionate about certain topics. When she was a child, her counselor at Laie Elementary, Michelle Lamone, encouraged her artistic skills. “She would provide clay and they would sculpt horses together. Later on, Mrs. Lamone gave my daughter a wonderful colorful drawing of a mermaid she had created. It is still one of my daughter’s favorite possessions because I know she feels her counselor’s

love and support when she looks at it.” Houghton said each person learns differently, regardless if they have a disability or not. “Some of my students are more visual, while others are more auditory. I try to create lessons that help all learners. My students sketch various images in my class. I think this helps those that like hands-on learning. I use plenty of images to keep my visual learners engaged. “We all have special needs. Some students suffer from anxiety, some have visa problems here at BYUH, some have financial difficulties. Working with people, all people, increases my faith and testimony as we seek the Lord’s guidance in knowing how to work with them. In the Book of Mormon, we read that “blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me” (3 Nephi 12:3). “Working with people can be challenging but as we come unto the Lord in our worries, concerns, and issues, we can receive answers to how to help those we teach and work with.” •

Definitions of the most common disabilities BY BARBARA HONG, Ph.D. Special Assistant to AVP on AIDE/504 Coordinator

ility Services b a : is

BYU

An individual with a disability is defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. ADA does not specifically list each disability but here is a general understanding about some common conditions. Contact BYUH Disability Services for details and questions.

disability.byuh.edu McKay 181 (808) 675-3999

Leilani Auna Disability Coordinator / Clinical Counselor leilani.auna@byuh.edu

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THE DANGERS OF SELF-DIAGNOSIS Given the ease of accessing information online these days, it is tempting to diagnose your own symptoms and avoid seeking professional assistance. The following definitions are not intended for self-diagnosis nor are they an exhaustive list of all the symptoms in each category. Self-diagnosis can be remarkably dangerous because you may miss symptoms and early signs of warning that are not always apparent. It is therefore important to discuss any mental, physical, or emotional concerns you may have with a healthcare professional rather than a friend. Even if your friend has all the right intentions and is genuinely interested in helping you, they may not be able to provide you with the timely treatment you need. The BYUH Counseling and Disability Services office have trained clinicians who are ready to listen to you and direct you accordingly. If you assume any of the following symptoms may be affecting you or if you know someone who may need assistance, please visit the Counseling and Disability Office website for further information at disability.byuh.edu

AUTISM

A disorder characterized in varying degrees by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

A significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period.

SPEECH OR LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENT

A communication disorder such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment.

ATTENTION DEFICIT/ HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

A persistent pattern of inattention and/ or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, has symptoms presenting in two or more settings (e.g. at home, school, or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities), and negatively impacts directly on social, academic or occupational functioning.

SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY

A disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations. The term includes such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, processing disorder, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. The term does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; of intellectual disability; of emotional disturbance; or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.

DEAFNESS

A hearing impairment so severe that an individual is impaired in processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification.

ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENT

A severe orthopedic impairment that includes impairments caused by a congenital anomaly, impairments caused by disease and impairments from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or burns that cause contractures).

OTHER HEALTH IMPAIRMENT

A condition whereby the person has limited strength, vitality, or alertness, including a heightened alertness to environmental stimuli, that results in limited alertness: (a) Is due to chronic or acute health problems such as asthma, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, and Tourette’s syndrome.

EMOTIONAL/ BEHAVIORAL DISORDER

A condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree: (a) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors. (b) An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships. (c) Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances. (d) A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression. (e) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

An acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, resulting in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment, or both. The term applies to open or closed head injuries resulting in impairments in one or more areas, such as cognition; language; memory; attention; reasoning; abstract thinking; judgment; problem-solving; sensory, perceptual, and motor abilities; psychosocial behavior; physical functions; information processing; and speech. The term does not apply to brain injuries that are congenital or degenerative, or to brain injuries induced by birth trauma.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

• Depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities for more than two weeks. • Mood represents a change from the person’s baseline. • Impaired function: social, occupational, educational. • Specific symptoms, at least 5 of these 9, present nearly every day: 1. Depressed mood or irritable most of the day, nearly everyday, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). 2. Decreased interest or pleasure in most activities, most of each day 3. Significant weight change (5%) or change in appetite 4. Change in sleep: Insomnia or hypersomnia 5. Change in activity: Psychomotor agitation or retardation 6. Fatigue or loss of energy 7. Guilt/worthlessness: Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt 8. Concentration: Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or more indecisiveness 9. Suicidality: Thoughts of death or suicide, or has suicide plan Anxiety symptoms that may indicate depression: Irrational worry, preoccupation with unpleasant worries, trouble relaxing, feeling tense, fear that something awful might happen. 47

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Features 52 Singing her way to BYU–Hawaii

54 Yifen Beus 56 Carving a new tune 58 Practicing casual English 62 Korean siblings join the Church

66 Tēvita O. Kaʻili 68 Diffusing anger with education in Jordan

72 Joel Reece 74 Linking family & culture 79 Fitness meets Instagram 80 From missionaries to pig purveyors

84 Jeff Merrill 86 Play ‘Pirate of Penzance’ 88 David Whippy

Singing her way to BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hawaii Fidelish Metta shares her experience on Vocal Fusion BY ESTHER INSIGNE

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idelish Metta, commonly known as Filly, a junior from Papua New Guinea studying Pacific Island Studies and Social Work, shares her journey to BYU–Hawaii after placing second at a major talent competition back in her home country. Metta shared how her love for singing started when she was very young. Her earliest memory of her singing was when she was only seven years old. When asked what the reason was behind her love for singing, Metta recalls, “I used to climb trees. I love climbing trees and I will go right to the top at the highest tree in our yard and I would be singing there, just singing for fun… It felt really nice for me. I love to do that because every time, I would go up a tree and just sing, I guess it started from there.” After serving an 18-month mission in Sydney, Australia, Metta then joined Vocal Fusion, a music show that features talented singers all over Papua New Guinea in 2016, during their third season. She explains how she saw an advertisement on TV for the competition and thought to herself, ‘Oh, this is PNG’s biggest talent show’ and said, “At the time, I came out of my mission, so I was like, ‘Oh, [it’s] a good opportunity!’ And I was preparing to come here to BYU-Hawaii, so I just tried it out.” Being the only Latter-Day Saint in the competition, Metta expressed how challenging it was at first and there would be people who would question her beliefs. “I [would] go perform in a club every Wednesday… and all kinds of people come. You know, I’m not used to [that] as a [Latter-Day Saint]. “We have standards and I struggled a bit. I thought I was sinning or doing something wrong, but you know, I was sharing

“I’m grateful to God every day, that He gave me a gift like this – to sing well. Not only has singing blessed me but I have seen it bless other people.” my talents. I wasn’t partaking of any alcohol and whatnot. I’m glad the church standards really helped me stay grounded.” After more than 10 weeks of vocal training and mentoring, Metta secured a spot in the grand finale and finished 1st runner-up in the competition. Surrounded by talented peers as well, Metta shared, “it was more of a learning experience that motivated me to keep going.” Princess Yau, from Hong Kong and a fellow colleague of Metta’s talked about how patient Filly is. “[She] can work under pressure and still be smiley. She still laughs and [she’s] still able to talk to people.” Sam Clayton, a junior from Colorado and previous colleague of Metta’s also chimed in and shared, “She likes being in front of people and is happy making people happy. While I can tell that things aren’t always perfect, she doesn’t like letting things affect her negatively.” Other than the vocal lessons and mentoring she received from the competition, Metta is thankful for the blessings she has received during and after the competition. “I think one was the opportunity to make and build friendships, to learn from a mentor and a coach who really helped me to learn how to use my vocals. I was just singing, but I never really

learned the techniques, breathing techniques and all of that, including warm ups and I’m so glad – I value that because now I know how to do warm ups, now I know how to breathe properly.” Metta also talked about the opportunities that she received from different companies and people after the competition. “I got an offer to do a cover – [to] model for this cover magazine, of this airline [called] PNG Airlines. But I came here. I got accepted so I had to just put those on hold.” Despite the numerous job offers she had in Papua New Guinea, Metta still pursued her decision of coming to BYUH. Metta said she did not regret her decision to come here and said her family helped her see the importance of studying. She also shares how she still has her business cards for when she’s done with school so she can go back to Papua New Guinea and pursue music once again. Performing for different events on campus such as weddings and social nights, people appreciate Metta’s singing and enthusiasm as she takes the stage. “[Singing has] blessed me a lot. One main thing about singing [is], I’m grateful to God every day, that He gave me a gift like this – to sing well. Not only has singing blessed me but I have seen it bless other people and that’s the joy and blessing that singing brings to my life a lot, is to see other people so happy. “You know, I have lots of friends saying, ‘Filly, one more. Sing! We want to hear you,’ and when they do that, I [think I] must be helping them with the sounds that I’m making and that’s so joyous, I really, really love that.” •

Fidelish Metta said she has been singing since she was a young girl. Photo by Emily Hancock

ASK THE PROFESSIONAL BY BRUNO MAYNEZ

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

Yifen Beus

“Film is a mass medium. Most people are not aware of the impact of film.” Yifen Beus, the dean of Arts and Letters and a professor of Film Studies, explains how she has seen the role of women evolve throughout time in the film industry. How did you get into film? “In Taiwan, I loved watching films. I would always watch films with my family. A good friend was in charge of a theatre and ran classic films. Back then, I loved watching war films. Not so now. I used to as a kid, but to me now many of the war genre films glorify unnecessary violence for visual stimulation, which doesn’t interest me. “In fact some of the best war films, such as Jean Renoir’s ‘Grand Illusion,’ do not have a single battle scene, which I prefer, as they investigate the fundamental and philosophical questions about warfare and depict how humans have more in common than the perceived differences that are supposedly the cause of conflict. I prefer the humanistic approach to the action-packed war narratives we often see today.” What influenced you in your career choice? “Film is a mass medium. Most people are not aware of the impact of film. Many of the gender and race stereotypes are perpetuated in popular media, and certainly cinema, that many audiences brush them off as nothing but entertainment tropes. But it is these depictions that became fixated and allowed the audience to make assumptions without nuanced portrayals. “I studied theoretical aspects and influences of film. It gave me a chance to study other cultures.” Yifen Beus said she has always been fascinated with film because of its impact on how people view the world, cultures and themselves. Photo by Chad Hsieh

How have women influenced the film industry? “The influence was not felt in film studies until the 1970s. There was, of course, the women’s movement during that time. I remember an article came out and it said the industry was objectifying women. For the industry, images mattered. “One influential woman was Agnes Varda, who recently passed away. She is known as the mother of French New Wave. She changed cinema allowing more women to be directors. She influenced Hollywood stars like Kathryn Bigelow and Barbra Streisand. “They have won recognition and many awards. The two were actresses turned directors. Kathryn Bigelow directed ‘The Hurt Locker.’ Barbra Streisand starred in films like ‘Yentl’ and ‘The Prince of Tides.’ These two and other women are well known for appearing in front of and behind the camera. They know how to not subjugate women.” Has the portrayal of women’s influence in film become more empowering recently? How? “The film ‘Captain Marvel’ did what ‘Black Panther’ did for other cultures. Both characters motivated the progression of the narratives. They were key to the plot. However, ‘Avengers: Endgame’ was a disservice to Black Widow and Captain Marvel. The directors were male and the film was male centric. It was like the directors didn’t know what to do with the female characters. They just stuck them into the film and had little to do. Black Widow does sacrifice herself to motivate Hawkeye. She is what we call a ‘causal agent,’ or the reason for events occurring. “The women in ‘Hidden Figures’ are great examples of female empowerment. They are black women mathematicians. They helped NASA in the space race. Captain

Marvel is another example. She has no love interest. Some had the wrong impression and thought the characters were lesbian. People read it wrong. There was no need for love interests. ‘Princess Bride’ is a good example. It’s an earlier film that broke from the whole rescuing the damsel in distress. It also poked fun at the stereotype.” •

“Before I became dean, I taught Women’s Cinema. Here are the films in the class: I used this film as a counter example for women: “Clueless” (Amy Heckerling, USA, 1995) “Cleo 5 to 7” (Agnes Varda, France, 1962) “Sugar Can Alley” (Euzhan Palcy, France/ Martinique, 1983) “Salam Bombay” (Mira Nair, India, UK, France, 1988) “Halving the Bones” (Ruth Ozeki Lounsbury, USA, 1995) “Silences of the Palace” (Moufida Tlatli, Tunisia/France, 2004) “La Nuit de la verite” (Fanta Nacro, Burkina Faso/ France, 2004) “Sepet” (Yasmin Ahmad, Malaysia, 2005) “Persepolis” (Marjane Satrapi, France, 2007) “Bride & Prejudice” (Gurinder Chadha, UK/India/USA, 2004)

Carving a new tune

HÄ miora, a company making people happy through the art and culture of ukuleles BY BRUNO MAYNEZ

NEW STUDENT ISSUE

Sam Mangakahia said he hopes his ukuleles will become family heirlooms. Photos by Anuhea Chen

Hāmiora, a company offering customized ukuleles, was started by Sam Mangakahia, a senior from Australia studying graphic design. Mangakahia hand carves designs on the instruments for customers to pass on stories for future generations. Other ukulelists commented on the business and shared their thoughts about what they think of the custom designed instruments. Mangakahia spoke about how as a 15 year old, he had a moment where he was inspired to start his business. He said, “My dad is a performing artist, and he does workshops and there’s a lot of ukuleles lying around the house. I can remember back in 2011, on July 27, I was sitting at home. I thought to myself, I should learn how to use these things. I picked one up and started playing. “I also remember getting a butter knife and carved some designs into the ukulele, which then started the whole customization idea for the business.” The name of his business stems from his family history and Mangakahia said he honors his family by using his ancestor’s name. “My company is called Hāmiora, [but] originally it was Fresh Ukes. Hāmiora was the name of my second great-grandfather. Knowing I was named after him, I have incorporated it into my designs and core values of

sharing culture and inspiring people.” The designs Mangakahia carves on the ukuleles are inspired by his Polynesian background. He implements his heritage into the carvings and his goal is to help others appreciate not only Polynesian culture but their own life stories. Mangakahia said, “Basically our ancestors used tattoos, carvings, song, and dance to share the culture. Stories are passed on through those mediums. I feel today there are so many ways to express those feelings. “With tattoos, you get buried with them. It’s in your skin and you can’t pass those on...They could have something like an heirloom to pass on, like an ukulele. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but also it can be played and the memories can be resonated throughout generations.” The designs on the ukuleles reflect the life of the owner. Each ukulele Mangakahia has created is unique, according to customers. Customers and fellow ukulelists said they love Mangakahia’s craft and philosophy. Mark Redd, a freshman from California majoring in English, said he was delighted to learn of Hāmiora. He said, “I love Sam’s designs. I think they’re beautiful and I love how much thought and meaning he puts into each one. The ukulele he made for me is

by far the prettiest instrument I’ve ever owned.” Kealoha Vai-Riky, a senior from Tahiti studying business management, said, “I’m impressed with the designs. I follow Sam on Facebook, and whenever he posts pictures of new ukuleles I just say ‘Wow, I like this.’ I like how Sam is able to make drawings that describe a person’s life. I’m planning to buy two ukuleles.” Vai-Riky mentioned his missionary service in Madagascar where he encountered a localized version of the ukulele. He also said there are other types of ukuleles throughout the Pacific and Asia that vary in shape and sound. The entrepreneurial program at BYU-Hawaii helped Mangakahia connect with other ukulelists and customers. He said he establishing part of his business in the Philippines and Korea where he hoped to introduce ukuleles to schools so children may learn and appreciate them. Mangakahia spoke about his motivation in continuing his business. He said, “I love art, my culture, and making people happy. Family is part of culture. Art is part of God’s gift to each of us to create. Making people happy is the purpose of existing. I’ve made 211 ukuleles. That’s 211 unique stories and there is so much more to come.” • 57

Senior missionaries serve as conversational tutors to provide a comfortable environment for students to practice speaking English. Photo by Ho Yin Li

Practicing casual English with VOICE Program mentors Interchange program put on by missionaries seeks to provide conversational English opportunities for EIL students BY SHANNON CROWLEY

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nglish as an international language students have the opportunity to practice conversational English with the VOICE Program, which is run by the BYU– Hawaii senior missionaries. Having “conversation buddies” to practice speaking English with, in an informal setting, leads to reduced anxiety amongst students, according to officials who oversee the program.

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Sister Stephenson, a senior missionary from Pennsylvania, serves full time in the VOICE Program. Talking about who the VOICE Program is for, she said, “It’s specifically designed for EIL students, which is English as an international language, because they test into something and they have a certain level that they test into.” Amanda Wallace, an associate professor in the English Language Teaching and Learning Department, supervises the VOICE Program, the EIL tutoring program, and the Teacher’s Assistant (TA) program. She suggests her students participate in the VOICE Program. “So many of our EIL teachers will assign students to go there for conversation practice, or they’ll give it to them as an option and they’ll say, ‘Here’s something available to you.’” Speaking directly on what the VOICE Program is, Wallace explained, “It’s general conversation practice for academic assignments from [the EIL] teachers. They go to our EIL tutors, who work with academic English assignments, or to the VOICE Program tutoring [which] is much more casual.” Stephenson explained her role as a conversational tutor. “We’re not supposed to help them with their writing assignments [because] it’s supposed to

be speaking or conversational English. We’re not supposed to answer their grammar questions...but I just tell them, ‘If I don’t know the rule behind what you’re asking, I can at least tell you if it sounds right. If it sounds correct, it probably is.’” Wallace said the VOICE Program tutors are “actually conversation buddies… and they can talk with students about anything they want to converse about just [so the students can] get to practice speaking in English.” Explaining their availability, Stephenson said, “That’s what we do and we’re here from 9 [a.m.] to 4 [p.m.]. We have lunch from 12 to 1 [p.m.] and occasionally we make special allowances or appointments with students that either work or have classes and can’t get here during those hours. We’ll try and help anybody who needs our help.” Expounding on how one gets started in the VOICE Program, Wallace said, “You can just go and sign up,” referring to the schedules on a table in the Aloha Center where students can sign for appointment times. According to Wallace, the location of the VOICE Program has shifted around in the past, but the Aloha Center location has shown to be “the most successful place, to have it.” Wallace expressed her appreciation to the Aloha Center officials for lending the program its public space in the hallway between the HUB and student leadership offices. W H O R UNS IT A ND H O W

On who tutors for the VOICE Program, Wallace said, “It would be either service missionaries or full-time missionaries working there generally. “[The missionaries] really, really enjoy it, and it’s a way to get to know the students. The students appreciate the

connections and opportunity to practice as well.” Further explaining how missionaries are assigned to the VOICE Program, Wallace said, “There’s actually a process where missionaries are assigned to VOICE and that’s through [Human Resources], so we don’t actually go and recruit.” Stephenson noted she’s the only fulltime missionary working in the VOICE Program. “Right now I don’t have any other full-time people with me. I have four part-time people, so it’s making it a little more tricky schedule-wise [for students to get in to practice their English].” Explaining how she goes about helping EIL students with their English communication skills, Stephenson said she uses a whiteboard to communicate when she wants to teach them how a word is spelled phonetically or how it sounds phonetically. “If I don’t understand what they’re trying to say, I ask them to try and write it down and we figure it out. “We have magazines, church magazines or the Ke Alaka‘i. They learn lots of new words and then we help them look up those words and learn what the definitions are. “I really encourage the students to take notes and to write down the vocabulary words and what they mean. Some really try to incorporate them into their everyday language, and it’s amazing to watch.” Wallace mentioned the support she has felt for the program and said, “We really appreciate the support we’ve gotten for the VOICE Program. I thank the personnel in the Aloha Center and other people who have helped... all the Continues on Page 60

International students can sign up to practice their English in a non-academic setting at the Aloha Center. Photo by Ho Yin Li Continued from Page 59

missionaries who’ve been working, managing, and running it and, just everybody that helps support it.” ITS E F F E CT O N ST U DE NT S

“I’ve really seen them blossom,” said Stephenson. “They really blossom by the end of the semester. A lot of them don’t come back. They feel confident enough to progress on their own.” Wallace said she enjoys the effects she’s seen the program have with students. “It’s engaging and it helps them feel more motivated for language learning.” She continued, “It’s a safe way to practice language and to build skills. I think [overall] it’s just a positive, wellused, program. Language learning… helps [students] to feel more at ease in talking or with any aspects of conversation, like pronunciation.”

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Stephenson said, “I think they sense this is a safe environment because I’m not their peer. I’m an auntie, or a mother, or a grandmother figure, and they just feel safe here. We talk about all kinds of things. We talk about dating or marriage if they want to.” As he was writing his name down on the schedule for a tutoring time, Jessup Lee, a freshman majoring in computer science from Korea, said, “I’m signing up for my first time. My classmates and my EIL professors introduced me to the program, and I came with my friends... to practice conversational English speaking skills.” Lee said he is enthusiastic to begin coming to the tutoring program. This type of enthusiasm in EIL students toward the VOICE Program is backed up by Wallace as she said, “Students really appreciate the opportunity to just talk and practice with somebody. It’s a friendly

environment... and it’s not academic. Students can talk about academic things if they want to, but it’s really not an academic approach to conversation practice.” Wallace concluded by saying, “I think it’s a really valuable language learning resource on campus, and we appreciate having it. We appreciate the students who suggested it, and we just look forward to keeping it going.” •

An inspired visit Siblings from Korea share how a vacation to Hawaii helped them stumble upon BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hawaii and changed their lives BY WILL KRUEGER

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The Hwang siblings joined the Church after visiting Hawaii and learning about BYUH. Photo by Chad Hsieh

The Hwang family was vacationing in Hawaii. They were enjoying their trip and on their second to last day, they happened to be on the North Shore and met BYU–Hawaii students in Foodland. The students told them about the university and the Hwangs decided to visit. Joo Young Hwang, a freshman majoring in supply chain and her brother, Seon Woong Hwang, a freshman majoring in biology, are from South Korea. They said their trip resulted in them joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a year later becoming students at the school. Joo Young said, “My brother wasn’t planning to attend any university. I was

planning to go to a university in Korea. We didn’t even know about the Church. After visiting here, everything changed. I feel like God led us here and guided us along the entire way.” According to Seon Woong, “We ended up here at BYUH by complete chance, or fate. We came to Hawaii in Feb. 2018 for a family trip, and the second to last day of our trip, we visited the North Shore as a family. “We went to Foodland and happened to meet two female students there. We didn’t know of the existence of this school so were curious that a university was on the North Shore. They told us the location of BYUH, and we decided to take a look shortly after.”

According to Seon Woong, his family was looking around the campus and ended up in the Aloha Center. They were trying to get information about the school from the help desk. He said, “We couldn’t speak very good English at that time, but luckily there was a Korean student there, Seongmin Jo, who was able to help us and talk with my family and I.” Seong-min Jo, a junior majoring in marketing from South Korea, said of meeting the Hwang’s, “I don’t usually go to the Aloha Center, but I felt like I should be there at that time. We Continues on Page 64

“I feel like God led him here. He has a really interesting experience and coming here will have a really good effect on his family.” Continued from Page 63

happened to meet. They talked with me because I looked Korean. It was totally lucky.” Joo Young continued, “My family and I ended up talking with her for about seven hours, about the university and life here as a student in Hawaii, such as majors at the school and other things. “We returned the next day to talk again with her, but this was to discuss the Church. We spent several hours talking to her about the Church and to learn more about it.” First impressions of BYUH Seon Woong remarked, “When I first entered into the school, I was so impressed by seeing all the different flags. I also saw the wall at the front of the school that had words inscribed

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Joo Young and Seon Woong Hwang said the motto of the university impressed them and helped them decide to get baptized. Photo courtesy of the Hwang family

that really impressed me. That sentence, ‘Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve,’ really inspired me.” Continuing, Seon Weong shared a distinct impression he had, “People may not believe me, but I also could see an illusion of Jesus Christ above BYUH. I couldn’t see him literally, but I could feel him and his presence and that this school was blessed and is taken care of by the Lord.” The standards and cleanliness of the school left lasting impressions to the Hwang family. “We actually saw another university in Honolulu while we were on vacation. I remember smelling alcohol, marijuana and being very disappointed that a university was like that. After learning about BYUH and the standards here, it left us with such a good impression. My

parents were really impressed by that.” According to Seon Woong, at the conclusion of the family’s vacation, the siblings said they excitedly returned to Korea and began looking for the Church. “We were both born Catholic. We even received Catholic names. We knew the existence of Jesus Christ and the love that he has for us and desired to know more about what we learned in Hawaii.” Conversion to the Gospel Looking for the Church online, Seon Woong found a phone number and called right away. He talked with someone and was able to find a church to attend in Korea and went as soon as they could. Seon Woong was baptized on May 6, 2018, less than three months after

returning from Hawaii. He baptized his sister, Joo Young, on July 29, 2018. Young said she took a little longer than her brother because she was very busy with school and also wanted him to baptize her. Hwang’s parents were not baptized, but their children said they are supportive. Seon Woong shared he often shares the gospel with them and tries to teach them about the Church. After his compulsory military service, Seon Woong hopes to serve a mission. Joo Young added she has recently considered serving a mission, and they have both read Preach My Gospel together. Seon Woong said he attended institute in Korea for about a year and then went on to apply to attend BYUH with his sister.

Attending BYUH According to Seon Woong, the opportunities offered by the school have blessed him immensely. “I am really happy to be a BYUHawaii student. I work with SWAT, so I work on the farm with animals and with tools all day. I sometimes feel really tired, but I feel happy because I see the temple when I work. I like to read from the Gospel Library on my phone during my breaks.” Seon Woong’s roommate, Rei Hattori, a freshman from Japan majoring in business management, said, “I feel like God led him here. He has a really interesting experience and coming here will have a really good effect on his family.” Hattori continued, “I have learned a lot from my roommate. He already knows so much about the Church

considering he’s so new to it. It’s inspiring. He is a fun and friendly guy and very interested in learning.” Joo Young shared her experience at BYUH, “At first, I just wanted to focus on studying. But I have made so many friends and I love to hang out with [them]. They help me with my goals and to enjoy myself here and with school life. “As a recent convert, religion classes have been a little bit harder to understand, but they have been very helpful for me to understand the Church more.” The Hwangs said their parents have been happy and supportive of their children’s decisions. “They feel relieved about the standards of the school and know that we are taught well here in good environment.” •

ASK THE ASK THE PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL BY MACKENZIE BEAVER

BY MACKENZIE BEAVER

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Tēvita O. Kaʻili

“Culture emerges from the complex intersection of humans, histories and environments, both physical and social.”

Tēvita O. Kaʻili, a cultural anthropology associate professor, takes his students back in time. Dr. Kaʻili is the dean of the Faculty of Culture, Language and Performing Arts. He is also an author. How would you define culture? “Culture encompasses all the human configurations of time-and-space, knowledge, signs, symbols, languages, stories, narratives, discourses, texts, histories, arts, sciences, rituals, performances, practices, behaviors, beliefs, values, ideologies, social systems and materials. Culture is co-created, shared, learned and patterned by humans. “It entails materiality (objects, artifacts, technologies, foods), ideology (systems of ideas, beliefs), performativity (performances, music, dances), and narratively (stories, languages, systems of symbols). Culture emerges from the complex intersection of humans, histories and environments, both physical and social.” What does culture mean to you? “Culture is significant because it defines us as humans. Human identity is based on culture, meaning it is derived from culture, and human time-space is arranged by culture. Culture has a profound influence on human thinking and actions. Humans are cultural beings. Thus, all humans have cultures.” What exactly is cultural anthropology? “Culture anthropology is the interdisciplinary study of the cultural dimensions of humanity in all times and spaces. As an interdisciplinary field, cultural anthropology entails both the

humanistic and scientific study of all cultural aspects of humans and their environments.” Why do we have Culture Night? “Culture Night is a grand celebration and veneration of the diversity and complexity of cultures at our university. It provides the time-and-space for students to share their cultures and learn from one another. As a BYUH student in the 1990s, I performed in several Cultural Nights.” When you see Culture Night as an anthropology professor, what do you think? “Cultural Night is an elaborate ritual of paying homage to our ancestors who created our cultures and acknowledging the innovations, changes, and fluidity within our cultural performances. It is a wonderful event for identifying, sharing and learning cultures. I give my anthropology students extra credit for participating in Culture Night.” How can we be more sensitive to others’ cultures? “Learning about the history and meaning of culture is the first step. From learning comes understand that will lead to appreciation and deep respect for all cultures. One way to start your learning of culture is to take certain university courses. In the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, we offer several courses in the areas of culture, such as Hawaiian Studies, Pacific Islands Studies, Asian Studies, History, Languages, Intercultural Peacebuilding, Music, Theatre, Humanities, and Cultural Anthropology. I invite all students to take courses from our faculty.” •

Left: Ka‘ili hold artifacts in his office. He wrote “Marking Indigeneity.” Photos by Chad Hsieh

Along with teaching and being a dean of a faculty, Dr. Tēvita Kaʻili has also written books. One of his books is “Marking Indigeneity: The Tongan Art of Sociospatial Relations” (University of Arizona Press, 2017). He said, “This book critically examines Tongans in Maui, Hawaiʻi, and their cultural arrangement of tā and vā, time and space, through the art of tauhi vā, sustaining harmonious social relations in the mutual performance of fatongia (cultural obligations).” His other book is “Ko e Ngaahi ʻAta mei he Hisitōlia mo e Kalatua ʻo Tongá : Ke Tufungaʻi ha Lea Tonga Fakaako” [Images from the History and Culture of Tonga: Towards Creating a Tongan Academic Language] (Co-authored with ʻOkusitino Māhina and ʻAnapesi L. Kaʻili; Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Auckland, 2006). In relation to this book, he said, “It explores aspects of Tongan history and culture. The authors argue for the need to create a Tongan academic language to perpetuate and vitalize Tongan history and culture,” Ka’ili added.

Diffusing anger with education BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hawaii alumnus Christopher Udall talks about his humanitarian work in Jordan BY ELIJAH HADLEY 68

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ith their nonprofit organization, Rebuild For Peace, Christopher Udall and his wife, Alison, said they have helped refugees in Jordan by teaching vocational skills and giving at-risk youth a chance at a new life. He has opened 15 schools in Jordan for refugees, he said, and in two years, the organization has raised more than $1 million for its cause. Udall, president of Rebuild For Peace, shared his story during a presentation in the Aloha Center on Feb. 15. His former photography teacher, Instructor Monique Saenz, gathered students from her classes to hear his story of service and to see his photos. Saenz told her classes, “I can see this is definitely what we hear about President McKay’s vision of people going out of this school and helping others to establish peace internationally. You can see the hands of Heavenly Father helping him and his wife.” Udall graduated from BYUH in 2016 with a major in peacebuilding and with certificates in photography and anthropology. Alison Udall, vice president of Rebuild For Peace, worked in refugee camps in Greece before moving to Jordan and meeting her husband. Udall said his love for the Middle East began when he attended the BYU Jerusalem Center. He said he shifted his focus from photography to human rights and resolving conflict.

Alumnus Christopher Udall has opened 15 schools in Jordan for refugees. Photos courtesy of Christopher Udall

RESTORING A CASTLE According to Udall, the day he flew into Jordan, ISIS attacked a 13th century French crusader castle and shot a group of tourists. He said, “What was fascinating and terrible is that the members of ISIS who attacked the castle were also local youth who had been recruited into ISIS.”

By using his certificate in anthropology, Udall said he was able to introduce himself to the Jordanian government as a certified cultural anthropologist. The students in the village of Karak wanted to rebuild the castle, he continued, because they knew the people who attacked it. The students wanted to hang a banner from the walls saying, “In the wake of violent conflict, we will rebuild for peace.” Udall said he was inspired to name his organization from this statement. Udall said he was able to use his contacts in the government to obtain half a million dollars to give back to the communities. At this point, Udall said he had not founded Rebuild For Peace. However, he said he found a charity to run the money through to start helping people. GROWING UP IN ANGER According to Udall, his organization goes to villages with high recruitment statistics for ISIS. Initially he thought he was going to teach vocations like auto repair or welding, but he said most of his students are women. In Jordan, skills such as sewing, cosmetology and clothing manufacture are in demand, he said. The tribal leaders would tell Udall, “Our daughters are growing up in anger.” This was a common phrase in these communities. Udall said, “It was the women who were unfortunately less educated.” Udall said he also learned the women were encouraging their male family members to join extremist groups. Udall explained, “All they, [the women], had to do was go to the mosque and go home. There’s really not any other place for them to go to interact and learn Continues on Page 68

Continues on Page 67

socially. They would get radicalized in these mosques, go home and encourage their loved ones to do something about what they had been told.” Rebuild For Peace started to teach more women, although it did have male vocational centers as well. Udall said, “It impacted the community so drastically. My wife is an expert in rural women’s economic development, and when I started telling her all our centers were for women, she was very excited and put her skills to work.” GOING TO MA’AN Udall said he visited Ma’an, a village in southern Jordan. According to Udall, the ISIS flag is flown there and the Jordanian embassy dissuades foreigners from visiting. Despite the embassy insisting he would be killed if he went to Ma’an, Udall decided to go. “I felt I needed to be there. We believe completely that the person facing a problem has a solution. I never went in thinking I could solve their problems simply because I had a peacebuilding degree, but I asked the 70

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I can see this is definitely what we hear about President McKay’s vision of people going out of this school and helping others to establish peace internationally. You can see the hands of Heavenly Father helping him and his wife. tribal chiefs what the problem was.” When the tribal chiefs told Udall their women were growing up in anger, he asked what the women needed and chiefs told him they need something they can do from the home where they can gather as women. At his talk on campus, Udall showed a picture of a teenage girl named Rima. “She is from Ma’an – a town so conservative, the parents wouldn’t let their daughters attend our programs. The instructor we hired from the community went to every single women’s home to

sign them for our classes, one where they were taught to make keffiyehs.” A keffiyeh is a traditional headscarf worn by both men and women in Middle Eastern countries. Although they are worn in the Middle East, most modern keffiyehs are made in China, according to Udall. “Rima started making keffiyehs. She made her first one in six days. [She] sold it for the equivalent of 40 U.S. dollars. She made a second one and sold it for the equivalent of 50 U.S. dollars. That was more than her parents made. Pretty

soon her parents were pretty excited about her working. “Word got around and soon all of the women showed up. People couldn’t send them to school fast enough,” Udall said. “Our approach is that any student who comes to our school should make money within the first week of being there. That teaches them this is directly valuable, and the more work you get the more financial return. “Rima is kind of my hero. She started taking this class, making keffiyehs, selling them at tourist sites like Petra, and then she reached out to us in an interview. "She was making enough money that she’s now paying for her younger sister to go to university and is about to make enough money to go to university herself." THE SALON IN THE DESERT Udall also showed a picture of a village in the Jordanian desert called Tafilah. It was of a cosmetology salon set up by locals there who had gone through his vocational training. “That was the first cosmetology salon they'd ever had,” Udall said. “It was a place where women could gather

and talk gossip, take off their hijab and let their hair down. The community changed. A girl’s father mortgaged his home to build the salon and now people travel for miles to it. Especially women who want to get their hair and make up done for their wedding.” UDALL’S ADVICE ABOUT CERTIFICATES According to Udall, of all the classes he took at BYUH, photography, videography, graphic design and web page design helped him make the most money. He said, “They helped me start up an organization without having to spend a fortune hiring people to do it for me. “The certificate programs are absolutely worth their weight in gold, even if you have to take some time [to complete them]. Even though I’m definitely not the best photographer, videographer or web page designer, it got our foot in the door, made us look professional and helped us get a lot more money for our organization. Our blog and webpage is run by my wife and some British interns.” Speaking of certificates, Udall said, “It’s important. You never know where

Left: A Jordanian woman holds of a keiffiyeh, a traditional scarf, she made after taking a class in sewing. They can be sold for $40-to-$50 each. Vocational training is empowering the youth of Jordan who have been recruited by ISIS, says Udall.. Photos courtesy of Christopher Udall

they’re going to take you. The certificate I got in videography and photography helped me when I first got to Jordan. “It gave me journalist status within the kingdom, meaning I was allowed to enter a refugee camp. They’re kind of locked down like military bases and very difficult to get into. I needed to get in to do some work for Rebuild For Peace.” Zipporah Kwok, a junior from Hong Kong majoring in graphic design and psychology, said, “[Udall] is just an ordinary guy, but he was able to make such a connection with the people in Jordan. Even the leader of the country recognized what he did for Jordan. It was really inspiring to me. It made me think how I could do great things too.” On the Rebuild For Peace website, there is a blog where visitors can read about each of the women whose lives have changed because of the vocational skills they were taught. It also includes their stories and what motivates them, said Udall. •

ASK THE ASK THE PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL BY MASON COLE BY MASON COLE

The following is taken from an email discussion between Dr. Joel Reece, assistant professor of Exercise and Sport Science at BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Hawaii, who explained and reviewed concepts of health and fitness for BYUH students that often go overlooked.

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Joel Reece

What exercises should college students be doing? “College students should do the type of exercise they enjoy most. The best exercise is the kind you do. Also, I would strongly recommend strength training for college students, because those are the years when their bones are developing peak bone density.” What should their diets be like or do they even need to diet? “Nutrition is a critical component to healthy living. I don't like the word diet because it denotes a temporary change. I think we should strive to eat healthy in a sustainable way. Is it really sustainable to never eat another cookie or scoop of ice cream again in your life? Maybe for the strong willed, but not for me. I would recommend no more than 10-to-15 percent of your total calories in a day come from sweets or junk food. College is a great time to make decisions that will shape your lifestyle for the future. You get to make decisions on what you want to eat at the Cafeteria or what you buy at the store.” What is the key to staying fit? “Social accountability– If you can get involved with others who are also trying to be active, it goes a long way. Some faculty and staff meet three times a week for noon ball. We might not be the fittest people around, but just the act of moving up and down the court on a regular basis helps. Participate in intramurals, sign up for an [Exercise and Sport Science] (EXS) activity class, join educational outreach fitness classes, form a walking group. I frequently go walking with a group of friends just to chat and hang out. We call it our ‘Book Club,’ but we don't read any books. We just walk and talk.” How long should students exercise? “The minimum recommendations to see health benefits from exercise is 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise.”

When should students weight lift? “Strength training recommendations are 2-to-3 times per week. You don't have to get too picky with exactly when, but if you want to, I would recommend sandwiching your strength training in between your sandwich. What I mean is eat half of your meal, go lift, and then eat the other half of your meal.” When should students do cardio? Anytime, but be aware of a couple things. If you go first thing in the morning without eating any breakfast, pay attention to how you feel. You may experience hypoglycemia when you are exercising or feel too fatigued to enjoy or push through your workout. Also, I would recommend waiting about 60 minutes after you eat to allow for your insulin levels to normal out... or go exercise within about 10 minutes after eating something light, before your insulin levels have a chance to increase. By doing this you will decrease your chances of having a sugar crash after you start exercising.” How often should students exercise? “Exercise should be performed most days of the week and recommended to be accumulated in at least 10-minute bouts.”

Joel Reece says to get involved with others also trying to be active. Photos by Chad Hsieh.

How long does it take for someone to see results? “You can have acute effects of working out, meaning you can feel some of the positive benefits of working out after just one session. Studies that usually evaluate the effects of exercise go for at least eight weeks. After the first four weeks a lot of the strength adaptations seen are because of neurological changes, while the next four weeks are because of actual muscle gains.” Why is exercise important for college students? “There are so many benefits to exercise. Many of these benefits are associated with physical health, such as weight control, reducing risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, strengthening bones and muscles, sleeping better, and may even reduce the risk of some cancers. But the benefits go far beyond physical health. You can improve your quality of life, mental health, and mood. You can even use exercise as a vehicle to improve your social life. We even recently presented research at a conference showing how physical activity is related to spiritual wellbeing. Enjoy being active. Look around campus to see how to get involved.” •

Jensen Dye, far right, is pictured with his siblings and mother. Photo courtesy of Dye Family

Linking family and culture Student Jensen Dye is learning Korean to help his mother find her birth parents BY EMI WAINWRIGHT Jensen Dye, a junior from Utah majoring in Hawaiian studies, is trying to help his mother, who was adopted from Korea, reconnect with her birth parents and her cultural heritage. Dye said he has felt spiritual promptings to get more involved in his mother’s native culture. “I feel like Heavenly Father’s been telling me I need to learn the language and connect with my roots because I’ll need to use it in life later on.” The first person Dye said he met at BYU–Hawaii was a student from Suwon,

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the town his mother was found as a newborn. “I felt that was the first prompting Heavenly Father gave to start connecting with my mom’s family and culture… He wants us to know our ancestors. Reuniting with our families and being eternally connected to each other is important in the gospel.” He said, “What I’m trying to do is connect more with my mom through learning and claiming our Korean heritage. I know it’s a long stretch, but with DNA testing and being able to learn

[Korean], I feel like it will make it easier for me to connect. “What I realize too is sometimes things don’t go your way, but you have to make the best of your circumstances. Even if we don’t find her birth family, we have hope we’re going to connect with other Koreans.” Dye said his mother is really interested in the culture, specifically the food and the clothing. “I’m sure she wants to know who her family is, but it’s not her whole goal. She still has us and she loves us. We’re grateful for her.”

Dye said if he had to describe his mom in a couple of words he would say she’s a miracle worker. “She’ll turn any bad situation into a very good one… She’s a tender mercy in our lives. She’s a fantastic mom and she’s humble. She’s a wonderful woman. If you’re having a bad day, she’ll turn it around and make it better.” If he could say one thing to his mom’s birth family, Dye said it would be they don’t hold her birth family guilty. “We don’t hate you, we don’t hold any resentment towards you. We just would like to get to know you, we appreciate you, and we pray for you every day.” Dye acknowledged he doesn’t know the full story, which he said is part of the reason he’s so motivated to learn Korean and eventually visit his mother’s birth land. “We’re not just thinking about ourselves. It’s more than just us.” HIS MOTHER’S STORY Dye said his mother was found as a week-old baby abandoned at a bus station in Suwon, South Korea on March 2, 1973. “From what I can read from the documents, a passerby out of the kindness of his or her own heart picked her up and took her to the city hall.” Dye said city hall arranged for her to be sent to the orphanage, Ankara B.H. and then the adoption agency, Holt’s Children Services. After spending a few months in the care of a foster family, Dye said his mother was adopted on June 26, 1973, four months after she was given care at the orphanage. “We don’t know anything. All we know is she was abandoned. Like I said, we don’t hold any hate or resentment. We’re just grateful that we’re here. We’re thankful for the foster family, the passerby, everyone who contributed to get us to where we are today. My mom is grateful for her adopted family. They’re a wonderful family. The Lord has definitely blessed my mom.”

DYE’S MOTHER’S THOUGHTS His mother Cindi Horton, whose Korean name is Jee Yung Hee, said she feels Dye was meant to come to BYUH for many reasons, one of them being so he could learn more about his Korean heritage and meet people who share it. She said, “Being adopted from Korea and growing up as a little girl in America with an American family, people would always ask me if I ever wanted to find my birth parents. Of course I did, but I was abandoned at a bus station so I always believed it would never happen

and it would be an impossible task. Now with all the DNA testing going on, it gives people like me some hope… It has been so fun to see Jensen get excited about helping me do DNA testing to maybe someday find a close relative.” Dye said his mother has done DNA tests with AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and FamilyTree DNA. Through doing the tests, Dye said they’ve matched with someone who could possibly be a first or second cousin, who was also adopted from Korea.

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“What I realize too is sometimes things don’t go your way, but you have to make the best of your circumstances. Even if we don’t find her birth family, we have hope we’re going to connect with other Koreans.”

Cindi Horton, Dye's mother, as a baby. Photo courtesy of Dye Family

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Hyewon Pak, a junior from California majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said she thinks it’s sad how many children who have been adopted by families from other countries can struggle to reconnect with their roots in Korea. She explained when Dye’s mother was found as a newborn, they didn’t have things like DNA tests and data to identify children and find their families. “Korea’s a tiny country but to look for one child, it’s not easy… Once you lost your child, to get them back again could have been very difficult compared to today.” She said these children end up with the police and in foster care and eventually, like in Horton’s case, could be adopted. “There are so many adopted Korean people in America looking for their biological parents and trying to get their identity back. You don’t hardly see that in America. American kids get adopted... by Americans. But a lot of Asian kids will be adopted to foreign countries.” According to Dye, there’s not a lot of awareness of DNA testing in Korea. “I don’t think too many birth families know it’s an option. If they do, they might not know how to go about it. What I’ve heard is in Korea you can go to police stations and have your DNA extracted. They’ll keep it for 10 years and they’ll try to match it up with whoever you’re looking for.” Dye said he and his mom are hoping to go to Korea one day soon to try it and see if it works. Dye said knowing the language will make it easier to ask 76

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questions and communicate when they get there. Horton said, “I have been blessed to have been adopted to such a wonderful and loving family. I think it is a natural feeling to [want to] find out more about your birth family and story. I am excited to visit my birth land for the second time and think it will be such a meaningful trip. I want to be able to share it with my son Jensen… “I pray that trying to find my birth family and learning more about the Korean culture will be a blessing and something I will cherish forever.”

DISCOVERING HIMSELF AT BYUH Dye said being a member of the BYUH Korean Club has really helped him connect with the culture. He said when he first joined he was nervous because he’s only half-Korean and wasn’t sure how people would react when they found out. He shared an experience that deeply touched him with his friend, Junsim Bae, who assured him he was family as they ate Korean barbecue together. Bae, who is a BYU-Pathway student from Korea, said she moved here because her husband is attending BYUH. Bae said she and Dye met at a club activity. “While talking with him, I learned

Jensen Dye with members of the BYU–Hawaii Korean Club, Photo by Teva Todd

that his mom is from Korea and she was born in Suwon. This particularly caught my interest since I served part of mission in Suwon. “He seemed to want to know more about Korea, so I thought he would like it if I gave him a Korean name. I tried to make a Korean name that sounded like Jensen. So I created the name ‘Jinsoo,’ and then looked for meanings for ‘Jin’ and ‘soo.’ I chose my favorite meanings: ‘Jin’ for truth and ‘soo’ for excellent.” Jee is his mother’s surname, which Dye said he claims as part of his Korean name. Bae said, “I chose this name because I thought he could become

excellent in understanding truth. I love how he actually uses the name.” Horton added she thinks it's a blessing Dye has joined the BYUH Korean Club to learn more about their family’s culture. “He has been a positive example to me wanting to learn and embrace more of my culture from where I was born… “It is fun he is trying Korean food and he is loving most of what he tries… I hope one day I can take Jensen to Korea to maybe visit some of [the friends he’s made] and learn more about my family and where I came from.”

Dye said, “I enjoy how nice and generous Koreans are as people… They love their culture and they’re not afraid to be who they are.” Dye said he’s always seen himself as Asian-American but now wants to more fully connect with his Korean brothers and sisters and the heritage they all share. “I love spicy food now, homemade kimchi and K-pop… but what makes me most proud to be Korean is not only the heritage but also what they’re trying to do now. They want peace, peace for the world, cohabitation, co-existence. “And what is BYU–Hawaii trying to do? They’re taking all these same concepts and trying to achieve the same thing. We have all of these people from different cultures coexisting and trying to live peacefully with each other the way the Savior wants. We maintain our uniqueness, but we’re united in the gospel, in our love for culture, and as children of God. “When I was younger, I never really had a personal connection with Heavenly Father, but as I’ve gotten older… I realize He knows our circumstances and situations in life. Going through this journey of wanting to learn Korean and embrace the culture… I think it’s Heavenly Father’s way of saying, ‘I love you,’ and helping me discover and enjoy who I am. I’m not just Korean. I’m Jensen Dye. I’m Jee Jinsoo. I’m a child of Heavenly Parents.” •

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Fitness meets Instagram

From having the right credentials to posting positive content on fitness, Professor Kate McLellan shares advice on finding the right social influencer

rofessional body builder and Exercise and Sport Science professor, Dr. Kate McLellan, shared helpful hints on who to follow and trust on Instagram, according to one’s personal health and wellness. McLellan has a bachelor’s degree in EXS and doctorate in rehabilitation science. 1. Look for Instagram accounts with credentials. McLellan said, “I usually look for people with something after their name. Whether it be a Ph.D., RD (registered dietician), MD, or MS.” McLellan also said to look for credentials because you want to follow individuals with an education and who know what they are doing. 2. Follow Instagram influencers who physically look better than you. “You follow people who look better than you because you know they’ll help you get successful and help you get where you want to be.” McLellan said Instagram ultimately shows everyone’s best days and nobody shows their worst days, so you shouldn’t compare yourself to others. 3. Follow bodybuilders who have coaches/teams. “I follow different coaches and teams because each account I follow has a specific

BY MACKENZIE BEAVER purpose. I follow someone for good leg workouts and another person for good back workouts.” McLellan explained how doing this allows you to follow a diverse number of people. 4. Follow accounts that cut straight to the point and don’t use tons of emojis in their posts. McLellan said anyone can say they are involved in personal training and nutrition without going to school. “People who use a lot of goofy emojis and other items in their posts for fitness ideas are not people you want to follow. Legitimate people do not make comments like these.”

Remember, everyone’s body is different. McLellan said, “It is important to remember as viewers, we are only seeing the Instagrammers on their best day. They do not look like that all the time and only really look like that during ... training or bodybuilding preparation.” She said it is important to remember everyone’s body is different and changes on their own schedule and in their own process. Everyone is different and comparison to others is pointless and does more harm than good. •

5. Pay attention to the accounts’ content, both posts and stories. “Personally, when I follow an account, I watch what they have to post on their stories throughout the day. If what they have to post is useful to me throughout the day, I know they will be valuable to me. If not, I’ll choose not to follow.” McLellan said she does this because many fitness accounts use their social media account as their personal Instagram account and often post throughout the day about their lives rather than fitness.

Illustrations by Mckenna Zohner

DECEMB ER 2018

From missionaries to pig purveyors Missions inspire students to co-found program helping Filipinos out of poverty BY WILL KRUEGER

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BYUH students interact with Filipinos to help them become more self-reliant. Photos courtesy of Alysha Gurr and Jordan Richards.

Founders of Pigs for Prosperity, the winner of the “impact” category at the 2019 “Empower Your Dreams” competition on campus , said winning was going to further there mission to help people in the Philippines become self-reliant. They shared it was a blessing seeing there project, which was influenced from mission experiences, grow into something well-respected. The team said since August 2018, they have given piglets to five families. With the $5,000 won from the competition, they shared they want to start a piggery, so the project can impact more people in the country where 25 million live people in poverty.

Preparing for the competition Before they presented their project, the team traveled to the Philippines and spent about six days there. Jordan Richards, a sophomore studying business management from New Zealand and who is spearheading the Pigs for Prosperity team, said its vision is to help Filipinos build better sustainable lives for themselves. In regards to the trip, he said, “We had interviews and met with a lot of people. We met with the local head of agriculture, and the mayor there and a big Filipino supply feed company.” Talking about what they achieved through their trip, Jadan Watson, a recent BYUH graduate from California and the third member of the initial class group, added, “We were able to gather so much more information to have a better idea of how things run here. Also, [we learned] how we can really incorporate the project into this area.” A member of the team, Alysha Gurr, a senior social work major from Canada, said the most rewarding aspect

of the project for her was meeting the families, seeing their gratitude, and the hope they had. One of the team members said during its presentation when back at BYUH, “We learned about several similar projects that failed in the area. You can’t just go over there and give people stuff then leave. You have to teach people selfreliance.” The presenter added, “For now, we are focusing on one Barangay [village]. When we got there, people were already building pig pens. We are looking to start a piggery, which is a pig farm. We want to make a center where people can learn, receive training and work.” From this eight-month-long project Richards expressed, “One thing I’ve learned is you don’t need to be amazingly skilled to help people. You just need a good desire and drive to help people, and you can do it.” Watson shared similar sentiments. “The day we were able to meet the families ... became so much more real, Continues on Page 82

Before competing, the team traveled to the Philippines and saw their program in action. Photo courtesy of Alysha Gurr and Jordan Richards

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and because of that I’m more determined to help this work go forward.” Giveback policy Part of the Pigs for Prosperity plan, Richards stated, was to figure out a way to make it sustainable.“The program has a giveback policy. The families are required to give two piglets back to the program, but then those pigs are given out to another family in the community.” He added, giving families piglets, along with feed, for about four months “provides a stable income, hopefully for the families that raise the pigs. We give them the pigs to raise, then they get pregnant and breed more pigs.” Mission influences Roberts said part of the inspiration to help the Philippines came because he served as a missionary in the Philippines Tacloban Mission from 2015 to 2017. Using the contacts he made on his mission, Richards said he was able to establish the program, build connections, 82

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“You don’t need to be amazingly skilled to help people. You just need a good desire and drive to help people, and you can do it.” -Jordan Richards find pigs and help make the idea become a reality. “We found families through people I knew from my mission. I got into contact with a facilities manager for the church in Tacloban, and other people in the Philippines, to find people and help.” Richards said, “Our big hope is that the entire community can become self-reliant – to have a second means of income to provide for their basic needs.” He said the project was close to his heart.“I saw children starving out there, and I realized that everything we take for granted, they didn’t have. Working everyday out there I knew that I wanted to do something to help those people.” Richards continued, “When I came to BYU–Hawaii two months after my mission, I was always thinking of ways I could help. I was always going to Enactus, but I was a bit lost, not sure what to do, but I was always looking for a way.”

Real-world learing It wasn’t until he took a social entrepreneurship class that Richards said he received the opportunity to help. Gurr added,“The requirement of the class was a social focus. We wanted to help alleviate poverty, to find a way to give back. It started as a class project that turned to something bigger.” Richards said, “We were put into groups of three. It was me, Alysha Gurr and Jadan Watson. We added a few others later. It was part of the class work to work in teams and start a crowdfunding project.” As the team worked hard, the project took off and Gurr said they raised about $2,500 in a few weeks. “We had an open mic night at Penny’s Malasadas, an indiegogo online campaign, and I also cut hair and had my customers pay to the indiegogo online campaign.” •

ASK THE ASK THE PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL BY HAELEY VAN DER WERF BY HAELEY VAN DER WERF

Jeff Merrill

Jeff Merrill, associate professor of art, works on an oil painting. Photos by Teva Todd

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What is your favorite thing to paint? “I love to teach figure drawing. I love figure painting. Basically, anything to do to draw people, I really like. Those would probably be my favorites. “It’s just a general satisfaction that you can make it look like something. Painting a landscape, you can make it look like trees, but trees can look a million different ways. For me, there's a real satisfaction in capturing the essence of the person you're painting, creating that representation of the individual. That’s what motivates me.” What is your favorite medium to paint with? “Oil paint is my favorite. It’s the most versatile.You can paint anything with it.You can paint it like watercolor.You can layer it.You can glaze it, which means you can use a medium like this gel, make it thin so it becomes very translucent. It’s just has a lot of options. It’s very versatile.” Is there any medium you don’t like to paint with? “I’m not in love with acrylic. I started out painting in acrylic paint, but ever since junior high, I've quit using it. I have used acrylic for illustration. If I’m doing a fine art piece, I'm

not going to use acrylic. I'm going to use oil. Oil paint has a prestige associated with it. A BMW is just a car, but it’s a nicer car than most cars. That’s kind of like oil paint. It’s just paint, but it has a little bit of a prestigious quality associated with it.” What techniques do you use when you paint? “Your technique is something you develop on your own when you learn from other people. My general technique is I start with thin paint and then I add thicker paint on top. That’s pretty standard procedure for most oil painting. That’s kind of what I adhere to, is thin paint and then thicker paint on top.” What should people know about the BYU–Hawaii Art Department? “I think the program is changing. People need to know it’s changing. I think we have an opportunity to grow it a little bit and to expand the depth of it. That’s kind of in the works. I don’t know how much it will be expanded, but there’s a potential it will do that.” Are there any artists you look up to? “I like John Singer Sargent. I like a guy named Frank Brangwyn. There’s a lot. I have a handful of different artists. Mostly they're

realistic painters who have an expressive quality to their work. It’s not hyper realism or photo realism.You can still see the brush strokes and the texture and all the abstract elements of the paint. That’s really what I try to do in my work and what’s appealing to me, is that sort of quality in the paint connected to a representation of something. So it has a duality. It’s a person, but also it’s really interesting to look at.” What advice would you give to people who aren’t sure if they should pursue art? “I would tell them you have to realize that you're going to compete against all the professionals the moment you graduate. Sort of a sobriety test, like, this is the reality of this. In other words, you have to be really good to do this. If you're not really good, you're probably not going to make a living out of it. It will either become a hobby or some other things. “I would give them sort of a reality check on what it involves and how hard you have to work at it, and how competitive it is. The top people get the job. If after that, they’re still like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to do it,’ you just encourage them to develop their skills.” •

The pirate king leads his band in song during the musical. Photos by Chad Hsieh

A living art

Reactions to ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ note the show's unconventional humor and call for greater appreciation of the art By Noah Shoaf With comedic flare, the BYU– Hawaii Theatre Program presented “The Pirates of Penzance” from March 7-9 and March 14-16 in the McKay Auditorium. The show is a musical, and the cast and audience members said the role of the Major General and the emphasis on engaging the audience broke traditional boundaries for a musical. Kristl Densley, an assistant professor of theatre and the director of the show, said before the closing night of “The Pirates of Penzance,” the audience brought an energy

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that helped support the actors onstage. “As you may or may not know, theatre is a living art and only happens when you are in the seats. If you weren’t in the seats, it would just be a rehearsal.” Noelle Oldham, a senior from Florida majoring in theatre. Oldham, who was one of the Major General’s daughters in the production, said, “When people think of musicals, they think cheesy and a lot of songs.” She added a goal she had for the musical, “Every time we do a show, I want someone to

leave the auditorium respecting and appreciating theatre more because I think we need that support.” She said due to the comedic and interactive nature of the production, the audience leaves with a greater appreciation of their art. “We had full houses, and so many people are coming every night. I was shocked many came the second week.” Oldham said the support from audience members is the reason the crew worked to develop the show. "It is the most rewarding feeling knowing the audience is enjoying

The Major General surprised audiences with his performance and raps.

our work. I love being on stage and showcasing what we made. Seeing how people loved our work makes me want to keep performing every night.” One of the ushers for the show, Taylor Spencer, a sophomore from Arizona majoring in elementary education, said the steady audience attendance might be influenced by the character, the Major General. “His dances get the audience going, and a lot of his lines are very humorous, so he is very easy to like.” She particularly enjoyed when every night the crowd went crazy when the Major General appeared. “It is my favorite part of the show when he comes out in the first act. I love how the actors onstage and the audience react to his rap.” Colin Carlson, a junior majoring in film from Laie, played the Major General. He said his character is not necessarily relatable, but everyone knows people like him because he is old, fun and silly.

Carlson noted he does not take the credit for how the audience reacted to his character. “I portray the character the way I portray the character, but all the words I say help me build the character, so I can’t give myself all the credit for it. It is all because of the writers.” Although putting on the facial hair and costume to become the Major General takes over an hour, Carlson stated he was pleased he made others laugh because this is his favorite musical. “I have always wanted to be in this musical. I am glad I am portraying the character enough to connect with the audience.”

Support from the audience

One actor who played as a pirate, Eli Harris, a senior from Missouri majoring in English, said some audience members come back and re-watch the show so they can fully understand the comedy. “The audience has been

Main characters Frederick and Mabel take a bow at the end of the performance.

progressively bigger because repeaters come each night. I think some of the humor is a little bit hard to get the first time. The plot is straightforward, but if you are not paying attention, you will not get the jokes.” Harris echoed Densley’s words and said the show is not complete without an engaged audience. “It has been nice to see the audience more involved each show so our humor can be funny. I think it brings more energy to my character when we get the audience response.” He added, “This is the eighth production I have done with the Densleys. I have only been an ensemble member with them, and this has been fun because the costumes and the cast we work with is great. We all take the best from each other to get the result we want. At the same time, we are all shining equally.” •

ASK THE PROFESSIONAL BY ESTHER INSIGNE BY ESTHER INSIGNE

David Whippy

David Whippy in his office in the McKay Foyer. Photo by Chad Hsieh 88

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David Whippy, an assistant professor of intercultural peacebuilding at BYU–Hawaii, explained how conflicts can affect a community and what steps others can take to establish peace in their communities.

With the arising conflicts we have today regarding the division of humankind, how has this affected our society today? “I believe it depends on the society in question. Some societies are more liberal, while others are more conservative. Some are more religious and others are secular. The culture, identities, and histories within our communities tend to shape the way we are and the way we address conflict. Conflicts can be an opportunity for learning and growth, or division... More connects us than separates us, but in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers... The bridges or the barriers influence the way we are towards others and impact the way our communities are.” What usually sparks contention within these groups or even countries as a whole? “There are a number of factors that can incite contention. Specifically, on the grounds of racism, neglect for the LGBTQ community, and discrimination; misunderstanding, disrespect, and intolerance are some of the first that comes to mind, but you can’t generalize these issues into a ‘one size fits all’ analysis or solution. I recommend we look at these issues and conflicts on an individual basis and contextualize it to the space and culture of the locale.” What are the main problems that hinder us from being more understanding of other people? “Culture, our learned living experiences, world views, values, etc. ... These are

important parts of our identity and make us who we are. What they also do is hard wire a way of seeing and engaging with the world around us. I see it as our personal cognitive ‘go-to-manual.’ Misunderstanding can occur when we prescribe these characteristics on others and judge them according to it. Misunderstanding is also tied to personal, cultural assumptions, miscommunication, and not allowing ourselves to be open and teachable on new ideas.” How should we approach a situation where someone is starting to hurt other people? “We should communicate with the person in question. Sometimes recognizing that they are being observed ends the conflict. We should call and report it to the necessary authorities. BYU–Hawaii has the Title IX office, the Department of Public Safety, and Counseling Services who have experts who would be able to help in these situations. Sometimes immediate action is needed, but I would recommend being cautious in these instances, as the physical confrontation can extend to you as the intervener. Your safety is also important. If you feel the situation calls for it, we also have the HPD 911 available.” How do we build or maintain an environment filled with peace and unity among its members? “By being respectful, understanding, patient and open with others. Get out of your comfort zone and learn about others’ cultures and educate your peers about yours. BYU–Hawaii is the perfect place for this. As we do this, our knowledge

Ways we can resolve conflict within our communities

“Again, each community is different, but if I had to prescribe an umbrella way of approaching it, I would recommend these steps:

• Acknowledge there is

a conflict. This includes naming the conflict and analyzing how it has affected individuals and the community as a whole.

• Provide a space where

dialogue can take place. Communication between all parties can be difficult, but it is a part of the resolution process.

• Work on a solution

[where] all parties are content and can live with [it]. This is the middle ground. The best case scenario is all parties get all their needs and concerns met, and worst case scenario is only one party is satisfied.

• Respect the local culture and conflict resolution traditions.”

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David Whippy helps a student with their homework in the McKay Foyer. Photo by Chad Hsieh

The end goal of peacebuilding is not merely to stop conflict, but to ultimately create Zion communities. Continued from Page 89

and understanding grow and we gain insights on how to navigate a community and world with a plethora of cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities.” How important is it to have good relationships with those around us? “[It is] very important. Good relations with others set the foundation for peaceful communities. Two of the main characteristics of a Zion society is love for others and service, for when ‘ye are in the 90

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service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God’ (Mosiah 2:17). The end goal of peacebuilding is not merely to stop conflict, but to ultimately create Zion communities.” Efforts in establishing peace can be made in small or big projects. As students, what can we contribute to the overall process? “We can contribute by getting involved. The Service Center, and a number of different academic programs and community service projects, we can be a part of. President David O. McKay’s

vision for students of the school was to be influences of good, and we can start this in our relationships and our communities.” If someone wants to start learning more about peacebuilding and has a desire to help with different organizations, what are some things you recommend to them? “I would advise them to take some peacebuilding classes. Much like psychology or political science or social work, the discipline comes with a number of branches and sections, which contribute to it holistically. From within these branches, an individual would be able to focus on what they are most interested in – with readings and specific organizations highlighted within these sections.” •

ACADEMIC ADVISORS located next door to the Health Center and across from Security

cademic Advisement provides assistance in all areas of a student’s academic life. The Academic Advisors at BYU–Hawaii are here to provide support and guidance to students as they make short and long-term academic decisions. Although the student is ultimately responsible for his or her own academic progress towards graduation, this process is made easier by seeking the assistance of the Academic Advisors on our campus. Please contact us by email, phone, or in person at our Academic Advising Center. We look forward to helping you.

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808-675-3891 chingm@byuh.edu

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808-675-3274 joselyn.akana@byuh.edu

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For more information, visit:

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Community & Lifestyle

94 Hurricane preparedness 98 Car buying tips 100 Huki: Beyond Legends 104 Circle Island Tour of Oahu 106 Nuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;uanu Pali lookout and nearby hikes

110 Bargaining at the swap meet

112 Students: Walmart prices are worth the drive

114 Matsumotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shave ice 118 Everyone is ohana 122 15 ways to avoid the freshman 15

124 Hawaii passes ban

on sunscreens harming coral reefs

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS After Hurricane Lane's close call last year, officials warn get ready now BY LEEANN LAMBERT

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is completing his missionary service at the Polynesian Cultural Center. He is an engineer and has experience in disaster management. “We are not trying to plant fear,” he added. “We want you to be prepared.” With only one road, Kamehameha Highway, linking the North Shore area to Honolulu, when a disaster strikes, local emergency officials said state and county resources will be focused on where the biggest population of people are in Honolulu and getting ports, airports and

hospitals up and running again. Local leaders said being able to care of yourself and your family will be necessary on the North Shore, and by being personally prepared, it is also easier to help your neighbors. “We want to help each other get personally prepared so we can help others too,” said Elder Crookston, and “do what the Savior would do.” Meeting in the Heber J. Grant Building on May 8, officials from BYU– Hawaii, the PCC, Hawaii Reserves Inc.,

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MILANI HO

Gearing up for the 2019 hurricane season that began June 1, experts say people who live on the North Shore of Oahu should have a 14-to-21 day supply of food, water and basic necessities like prescriptions, personal hygiene products and anything they would need to be self-sufficient for as long as possible when a disaster happens. They added some kind of disaster - be it hurricane, tsunami, flood, earthquake or fire - will happen at some point. “It’s not if it will hit, but when it will hit,” said Elder Paul Crookston, who

the local Church stake presidents, local emergency officials and more gathered to discuss how well the existing local disaster plan worked when Hurricane Lane threated to strike Oahu just one year ago in August of 2018. While officials said the local disaster plan worked well for Hurricane Lane, they will continue to work to improve it. One of the major items discussed was the need for people who are trained as ham or amateur radio operators because it is likely phone lines will be down and satellite phones overwhelmed, therefore radio will be the best way to communicate and share information. Officials also stressed families and friends select someone outside of Hawaii people can call to check in and find out if their loved ones are okay. They said families should also make plans about where to meet after a disaster if they are split up because not knowing what happened to family and friends makes a disaster even worse. Leading the discussion was Elder Crookston. While he stressed personal preparation, he said it is important to look out for the elderly and people with special needs. Even though last year Hurricane Lane didn’t make landfall in the Hawaiian Islands, as it churned across the Pacific Ocean it dropped more than 50 inches of rain on the Big Island damaging more than 150 homes, plus schools, businesses, and infrastructure costing more than $100 million to repair, reported Hawaii News Now. Firefighters rescued at least 39 people from rising floodwaters and torrential rains overwhelmed three sewage pump stations sending more than 9 million gallons of sewage in Hilo Bay, says HNN. On Maui, the high winds whipped three wildfires that spread quickly causing 300 people to evacuate and destroying more than 20 homes, reported HNN. Combined with 16 inches of rain on Maui, more than 45 utility poles needed to be replaced and roads were washed out by storm water and debris. On Kauai, says HNN, one person

It's not if it will hit, but when it will hit. reportedly died after jumping into a rain-swollen river to save a dog, and areas hit hard last April by historic flooding were again flooded by the deep tropical moisture left behind by Hurricane Lane. The Chicago Tribune reported Hurricane Lane was the No. 3 rainmaker from a tropical cyclone in the United States since 1950. Elder Crookston said while Oahu was spared last year, hurricanes have struck the island in the past and likely will at some point in the future. Just after Hurricane Lane passed by the Hawaiian Islands last August, Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Maria on Sept. 20 causing more than $100 billion in damage and claiming in the end more than 3,000 people’s lives. Elder Crookston said most people died due to infection. While hurricane-strength winds and rains can cause devastating damage, said Elder Crookston, the greatest damage and loss of life generally comes from ocean storm surge. “Tidal surge is the deadliest part of a hurricane statistically. It pushes debris on land, and they become battering rams” crushing everything is in its path, he said. •

BYUH officials said students also need to be prepared personally for up to 21 days including personal items, prescriptions and more. Food Services Director David Keala said the university has supplies on hand for two limited-calorie meals a day for all students for up to seven days. However, officials advise students to prepare themselves by putting together their own supplies.

Some of the hurricanes that have struck the Hawaiian Islands include: • Hurricane Nina – 1957 – It was a category 1 hurricane with winds and rains that caused damage on Kauai and Oahu even though it did not actually hit land. • Hurricane Dot – 1959 – This was a category 4 hurricane that dropped to a category 1 as it passed over Kauai. The storm caused minor damage to Hawaii, Oahu and Kauai. • Hurricane Iwa – 1982 – This category 1 hurricane caused the most damage on the Big Island but also Kauai at the cost of $250 million and caused one death. Oahu also suffered some damage. • Hurricane Iniki – 1992 – This category 4 hurricane that arrived on Sept. 11 was the most devastating one to hit Hawaii, reports HNN. It came during an El Nino year when the Pacific Ocean water temperatures are higher than normal and wind shear lower. Weather forecasters said on May 22 that 2019 is another El Nino year and predict five-to-eight tropical storms will pass by Hawaii between June 1 and Nov. 1. Hurricane Iniki had winds of 140 miles per hour, “killed six people and damaged more than 1,400 homes and 5,000 utility poles. Twenty-two years later, Iniki remains one of the costliest hurricanes in the Eastern Pacific, causing nearly $2 billion in damage,” says HNN.

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Car buying tips

Take time to learn a little about cars and the registration process in Hawaii BY ADAM CASE

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Riding the bus and hitching rides with friends is fun for a semester, but students said that can get old. When buying a car, they said find a friend who knows about cars, try adding your car to your parents’ insurance, and always use a code reader to find out if the car you want to buy has any mechanical problems.

FINDING A CAR Foster May, an accounting major from South Africa, just bought a Nissan Pathfinder. “I searched Facebook and Craigslist for a couple of weeks. I found a lot of good deals, but I never was motivated enough to drive across the island to check out a car. Finally, I found an ad for an older Pathfinder on Facebook. There wasn’t a lot of information on the ad, but the seller was very quick to respond and seemed honest - so I went to go look at it in Mililani. It has some mechanical problems that I haven’t identified yet but it seems like a good car.” Some sources that students mentioned finding good deals on cars were: • “BYUH Buy and Sell” page on Facebook. This is a private page you can join where they sell everything from cars to baby clothes. • Craigslist. Students recommend bringing a friend who knows about cars to check and make sure the car a working properly. A few students have unknowingly bought cars with major problems because they didn’t know what to look for, they said. • Ask friends who are graduating or leaving the island. Students end up selling their cars cheap because they are leaving soon. • Consider shipping a car from the mainland. It usually costs $1,000 to

$1,500, but you will have a car that you already know. Colton Roney, a senior studying psychology, shipped his car from home for around $1,000. He said it is worth it to ship one over because it is hard to find something of quality here. INSURANCE Insuring your vehicle is very important and should be done before you drive it anywhere. Most policies can be set up online or by phone. Some companies students have used are Geico, Island Insurance, and Allstate. Something important students mentioned doing was pairing up with their parent’s insurance policy. Hauk said he is on his parent’s AAA plan. Some mainland companies will not insure a car in Hawaii but, if possible, cheaper rates may be found this way. SAFETY AND REGISTRATION A big road block in getting your car ready for the road is safety and registration. The first step would be to get your safety check done. This can be done with most mechanics and costs around $20. They check and make sure your car is in proper working order. Students mentioned that places like Jiffylube and other well-establish businesses aren’t as lenient. Once you get the first inspection done, they give you some paperwork you can take, along with proof of insurance, title, and possibly other documents depending on your situation found at http://www.dmv.org/hi-hawaii/car-reg-

istration.php, to the DMV. The DMV in Kaneohe usually has shorter lines but other DMV’s, like in Aiea, let you take a ticket and come back in a few hours when they are ready for you. The cost of registration is more expensive in Hawaii than it is on the mainland and is based on the weight of the car instead of the price. One very important thing to know about registration in Hawaii is back taxes. It is important to buy a car that has been registered recently or you may have to pay any unpaid registration tax on the car if it has been unregistered. For example, if I buy a car from a man who has not registered it for three years, I must pay those three years of registration to get it registered instead of just paying this year’s fee. This can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. After paying your dues at the DMV, you must go back to where you had your car inspected and show them that you did your registration to receive your stickers. Then you are done, until next year… REPAIRS There are a few students on campus who have knowledge of cars. Roney, who said he has helped many friends with their cars, said a lot of cars here have problems with batteries, cooling problems, and leaky hoses. He suggests using a code reader to find out what exactly is wrong with the car before you buy it because most cars in the price range students are looking at have the check engine light on. • 99

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HUKI: Beyond Legends Midday canoe show, Huki, recounts the history of Polynesia and the PCC BY VIC ZHONG

uki, the canoe show that started in 2018 at the Polynesian Cultural Center, bridges traditional and contemporary elements into the dances, songs, and costumes of six island nations: Hawai‘i, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Samoa. It also tells the story of the PCC that holds importance to the Laie community. With about seven years of preparation, performers shared their hope to introduce the epic tale of the Pacific to guests, locals, and BYU-Hawaii students through Huki. “In Hawaiian, Huki means to pull,” according to the PCC website. “From the legend of Maui pulling up the islands, to the history of Laie pulling fishing nets at its world-famous Hukilau, Huki reminds us how the ocean doesn’t divide us, it unites us.” Delsa Moe, the vice president of Operations at the PCC, shared, “This is also the first time we are telling Laie’s story [and] how the PCC came to be in a PCC show. We are also honoring the community people who were part of the hukilau. “[The history of hukilau] is something the Laie community is very

Performers said they hope to introduce the tale of the Pacific to guests through Huki. Photos by Wesley Ng

proud of, and we want to share that with our guests so they know why this place is so special.” Roger Ewen, production designer at the PCC, shared unlike the former canoe show, Rainbow of Paradise, Huki is not merely about dancing. Instead, it’s about how to coordinate with each culture and combine them into one. “Through trades, marriages, and wars, island nations shared and adopted different living styles and cultures from each other. Later on, they adopted the ideas from the Western culture. They grabbed the tune and [made] it their own without changing the meanings of the songs. Different churches, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sent… their missionaries to these islands, so the people were greatly influenced by Christianity and were united again.” According to Moe, “The preliminary development of Huki started in 2011, but it was not officially carried out until 2014, when the budget was finally committed to the project.” Before the premiere on Aug. 18, she said they were still working on some key props such as the sound system and costume enhancements. All the Huki costumes have taken Ewen one year to develop in working Continued on Page 102 101

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with the cultural experts, researching, and drawing. He said, “I’ve also teamed up with the seamstress and theater wardrobe to discuss about the fabrics that go with the designs, and we make sure everything is meticulous. “[Take] the Hawaiian war chants costumes, for example. Preferably, we’d love to have ti leaves as they represent the culture. However, because there’s an extreme shortage of ti leaves in all the islands, we are using hau skirts as the replacements for now, but we are hoping to use ti leaves eventually.” Moe continued, “All of the canoes used in the show were made by our own PCC carvers in the Physical Facilities Department. They also created all the hook pendants worn by the performers, along with the special carved drums, the sails, and many other props used in the show. We have a very skilled group of artisans, seamstresses, and technical people who work together to make Huki into another PCC success story.” The Huki committee team is adopting the cultures, being creative with them, and adding contemporary elements to them without losing their authenticities, said Ewen. “For the last part of the show, performers representing six islands will join together in blue costumes. We chose blue because it’s the 102

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color of the ocean that united all island nations, though it’s not traditionally used in any culture. “When we first presented the idea of using a blue color in our costumes in the University of Hawaii, people’s response was very cold. However, by the end of the lecture I gave, they started to be interested in the idea. They could see what we’re trying to do was to keep the culture alive.” Justin Ioane, a lead of the canoe guides at the PCC, shared, “We have been practicing [for the show] for two years now. They make changes almost every time we practice. We practiced almost every Saturday last semester and… almost every day during this summer break.” Ioane, a junior from Samoa, who is double majoring in accounting and marketing, said adapting to many changes and being physically tired are the major challenges for him and the team. “Though we get tired after practice sometimes, we still have to work for the rest of the day.” Ewen marveled on how it requires a lot of hard work from the departments at the PCC, especially the canoe pushers. “My hat’s off to them because they are really doing a lot of pushing. It’s tough work that they are doing with no rest.” Besides having been trained on pushing techniques, communication is also one of the main training subjects,

explained Ioane. “We have to always pay attention to the cues on what time to enter and be perfectly consistent. The Huki show is all about timing… The whole show can be messed up if one canoe is late.” When asked what the biggest challenge of operating the new canoe show is, Moe said it will be training performers and learning new procedures. “At the end of summer, some people will be quitting because of classes, missions, moving away, etc., so we have to train their replacements quickly to keep up our manpower. “Another challenge we face is learning new procedures for a new show. They can be issuing and maintaining the props and costumes, adjusting to a new sound system, and helping all employees understand what the new show is about, so that they can accurately educate the guests.” With Huki being launched at the PCC, Moe said more jobs will be available to both students and non-students. For students, she said, they will learn about the history of Laie. She hopes it will increase their appreciations and enrich their college experience.•

Huki shares traditional dances, songs, and costumes plus some of the history of Laie. Photos by Gab Batac

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Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the itinerary for the classic Saturday Circle Island Tour of places to see on Oahu. In a one-day drive around the island, you can visit the Pali Lookout, Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Mililani Walmart, Matsumotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shave ice in Haleiwa, and then back to Laie. 105

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout and nearby hikes A guide to the famous Oahu tourist stop BY VIC ZHONG

Pali Lookout is one of the most historic sites in Oahu associated with local legends. One of them is the “Night Marchers,” and certain taboos like no pork should be taken over the Pali, according to Honolulu Magazine. You will take about 56 minutes with normal traffic to get from BYU-Hawaii to the lookout. Nearby hikes, such as Likeke Falls, Pali Puka, Lulumahu Falls, and Judy Trail are rated differently in difficulties, but hikers said online that these hikes are worth the rain, wind and bugs. H I STORY

According to Pacific Worlds and Associates, Nu’uanu was where the Battle of Nu’uanu happened. The Battle of Nu’uanu was “one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history, in which Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu, bringing it under his rule. “In 1795 Kamehameha I sailed from his home island of Hawaii with an army of 10,000 warriors, including a handful of non-Hawaiian foreigners. After conquering the islands of Maui and Molokai, he moved on to Oahu. The pivotal battle for the island occurred in Nu’uanu Valley, where the defenders of Oahu, led by Kalanikpule, were driven back up into the valley where they were trapped above the cliff. Kamehameha’s warriors forced Maui Chief Kalanikupule’s men to their deaths off of the cliff. Roughly 400 warriors died in this battle.”

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MEA NING

Pali, in Hawaiian, means cliff, precipice, steep hill or slope suitable for a native shrub, according to Ulukau Hawaiian Electronic Library.

LE GE N D S A N D STO RI E S

Night marchers, or Hawaiian warriors, are said to march around the island at night. Lopaka Kapanui, owner of Mysteries of Hawaii, said the warriors were the 400 who died in the pivotal battle when Kamehameha I fought against Kalanikpule. An article entitled “Friday Frights: The Legend of Hawaii‘i’s Night Marchers” in the Honolulu Magazine says, “In life, these warriors supposedly traveled at night to protect people so sacred that the common man was never allowed to look at them. Breaking that rule meant death.”

GRAPHICS BY LYNNE HARDY

No pork is allowed on the Pali. Another well-known legend in Hawaii states that the pork god lives on the Windward side of the Pali. Diane Lee, the writer of “Friday Frights: Chilling Ghost Stories from Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout” of the Honolulu Magazine, wrote, “…his [pork god’s] ex-girlfriend, volcano goddess Pele lives on the Leeward side. Because of a dispute, they agreed not to bother each other... Taking pork from one side to the other side would symbolically break that agreement. Some drivers have claimed

their cars mysteriously stalled on the highway, but started up after they threw the pork product out the window.” LOCATION The Nu’uanu Pali is a section of the Windward cliff of the Koolau Mountain located at the head of Nu’uanu Valley on the island of Oahu. D I RE CT IO N

According to Google Maps, it will take about 56 minutes with usual traffic to get from BYU-Hawaii to the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout via HI-83. TI M E

According to Google Maps, the Pali Lookout opens from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Visiting in the morning is recommended. TH E V IEW

Visitors will be able to see Kaneohe town, Kaneohe Bay, parts of Kailua, and beyond. TH I NG S TO R EMEMBER :

•Bring jackets. It’s on the Windward side of the island that is usually more chilly and windy.

•Secure your photo equipment with a strap or tripod. It’s very windy, so you must be careful, especially when using selfie sticks. •Don’t mind photobombs. Tour groups will have the same schedule as you, so don’t be surprised if lots of people are enjoying the lookout with you. •Mind the bees. Before you go up on the lookout, you will see a caution sign which says, “Be aware of BEES during high wind.” NEA R BY H IKES:

•Likeke Falls: Based on Honolulu Magazine’s web series of O‘ahu trails, the Likeke Falls are “a relaxing trek on the Windward side.” WHAT TO EXPECT: “This is a wet, slightly slippery, very fun trail for the whole family provided everyone has footwear with good traction.You’ll be stepping over and under branches, through mud and on some mossy Continued on Page 108

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rocks, so expect to get a bit dirty before reaching the falls especially if there’s been some windward rain.” From Nu’uanu Pali Lookout to Likeke Falls: According to alltrails. com, Likeke Falls is 2.7 miles away from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. •Pali Puka: According to alltrails.com, Pali Puka is rated as a difficult hike. WHAT TO EXPECT: It’s muddy, slippery, and windy, so don’t bring children, pets or fancy photo equipment. It’s a challenging hike, so it’s not recommended to go alone. You can park in the Pali Lookout parking lot. Look for a stone wall that’s been stepped into a little stairway and a mini bamboo forest.You will find a hidden entrance with a sign on it. On your way up, you will see some pink ribbons to follow. As soon as you hit the top and can see the view of Kaneohe town again.You must walk on a narrow, steep ridge before you reach the famous natural hole. It’s a one-hour hike.

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•Lulumahu Falls: It’s a private property. According to alltrails.com, it’s owned by Honolulu Board of Water Supply. WHAT TO EXPECT:You have to have a permit to go there. It’s not a maintained hike, so you use your best judgment and watch out for heavy waterfalls. From Nu’uanu Pali Lookout to Lulumahu Falls: After you come out from the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, get on the Pali Highway and head southwest on the Google Maps.You will see there’s a mini parking lot on the left hand side of the road. Park there and you will see a sign saying “Nu’uanu Public Hunting Area Unit E,” and that will be the entrance for the Lulumahu Falls. •Judd Trail: It looks just like a hidden rainforest, and it’s absolutely family friendly. There is a waterfall inside, which explains why the rocks are covered with moss. The trail is very green and beautiful, and the huge banyan tree makes it a great place for photo shoots.

WHAT TO EXPECT: It’s very green and humid.You might consider wearing long sleeves because you might get mosquito bites. Slippers are not recommended because of the moss. From Nu’uanu Pali Lookout to Judd Trail: It’s located midway through Nu’uanu Drive, which is right next to the Lulumahu Falls and has a really noticeable sign next to the Pali Highway.

Seasider Activities is here to provide BYUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hawaii Students with fun and wholesome dances, movie nights, game nights, and other activities throughout the school year. @seasider_activities

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GRAPHIC BY LYNNE HARDY

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Bargaining at the swap meet BYU-Hawaii students said Swap Meet is a great place to buy souvenirs at low price and bargaining with sellers is suggested BY BRUNO MAYNEZ

Entering the outdoor market on a sunny day, tourists, students, and residents can find signs saying “Big Sale,” “Best Deal Today,” or “Buy One, Take One.” Children can be seen playing with half-melted shave ice running down their arms and dripping on their shirts. Tourists can be seen lining up for spray-on henna tattoos, shoes or pieces of art. On his last visit for the market, Andino Bima Mahreza, a freshman from Indonesia majoring in hotel and tourism management, said, “My opinion on the swap meet is [it’s] a good place to find a lot of souvenirs. They sell clothes, food, earrings, etc. However, one thing I noticed about the Swap Meet is we can bargain with the sellers.” Buyers can try bargaining and chatting up the vendors selling leis, aloha shirts, and straw hats. Items for sale include quilts, school supplies, and even helicopter rides. The Swap Meet is located 20 minutes from Waikiki and is open three days a week on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. According to www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net, there are over 400 vendors. On the website, it says, “...you can find discounts on a wide selection of high quality products from cloth-

ing, accessories, Hawaiian souvenirs, pre-packaged ethnic foods, fine jewelry and vintage antiques. “Beautifully handcrafts products and exclusive art pieces are made and sold by the artist themselves, which truly make great gifts for yourself or that special someone.” Explaining further on how to bargain at the Swap Meet, Mahreza said, “It’s a big place. So when you go, make sure not to stop at one shop only, but go around and look other shops as well. I just talked to the seller and asked, ‘Can I get a cheaper price?’ First she said no, but then I left and she called me back. I bought pants. They were selling it for $20, but I only paid $15.” Students looking to find cheap clothing may stumble upon finds such as one vendor who displayed a big, yellow sign with red lettering saying, “Big Sale T-Shirts, 7 for $20 or 1 for $4.” Sun dresses and lava lavas are also for sale. Roche Acosta Donato, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in business management, agreed with Mahreza that “the Swap Meet is a cool place to buy souvenirs. They got cheap stuff there. “If you don’t see stuff to buy at a certain store, there’s more on the loop. There

are lots of options of things to buy.” Musically inclined shoppers can find ukuleles priced from $25 to $85. The ukuleles can be found in traditional colors like light brown, but also in pink and turquoise. Additionally, there are snacks such as shave ice, peanuts, and fresh coconut for $1 to $5. At a glance, the items being sold seem to be a great money saver, but in reality, most shops at the Swap Meet are selling the same things at around the same price. For example, beach items like towels can be bought at 3 for $25. But shoppers can take a 5-minute walk in any direction and encounter the same towels at the same price. Novelty items like jandals are sold in more traditional colors like black, brown, and light tan. They are also available in different colors like pink, light blue, and even green. Students looking to buy leis for graduation or other events can find them in many colors and designs. Leis can go from $1 to $5. One of the lei vendors, Auntie Annie from the Philippines, said she runs her shop with her husband. She joked, “I’ve been selling leis forever. I’ll keep selling here until I turn to rust.” •

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Above: The outside of the Walmart in Mililani. There are Walmarts in Pearl City, Kapolei, Waipahu, and two locations in Honolulu. Right: A graduate from Arizona majoring in graphic design and a Ke Alakaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i intern, Lynne Hardy shops for bedding. Photos by Gab Batac

Students: Walmart prices are worth the drive Other suggestions for saving money are shopping online or at Costco plus freezing food and eating it within a week BY DANI CASTRO

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it in the fridge. And when I want to eat it, I just heat it up.” Do you think buying food from Walmart when possible is a better option? Why? What do you usually look for?

When it comes to shopping outside of Laie, single and married students agreed Walmart has its advantages. According to students, Walmart offers a better environment to shop for diverse items within a family friendly price range. Students were asked questions to find out how Walmart compares to competitors in terms of their preference. The following students do not speak for the whole student body but rather share their own opinions. Ultimately, it is up to students themselves to determine whether the journey across the island is worth what they want or need. What is your opinion about shopping from Walmart in comparison to other food retail stores? Eli McKay Harris, a junior from Missouri, double majoring in education and English, said, “Walmart is great because it has cheap prices many of the growing families here on the island need. The only reason it is not always the go-to option is because of how far away it is. Yes, if you have a car, the trip is easy. But by bus or other options, it takes almost half a day to get the things you need.” Sam Clayton, a junior from Colorado studying business-marketing track, said,

“I think Walmart is good. It is the lowprice leader, and I like that. However, I think it is too far to merit a specific trip there. I prefer whatever has the lowest price. I’m a cheapskate, so I go for the cheapest thing I can find.” Pattica San, a sophomore from Cambodia studying finance and supply chain management said, “Walmart is one of the best options. I feel more comfortable shopping at Walmart because I feel like I’m not getting ripped off. When I go there, I can get everything I need such as clothing and chicken. I like vegetables from Walmart as well, and I feel like it’s cheaper than other stores I go to.” What do you do to help food last longer? HARRIS: “The freezer is my best friend for making foods last longer. If you put bread in the freezer, it can help to stay fresh allowing it not to mold.” CLAYTON: “Don’t eat it. I save it for special occasions. I wish that was a joke, but it’s not. I literally go, ‘Eh. It hasn’t been a good enough day to eat this food,’ or I’ll be like, ‘Yeah, I can have a sandwich or piece of bread.’” SAN: “I only buy food I’m going to eat that week. I usually cook it, and then put

HARRIS: “Yes, I do think if you can go to Walmart, you should. Mainly going back to the logic behind the prices. You can save a lot more from going the extra mile, and if you now have the Walmart app, you can even save more money. By taking a picture of the receipt, you are shown and given the extra cash back if the items you bought were found cheaper elsewhere. I usually look for foods both my wife and I enjoy. But mainly things we can make from scratch, nothing premade or throw into the microwave.” CLAYTON: “I will either go to the snack section or the hygiene section and see if they have anything on sale or anything that is reasonably a good price. If I feel like it’s a good price, I’ll buy it.” What are some alternatives to shop other than going to Walmart? HARRIS: “Our main go to place other than Walmart would have to be Costco, again for the prices. But we also can live for a month on the food we get there.” CLAYTON: “Foodland or online. If I’m at Walmart and I see something, I’ll think if can get this online, such as Amazon, or eBay. Internet has everything and it’s cheaper, even the shipping. It’s easier to have it sent straight to Laie. It’ll take long, but if you don’t have to have it now, it works.” SAN: “I like Costco, but at the same time I don’t like to buy a lot of stuff, put it in my room, and then fill it up with a bunch of stuff. Besides Walmart, I can’t find any other place better than Costco.” • 113

Matsumotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shave Ice Historical icon in the Heart of Haleiwa BY GEENA DEMAIO

Graphics by Lyn

ILLUSTRATIONS BY LYNNE HARDY

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MOCHI

AZUKI BEANS

CONDENSED MILK

ne Hardy

Sweet syrup saturates fresh shave ice while customers extend in a line outside the legendary Matsumoto’s Shave Ice in anticipation for their order. According to the Matsumoto’s website, over the past 67 years, Matsumoto’s has become a historical icon in the heart of Haleiwa. Although some BYU-Hawaii freshmen may have tried shave ice prior to arrival in Oahu, students and alumni highly encourage people to visit Matsumoto’s for the historical and cultural experience of Hawaii. “You should try it because it’s an iconic stop. Hawaii is really famous for it.You should just try it at least once,” recommended Shaina Auaea, a student from Wisconsin majoring in exercise sport science. She continued, “Honestly, there’s always so many people there. Try it once just to say you ate there, and if you really love it then, yeah, go back.” Waiting in line for the shave ice at Matsumoto’s can take up to 30 minutes, said

Charity Liew, a senior studying psychology from South Korea. Hailey Steinagel, a freshman from Florida studying history, explained, “The long line is what makes Matsumoto’s special from a tourist’s perspective. If you see a long line in front of a restaurant, people would think, ‘Oh that’s the place we should go.’” Kayne Palmer, a sophomore from Australia studying hotel and tourism management, added, “As a tour guide, we are always around touristy things, and shave ice is very touristy.” Steinagel noted, “I’ve been there twice, and I’m actually going with my friends on Saturday. It’s my favorite place here.” Reflecting on the uniqueness of Matsumoto’s, Auaea remarked, “There’s a difference in the quality of shave ice. Some shave ice stores don’t shave it enough, so it’s too crunchy. You shouldn’t be crunching on anything. You shouldn’t be

chewing little ice pebbles.” The shave ice at Matsumoto’s is produced with a Fujimarca machine that changes the texture of the ice. Auaea added, “Good shave ice should just melt in your mouth automatically. It should be finely chopped. For real, some shave ice is just ice. It might as well be Kool-aid with ice. It’s too thick! She laughed and said, “I don’t like it when it’s really icy because all the juice sinks to the bottom.” CULTURAL TOPPINGS

Add some fun to your shave ice with azuki beans, Japanese red beans cooked with sugar and water, according to Matsumoto’s website. Hyoju Jeong, a junior majoring in social work from South Korea, said, “I like shave ice, but it depends on the ingredients. For example, in Korea, we eat ice cold red bean shaved ice.” Continues on Page 116 115

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FLAVORS

In addition to the signature combinations, 37 flavors are available at Matsumoto’s. Steinagel said, “They’ve got orange, tiger’s blood, and they have specialty flavors where they mix it up.” Liew said she likes anything fruity and in particular, she enjoys the specialty flavor. A fan of specialty creations, Steinagel said, “One of them is called Matsumoto’s.

It includes their special or favorite flavors.” The Matsumoto’s combination is lemon, pineapple, and coconut syrup. Hendrawn shared, “My favorite flavors are pineapple and coconut.” Voicing her preferences, Jeong said shave ice should always have some kind of fruit such as cocktail or tropical fruit like mango, pineapple, or cherry. Auaea said tropical flavors like guava and lilikoi are unique to Hawaii. Her choices are citrus fruits. Palmer said he likes melon and his favorites are lychee and watermelon.•

ILLUSTRATIONS BY LYNNE HARDY

Jeong said there are many forms of sweeteners, but the red bean is the best and it can even be combined with cream for a richer taste. Erika Hendrawn, a junior studying hotel and tourism management from Indonesia, said, “There is also red bean paste. The red bean is not sour at all, just sweet.” Jeong said, “We also put mochi, and on the top, we put chocolate syrup or strawberry syrup. I like the typical ingredients from Korea. We also put the ice cream on top of the shave ice then add the topping.” Sweetened condensed milk is another popular topping, Steinagel said. “I always try something different, but I always get con-

densed milk on top. It tastes really good and adds more sugar, which is what I want.” Auaea said she likes the thickness and sweetness of the condensed milk and believes it complements the shave ice as a creamer. “Condensed milk is very strong. It’s like drinking honey.”

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Everyone is ohana Homeless should be seen as normal humans instead of being judged, according to student volunteers BY TOMSON CHEANG 118

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ithout forming an official BYU-Hawaii club, Bryce Coleman, a senior from Arizona majoring in intercultural peacebuilding, said he joins students together in a group called Everyone is Ohana to volunteer and reach out to homeless people in Hawaii. HELP INSTEAD OF JUDGE

The State of Hawaii has the highest homeless population per capita in the United States, according to federal statistics. Coleman said their organization strives to change others’ perspectives for the homeless. He explained, “People don’t see homeless as people. People judge them, even members of the Church.” Coleman shared some comments that people may say when they are judging the homeless such as “They’re homeless because they’re lazy,” or “They did it to themselves.” Coleman counseled people instead should be aware of the difficulties victims of hopelessness go through. Drug addiction, physical illness, and especially mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can all be reasons why people are homeless, according to Coleman. He shared an example of PTSD, “Oftentimes the homeless we encounter have PTSD from the rough conditions of living on the street. They often get in a cycle that is hard for them to break on their own. They need a job to afford a house, and they need an address or at

least a phone to get a job. Employers are not very willing to employ the homeless, or work with them as they overcome their challenges. In Sydney, a study showed “79 percent of [a homeless] sample had a lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress. In 59 percent of cases, the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder preceded the age of the first reported homeless episode,” according to the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. The environment of the street makes it even more difficult for homeless people to recover from their mental illness because they feel unsafe, Coleman explained. “The mentality of being on the streets really affects people negatively. You take the safety you have at home or on campus for granted, but the homeless are always on the street. They can never sleep well without worrying if the police will kick them off the beach, or about if someone is going to steal their things.” Therefore, Coleman said people should stop judging the homeless without knowing the reasons why they are homeless in the first place. “There are so many factors. I would encourage others to take time to learn about the homeless before they judge them. Many of them have had very rough pasts but are still very friendly people.” HOW DOES EVERYONE IS OHANA HELP?

Coleman and his fellow volunteers started the group because they realized

The State of Hawaii has the highest homeless population in the United States per capita. Photos by Cameron Gardner

how much help homeless people need, he said. They named their organization Everyone is Ohana because they help homeless people through a family-like relationship. “If I don’t have money, I have family that I can fall back on. I can go back home to Arizona if I fail or ask my dad for help, but homeless people don’t have that kind of support. They are [at] rock bottom, and all the people around them are in the same or worse state than themselves. “There aren’t many good influences in their lives. We want to provide that good influence for them by building a family-like relationship,” explained Coleman. Tanner Smith, a volunteer of Everyone is Ohana, said compared with acting charitably from a pedestal, humanizing homeless people is more helpful to them. “It isn’t an issue of ‘us’ and ‘them.’ We are all the same humanity here together. “There is also a lot we can learn from the homeless. Many of our homeless brothers and sisters understand the evils of materialism better than us more privileged individuals ever could,” said Smith, a junior from Oregon majoring biology and English. What Everyone is Ohana does is very simple, commented Coleman, Continues on Page 120

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Many homeless people struggle with drugs, addiction, or mental illness, according to Coleman. Photos by Cameron Gardner

Continues from Page 119

which is to simply provide students the opportunity to get to know the homeless on a personal level and use their influence to motivate them to improve their lives. “It’s like home teaching,” Coleman shared, “When we visit them, we talk to them and see what we can help them with. Sometimes we give them a haircut. Sometimes [when] they haven’t had a shower for a while, we get them a place for a shower.” “They’re like investigators. We find out why they’re homeless.” Coleman said depending on what the problem is, they refer homeless people to organizations that help fight drug addiction, provide career training, or to social workers that help them apply for housing. Coleman added it’s important to understand homeless people’s problems and help each individual specifically. He shared a quote from President Ezra Taft Benson, “The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people 120

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out of the slums. Christ would take the slums out of people, and then they would take themselves out of the slums.” THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF THE HOMELESS

“There are multiple programs that work on helping the homeless get temporary or transitional shelter,” said Coleman. “However, a large percentage of the homeless that get put in these shelters end up back on the street within a year. They need help overcoming their own individual challenges and problems to be able to rejoin society. “Each homeless person has their own needs and reasons for being homeless. Trying to use blanket solutions to fix their needs isn’t very effective. That’s why we focus on using personal relationships to motivate them to overcome their own problems.” However, the challenge of helping the homeless get off of the street is full of difficulties. Coleman said its similar to serving a mission; there are progressing and non-progressing homeless people. “It is hard for people to change. Especial-

ly homeless who have been on the streets for more than a few months. They forget what it was like to be part of society. They get in a routine and their mentality changes.” Coleman explained on the North Shore there aren’t many places the homeless can legally stay. They often receive tickets from the police and sometimes even get imprisoned. Coleman recalled an individual telling him, “‘I get free food and a bed. I don’t mind it.’” It’s also hard for “progressing homeless people” to get employed because they usually don’t have a phone, Coleman explained. “They need a phone to get a job. Every time someone donates us an old phone, I give it to them, but their phones always get stolen because they don’t have a safe place to keep their phones. Theft is one of the main reasons that prevent them from progressing. The homeless who work the most are the biggest targets of theft.” Lacey Magee, a volunteer of Everyone is Ohana and a senior studying social work from Maryland, said it’s unique to see Everyone is Ohana grow as an organization. “I remember attending a meeting last year with about seven people and now it has become a campus-wide effort even including community members.” Magee said the group not only helps people in need, but also builds a relationship between the community and the students. Coleman said initially it can be uncomfortable and scary to help homeless people but it’s still worth it. “Think about what Jesus would do if He were here in Hawaii. Would He be in inside campus all the time or would He go out visiting the homeless?” The Enactus program is helping Everyone is Ohana to fund its projects to eventually become a non-profit organization. To find out how to get involved with the group, follow it on Facebook at Everyone is Ohana. •

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15 ways to avoid the freshman 15 BY MACKENZIE BEAVER

Belief in the freshman 15 is common among college freshmen, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s website. Dawn Akana, an Exercise and Sport Science professor at BYU-Hawaii, said, “‘Freshman 15’ is the 15 pounds that most freshmen put on during their first semester or year away from home.” Fifteen students on campus were asked how they stay healthy at school or what advice they have for other students to be healthy.

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Zaylie Evans, freshman from Washington majoring in biology, said, “The MyFitnessPal app is an app that counts calories and keeps track of your steps. It allows you to input how much fat, carbs, proteins you want to eat in a day. This app helps users keep themselves accountable.”

Skyler Geddie, a sophomore from California studying business management, said, “The best way to avoid the freshman 15 is to eat three meals a day and try not to snack .... Doing this combined with being active for at least an hour a day keeps your metabolism constantly working, therefore making it easier to avoid the freshman 15.”

Max Moncur, a senior from California majoring in business finance, said, “One thing I did to stay in shape was I ran every morning except for Sundays.”

5 Megan Bills, a freshman from California studying TESOL, said, “I try to make it a habit to not eat when I’m bored. When I am doing homework, I sometimes find myself eating, and I’m starting to become aware of that. Being aware of it helps me to not eat while I am doing other things to distract myself.”

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Dong-Gu Cooper Lee, a junior from South Korea majoring in HTM, said, “I am trying to eat more fruits and vegetables at school so that I am bettering my health.”

ILLUSTRATIONS BY LYNNE HARDY

Kaleah Liechty, a freshman from Provo, Utah, majoring in communications, said, “To avoid the freshman 15, I have been exercising and eating healthy. I have made it a point to control my portion sizes and be picky with what I eat, as well as run as often as possible.” She said this semester she has cut off three minutes from her 5K time.

help burn off some calories and avoid putting on weight.”

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Lina Legorreta, a freshman from Virginia studying computer science, said, “I meal prep for the week. Doing this helps me have meals ready when I am too tired to cook. I also just listen to my body and eat when I’m hungry and not when I’m bored.”

Isabel Frandsen, a freshman from California majoring clinical psychology, said, “I think one big thing I do to make sure I stay healthy is I give myself time to relax or do other things besides school work. My favorite things to do are either go to the gym or go out for a surf session, even if it is for only a couple of hours. Something I always make sure to have in my dorm room is healthy snacks that I enjoy eating. That way I can have a snack while studying but still be healthy.”

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Hannah Leiataua, a freshman from Utah studying psychology, said, “I don’t like working out at the gym or the Fitness Center, so I swim laps at the pool to try to avoid gaining weight at school.”

Ethan Pisciotta, a freshman from Nevada studying biomedicine, said, “I think avoiding the freshman 15 goes along with a good diet. A healthy lifestyle is 70 percent diet and 30 percent exercise and being consistent with it. If you are not consistent, then you fall into these bad habits that relate to putting on weight and getting the freshman 15.”

Abi Nielsen, a freshman from Utah with an undeclared major, said, “I walk everywhere I go to

Kaylee Heck, a freshman from Alaska with an undecided major, said, “I am really conscious about exercising because I don’t want to gain weight at school. Working out and being healthy is a lifestyle I’ve always had so that has helped me stay fit.”

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Kapua Rivera, a freshman from Wahiawa studying hotel and tourism management, said, “I actually haven’t really been avoiding gaining weight at all. I usually just eat whatever. But I do make sure I go to the gym and workout. One of my roommates loves working out so it has been really easy for me to have motivation to go to the gym when they go, and I have someone to workout with.”

Kekoa Jensen, a sophomore from California majoring in political science, said, “One thing I did to avoid the freshman 15 is I forced myself to workout. On those days I really didn’t have any motivation, I just forced myself to do it and get it done. I am super grateful I did because now I don’t have to force myself anymore, and I actually enjoy working out.”

Alex Reed, a freshman from Miliani studying elementary education, said, “I go to the fitness classes the school offers, which is a fun way to stay in shape as well as get your exercise in for the day.”

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Hawaii passes ban on sunscreens harming coral reefs BY ANUHEA CHEN

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY LYNNE HARDY

A nonprofit organization estimates there are 412 pounds of sunscreen is deposited daily on the reef at Hanauma Bay

opular sunscreen brands such as Hawaiian Tropic, Coppertone, and Banana Boat currently use sunscreen formulas that contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs and other marine life, says Hawaii legislators. On July 2, 2018, Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed the bill to ban the sale of these harmful sunscreens effective Jan. 1, 2021. “This is just one small step toward protecting and restoring the resiliency of Hawaii’s reefs,” Ige said in an AP news article. According to Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, these have been banned to protect Hawaii’s shoreline. Gabbard was the one who introduced Senate Bill No. 2571, which states “two chemicals contained in many sunscreens, oxybenzone and octinoxate, have significant harmful impacts on Hawaii’s marine environment and residing ecosystems, including coral reefs that protect Hawaii’s shoreline.” With this ban, sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate may only be sold if it is prescribed by a physician. Dr. Spencer Ingley, a BYU-Hawaii Biology professor, said, “This is something we can immediately reduce. We can immediately cut how much sunscreen we’re dumping, which is a shocking amount. “One thing I try to hammer home in my classes when I talk about conservation issues is the idea of the tragedy of the commons. It is this idea often times people will use or pollute a common resource because they think their own impact is really minimal, but if everybody acts as if they’re the only one going out into the ocean wearing sunscreen, or taking a bucket of sand from the beach home, the effects get magnified.” According to The New York Times, “An estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen is believed to be deposited in oceans annually with the greatest damage found in popular reef areas in Hawaii and the Caribbean. “In 2015, the nonprofit Haereticus Environmental Laboratory … found an average of 412 pounds of sunscreen

deposited daily on the reef at Hanauma Bay, a popular snorkeling destination in Oahu that draws an average of 2,600 swimmers each day.” In response, graphic design senior, Audrey Acomb from Utah, said, “I think [the bill is] probably a good thing considering how many people go in the ocean every day.” Section 1 of the Bill, says that “sea turtles, marine mammals, and migratory birds may be exposed to oxybenzone and octinoxate contamination. The two chemicals have caused the death of coral, coral bleaching, and ‘genetic damage to coral and other marine organisms.’ These chemicals increase reproductive diseases in marine life, cause deformities, and ‘threaten the continuity of fish populations.’” Acomb questioned, “If it’s harmful for the coral, is it harmful for us? And if it’s safer for the coral, is it safer for us?” In “Fisher’s Contact Dermatitis” (6th ed.) by Robert L. Rietschel and Joseph F. Fowler, it says oxybenzone has replaced para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivatives as the most common allergen in sunscreens. However, oxybenzone has not been proven to be toxic to the human immune system. Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved of the chemicals that Hawaii is seeking to ban, The New York Times said those who make traditional sunscreens are opposing this legislation because they are “vital to preventing skin cancer.” To counter that, Ingley said, “There are lots of things that have been approved by the FDA that can kill you and lots of critters. Just because something’s been approved by the FDA, doesn’t mean it should have a blank check to be used in whatever context someone wants to use it in. The FDA doesn’t have jurisdiction over the environment as a whole.” Ciara Sanchez, a senior from California studying peacebuilding, said, “I feel like they’re doing good things with the environment, but they probably won’t be able to stop people from bringing it when they travel.

“If anything, this will just be an inconvenience to people trying to buy sunscreen.” But Ingley said, “We can have a very deliberate, positive impact on those ecosystems by doing something different.” Section 2 of the Bill clarifies which sunscreens will be prohibited being sold to those that include oxybenzone or octinoxate, or both. This includes, but is not limited to “lotion, paste, balm, ointment, cream, solid stick applicator, brush applicator, roll-on applicator, aerosol spray, non-aerosol spray pump, and automated and manual mist spray.” People are being encouraged to use mineral sunscreens with non-nano size zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Non-nano size is considered reef-safe because it will be less likely to be consumed by corals.

Ingley said in response to those who may feel like they don’t have to worry about coral reefs, “There’s this term called ecosystem services. An ecosystem service is something that an intact, healthy ecosystem provides to the human population without anything in return. “These things include protection from coastal erosion, storm surge, and tsunamis. That’s a very direct benefit we get from this ecosystem being intact. They’re really important but also really easy to take for granted. It’s not until we damage the ecosystem that we realize how much money, time, and effort it would take to provide that same service the reef would.” Popular brands like SunBum, Alba Botanica, La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and Aveeno offer some products free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. • 125

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Religion

132 A missionary and his adopted mom

134 YinPhyu Lwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flight

of faith from Myanmar to Laie

138 Sacrificing for the Sacrament

140 Laie Youth Trek: The

Battalion of the Lord

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A missionary and his adopted mom Joseph F. Smith promises Hawaiian mama she will live to see Laie Temple built BY ERIC MARLOWE, PROFESSOR OF RELIGION

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Sometime in the early 1850s, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, Naoheakamalu Manuhii and her husband favorably received “haole” (nonnative Hawaiian) missionaries and their message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Later this young couple cared for a severely ill teenaged missionary. Named after his uncle, this youthful missionary had lost his father at age five, and lost his mother a few years before embarking on this mission at age fifteen. The motherly care shown the orphan missionary was never forgotten. And the missionary experience of this youth among the Hawaiian people played a pivotal role in his becoming a man. He later described the early years of his youth as “a comet or a fiery meteor, without … balance or guide,” and that his mission to Hawaii “restored my equilibrium, and fixed the laws…which have governed my subsequent life.” Little more is known of this caring Hawaiian couple, but like many other early Hawaiian converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Islands, they would have endured breaches of apostasy within the Church, and general persecution from without What’s more, as native Hawaiians they would have endured epidemics of disease leading to the death of much of their race, tumultuous governance, and unimaginable world change. The fate of the husband is unknown, but we later learn that Sister Manuhii remained connected to her faith. And remarkably, more than sixty years later, this devoted sister and the young missionary she cared for were reunited on a pier in Honolulu in 1909. She called out for “Iosepa,” Joseph, and he instantly ran to her, hugging her and saying, “Mama, Mama, my dear old Mama.” The boy she had cared for was now the prophet of the Church, Joseph F. Smith; and the caring sister, now blind and frail, had brought him the best gift she could afford—a few choice bananas. “Ma” Manuhii’s enduring faith, and her heartfelt but meager gift of bananas,

are telling. Like so many others, her faith was deep and enduring. But her meager means meant that the fullness of the gospel, realized only in temples (thousands of miles away), was not a reality for her. This inaccessibility to temples, faced by “Ma” Manuhii and so many other Saints in distant lands, had been a conundrum faced by Church leaders for years, and possibly the most outspoken of those leaders was her “son” Joseph F. Smith. Years later, “Ma” learned that her beloved “Iosepa” would again visit the Islands, and she waited for days on the steps of the mission house in Honolulu, anticipating his arrival. The prophet and his party had an exceptional visit, and it appears that prior to his departure he promised “Ma” that she would live to attend the temple. Three months later, in the October 1915 general conference, President Joseph F. Smith proposed the construction of a temple in Hawaii, and it was unanimously approved. Although construction advanced promptly, sadly President Joseph F. Smith did not live to see the Hawaii temple completed among a people he loved so dearly, but “Ma” did. In her nineties and among the first to attend, Ma was carried through the temple to receive her blessings and be sealed to her husband.

Left: President Joseph F. Smith, his wife, and other Church leaders arrive in Honolulu. Photo courtesy of University Archives. Above: An early photo of the Laie Hawaii Temple. Photo courtesy of University Archives

While in the temple she heard the words of Joseph F. Smith tell her “aloha,” and a dove flew in through an open window and lighted on her bench. Expressing her feeling of deep contentment, Ma passed away a week later. Ma is buried near the temple, and a statue of her now resides next to the temple in honor of her, and so many others like her, whose faith laid the foundation for a temple in Hawaii. •

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YinPhyu Lwin shared she grew spiritually by her travel dilemma. Photo by Cameron Gardner

YinPhyu Lwin's flight of faith from Myanmar to Laie BYUH students ‘stand close together and lift where [they] stand’ to help freshman in need BY EMI WAINWRIGHT

YinPhyu Lwin, from Myanmar, was on her way to Oahu to start her first semester at BYU–Hawaii when she was prevented from boarding her connecting flight from Hong Kong to Japan due to visa issues. Although it was a stressful, she said because of students and faculty’s service, she learned more about how God 134

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uses others to do his work. Lwin, a freshman and elementary education major, said she found herself stranded all alone in Hong Kong. She didn’t speak the language, her family was in Myanmar more than 1,000 miles away and all of her luggage was gone. But she said one miracle after the next

guided her journey. When she finally arrived in Laie with nothing but the clothes on her back and a bag containing personal items, students and faculty of BYUH came together to serve Lwin in her time of need. “I was freaking out. I didn’t know what to do. I don’t speak Chinese or

anything, so I was afraid,” Lwin recalled of her experience at the airport. Lwin said she called her friend, BYUH alumna Olive Salerno, who is also from Myanmar. “Olive and her husband helped me get another ticket to go to Shanghai.” From Shanghai, Lwin said she was able to finally make her way to Honolulu after nearly an 18-hour-long layover. However her luggage had to be left behind in Asia. Ei Ei “Ruth” Phyu, a freshman double majoring in finance and human resources, is another student from Myanmar who Lwin said she turned to for help when her travel plans went awry. “She told me she couldn’t bring her luggage, so she was crying. I told her it would be okay.” Before she arrived, emails were sent and calls were made to various members of the faculty about her situation. Phyu said she let Financial Aid and Admissions know about Lwin’s predicament so the necessary arrangements could be made for her to be picked up from the airport after she landed. Three women who helped Lwin are Janey Grover, senior manager of the Residential Life Administration, Sister Michelle Webb, a full-time missionary currently serving with her husband as Lwin’s Hale parents, and Jenny Velasco, a sophomore majoring in social work from the Philippines. Grover emailed the Webbs and their residential advisors to let them know Lwin would be coming and needed help. Velasco was the RA working in the office when Lwin arrived to check into her Hale. Velasco said Lwin looked tired but said she felt good because so many people were helping her. “Ruth was with her. I explained everything to them and what they needed to do to sort things out.” She laughed and shook her head. “There really wasn’t much that I did. I just checked her in actually. And gave her some shoes.” Webb said she was so touched by Lwin’s story she wrote her friends and family back home in Utah about it. She

said she was blown away by all the help they wanted to send to Lwin from the mainland. “Everybody who hears this story has jumped in. People will come to your aid, like they have for her. We’re all together in this. We’re all LDS. We’re all walking home together. She’s one of those people walking home with us… “It took faith for her to get on that airplane without her stuff. A lot of kids would never have done that. But she believed, ‘If I get on this plane, someone will be on the other end who will help me.’” Grover said she received an email from the Dean’s office explaining Lwin’s unique circumstances. Due to her position in the Housing Department, she was asked to help Lwin get the things she would need while she waited for her luggage to be sent to her at a later date. Grover said she immediately contacted the Give & Take, run by S.W.A.T.T., to arrange a time she could bring Lwin by to get a few things. “I think where the real magic happened wasn’t with anything that happened on an administrative level. It’s what happened with the students who helped her get here.” Grover said she was impressed with Phyu, Salerno and her husband, and Lwin’s roommate Abish Tarrobago and Tarrobago’s friend Charlene Lee.

The Housing Department’s Janey Grover said Lwin's story shows BYUH students are always ready to serve. Photo by Cameron Gardner

Tarrobago and Lee are both from the Philippines, and like Lwin are freshman brand new to campus. Grover said, “These were students who hadn’t been here long themselves ... who didn’t really know each other, but they stepped in with this girl who’d just arrived and were there to support her. My role was just making the connections.” Lee, an elementary education major, said she was visiting Tarrobago, who is majoring in cultural anthropology, in her room when they first heard about Lwin. “When we found out she [needed] help… what went through my mind was, ‘I don’t think she just needs material things. I think right now she needs a friend.’ I wanted to help her feel welcome and that people actually care.” Lee said she had a long journey too and knows how hard it is coming to a new place. “Yin had it way worse than me, so I said, ‘Okay, let’s do this together. Let’s do it with her.’ She was tired, went through a lot and needed succor both temporally and emotionally, so Abish and I willingly served her. Yin’s awesome. She’s so pure, she’s quiet and smiles so much.” Grover, along with Lee and Tarrobago, helped Lwin find clothes at Continues on Page 136

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Lwin remembers the Give & Take gave her scriptures after she could not bring her luggage. Photo by Cameron Gardner Continues from Page 135

the Give & Take. Grover said, “I think she just wanted to sleep, but we had so much fun because the three of us got in, nobody else was there, except for Joseph, and we started looking for clothes for her… Yin just wanted enough to get herself started until her things came.” Joseph Pushnam, a senior from Malaysia double majoring in business and accounting, was the S.W.A.T.T. employee working at the Give & Take the day Lwin came in. Pushnam said he was not supposed to be there because the Give & Take is normally closed at the time they came. “It was unusual. I suggested during that week, for some reason… that we should be open after the normal hours.” Grover said when she didn’t hear back from anyone about her plans to bring Lwin to the Give & Take, she felt impressed to go anyway to check if the key she had still worked. “When I got over there, the lock that my key fit wasn’t there anymore, but Joseph was and he actually stayed to help us.” Pushnam said if he had not been there Grover would have had no way to unlock the gate and get inside. “I wouldn’t 136

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say there was a lot of revelation and crazy ministering of angels, but Heavenly Father provides people along the way.” Grover described the whole experience as a ripple effect. She said she thinks the Lord’s hand was definitely in the whole process guiding Lwin and placing the right people in her path, like Phyu and Salerno, who were able to help her before she ever boarded the plane. Grover said Pushnam did not help them pick out clothes, but he was involved in helping them track down other things Lwin needed. “One of the cool things I remember him saying was, ‘Do you have your scriptures?’ And she didn’t, and that was really important to her, so he was able to find scriptures for her.” Lwin said she got a set of scriptures from the Give & Take but she wanted a triple combination because it’s easier to have the books altogether. She said another prayer was answered, “One of the missionaries in Academic Advising had been praying [for an opportunity] to give her triple combination to somebody. Ruth told her I wanted one so she gave it to me.” Lwin said another thing she was hoping to find at the Give & Take was a rice cooker, but they couldn’t find one. She then said it wasn’t long before someone gave her one of those too. Lwin said, “I’ve never had an experience like this in my life. Everyone has been really kind and this has strengthened my testimony so much.” Lwin said because of the example of her new friends, she’s been inspired to help other people too. Phyu said she’s grateful for the people who were ready and willing to help Lwin in her time of need. “I think [it’s human nature to] have that instinct to help someone. For her it was a terrifying experience, but for us it was a great blessing to help her. She’s here and studying, and she’s enjoying her student life. I just want to thank everyone who’s helped her because she’s like my little sister.” Webb, along with Phyu, helped Lwin get the job she now has working

at the Polynesian Cultural Center in the Food Pantry. Lwin said she was worried she would not be able to get a job because she was so late arriving for the New Student Orientation so she turned to God for help. “This is like an answer to my prayers. I got into my interview and there were only two vacant jobs left. I could choose either the Food Pantry or dishwasher.” A big smile crossed her face as she added, “So I chose the Food Pantry.” Webb said because of her job Lwin was able to bring food home so she had something to eat until she could make it to the grocery store. Now that she has clothes, food and a job, Lwin said she’s settling into her new life at BYUH. “I really love it. BYU–Hawaii is different than other universities. It is such an awesome place to study, and the people here are so kind. This experience has strengthened my testimony of relying on Heavenly Father even through hard times.” Grover said Lwin’s story is a perfect example of the new motto she wants the Housing Department to adopt, “Stand close together and lift where you stand,” inspired by a talk given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. She said, “We want to start a movement that’s about students coming together to help students… Yin’s story is incredible, and there have to be other stories out there like hers of students helping students. “It’s sad because students don’t always support… and lift each other. It’s important to us to try to change that, and also change how we do things. We want to be able to lift and serve students better. That’s the heart of who we are.” Not only is Lwin one of the first students from Myanmar to come to BYUH, but she’s also, according to Phyu, one of the first converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that make up their small branch. Lwin served in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission and said she is so excited to share her experience with the students of BYUH. •

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BY NOAH SHOAF

ao Liao, a freshman and undecided major from China, explained how she experienced God’s blessings despite having obstacles. Liao is from Guigang, Guangxi, China and when she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 15, there was not a congregation in her city. Liao shared, “When I first started going to church, my city didn’t have any priesthood holders, so I would travel overnight by bus for 13 hours [one way] to have the sacrament.” Liao said she traveled more than 26 hours from Guigang to the Guangdong province twice a month to meet with other members of the church and partake of the sacrament. She said the journey wasn’t always easy. “It was hard for me, because every time I took the bus I felt dizzy and sick. I couldn’t sleep for the whole night on the bus, but when I got to church, all the bad feelings left.” Due to the sacrifice Liao made by going to church, she described how sacred she feels church attendance is. “We need to treat church buildings like a treasure. We have beautiful chapels here, and many brothers and sisters. We need to recognize how church meetinghouses are a blessing from God.” Liao was introduced to the Church by her mother’s friends. She said when she heard about the gospel, she felt happy and loved. Those feelings led Liao to travel with her family to Hong Kong. There she was taught all the missionary lessons in a day and then the next day she was baptized. “I didn’t even read the Book of Mormon before I was baptized. I didn’t really understand the Book of Mormon. I just felt it was the right decision, so I joined the Church.” Now Liao said she reads the Book of

Mormon every day. The book led her to serve a Chinese-speaking mission in Sydney, Australia. Liao also said because of the Church, she decided to come to BYU–Hawaii. “When I was 15, I went to an LDS Youth Conference in China. I heard people talk about BYUH, so I made the goal to come here. I wanted to meet many people from different countries.” At the youth conference, Liao met Josie Luo, a sophomore from China majoring in TESOL. Like Liao, Luo had to make sacrifices to go to church. She was baptized at the age of 9 and also had to travel many hours to go to church because there was not a church in her city for a long time. Luo said, “I met Yao when she had been a member for only two months. We had a Youth Conference in China for all the members, and she came to travel with our group. She traveled [alone] for 30 hours to go to that Youth Conference. When I first saw her, my Seminary teacher told me [Yao] was a new convert and needed a friend, so I became her friend.” Because of Luo’s Seminary team encouraging her to talk to Liao, they instantly became friends. The only time the two could see each other was at the Youth Conferences each year. Youth Conference often required lots of travel for the participants, according to Liao, with locations in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and even Hong Kong. Luo said she looked forward to the conferences and their friendship kept growing because they both had the same goals. “We had the same goal to serve the church. We would see each other at every Youth Conference and say we will both go on a mission, we will both come to BYUH, and we will both have a temple marriage.” Luo said she was surprised Liao found the gospel. She said it shows how Heavenly

Father has a plan for each of us knows our potential. In Laie, Liao said she is blessed to be close to the temple and church meetinghouses. She explained how she appreciates what Laie offers because of the sacrifices she made in China. “It was a big sacrifice, but I think it is a blessing as well. Imagine if the chapel was right next to my house, I might not even go there.” After BYUH, Liao said, “I will go back to China because I miss my small church group of 13 members.” Now her city has priesthood holders, so she can partake of the sacrament without traveling. Liao said she believes China, one day, will open and allow missionaries. In the meantime, she suggests members in China set a good example. “Even though we cannot preach the gospel to others, we can still be good examples to others. We can love others and share the love of Jesus Christ.” Brent Esplin, a senior missionary and Religion teacher at BYUH, heard about Liao’s story because she is a student in his Book of Mormon class. Esplin learned of Laio’s story when she wrote for an assignment about riding a bus for 13 hours one way to get to sacrament meeting. Because of the remarkable faith of Liao, Esplin said he wants to share her story with his family back home in Utah. Esplin explained, “How could the Lord find one person in a population of billions. There are no missionaries there. No one was looking for her. Most people who investigate the church take months or years to join, but she was willing to make the sacrifice after one day of lessons.” He said Liao’s story proves the Lord knows us personally and God answers people’s prayers no matter where they are. •

Left: Yao Liao holding Chinese scriptures near the Stake Center on campus. Photo by Cameron Gardner 139

Girls pull the handcarts up a hill during the sister’s pull on June 6 at Gunstock Ranch to remember the women who crossed the plains by themselves. Photo by Mark Lee

Battalion of the Lord Youth and leaders taking part in Trek say the experience pays tribute to the hardship experienced by the early pioneers BY ELIJAH HADLEY AND J. ESTON DUNN III After a year of planning and coordination, about 300 youth from the Laie and Kahului West Maui stakes participated in a pioneer Trek. Youth and their leaders said the first youth Trek in Hawaii gave them greater faith because of the bonds they were able to forge as trek families and the lessons they learned about early Church pioneers, handcart pioneers and pioneering Church members from the Pacific and Asia areas.

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More than 30 Trek families gathered with their handcarts in the meadow of Gunstock Ranch in Laie on June 4 for the inaugural night of Trek. The youth said they left their cellphones and the luxury of air conditioning for an experience many of them had never had before. Among the Laie community members who served as Ma’s and Pa’s on the Trek were BYU-Hawaii Associate Professor of

Communications Mason Allred and his wife, Erika Allred. They were in charge of a family that consisted of 10 youth. Erika Allred expressed her excitement about being part of the first youth Trek in Hawaii. “I feel really privileged to be a part of it since it’s the 100year anniversary of the Laie Temple. I think it’s a good time to celebrate.” Allred said she considers herself and her parents pioneers in their own right, due to

the fact both her parents were converts to the Church. Talking about starting out on the Trek that first day, she said, “I’m a little scared, not going to lie. I’m not a camper, so this is the longest I’ll ever be camping for, and I like adventures, so I think it will be fun,” she added with a laugh. As to the Ma and Pa partnership with her husband, Mason, Allred said, “I feel like being out here with my husband is no different. We always work together anyway, so I think this will be a nice way to show kids how marriage is not just women or men doing all the work. We can both work together to do great things.” In the Allred’s Trek family was Tehani Tevaga, a youth from the Laie stake who acted as the family’s “big sister.” She is also the daughter of BYUH Director of Communications Laura Tevaga. She said she and her family once joked about there being a Trek in Hawaii but never thought she would actually be able to go on one. “This Trek is going to bless the community of Laie by letting the youth make better friendships and strengthening their relationship with the Lord. “We were asked to bring two pioneer stories on Trek, and one of them is about my great-great-grandfather, who was one of the original Iosepa pioneers who went from Tahiti to New Zealand. “Even though this Trek isn’t exactly what my ancestors experienced, I can still understand what they went through, and understand the pull of the Church, why my great-great-grandfather would be so dedicated.” Following a torrential downpour, the youth and their Trek parents gathered in the center of the meadow as the sun receded past the horizon as the night’s activities began. Consisting of a series of vignettes portrayed by youth and adults, they told the story of the prophet Joseph Smith, along with stories of pioneers taken from first-hand accounts of the Willie and Martin handcart companies.

Legacy and luaus After the long, arduous hike during the third day of Trek, the youth said they were ready for a little relaxation. According to Tevaga, the two hardest parts of the day had been the women’s pull and the river crossing. In the women’s pull, all of the female youth and leaders took responsibility for the handcarts while the boys and men went off up the hill. This was supposed to represent the women who journeyed to Zion, despite losing their husbands, fathers and brothers. “It was the biggest hill we had, too,” Tevaga added. “It was a lot of fun, and it came to all of us as a surprise. After doing the women’s push, I feel really independent. At first, I didn’t take it seriously and didn’t realize how difficult it was going to be. “From the pull, I learned a lot about the male-female relationship, along with the river crossing,” Tevaga said. “They explained how men and women both have their strengths and work together to support one another in whichever ways they can.” Mason Allred shared how it was beneficial for the youth to be in an environment without access to technology. “As a communications professor, I always warn my students about the dangers of social media and technology as something that, while good, can make people less personable. “It’s really amazing to see how these kids came together,” Allred added. “In the river crossing, all the guys stepped up and carried the girls across. I didn’t have to do too much work. I just took Erika and let them do the rest.” Feeling enthusiastic about his experience at Trek, Shamus Fitzgerald, a youth from New Zealand, commented Trek “was a team effort . . . My dad back at home always wanted me to help people and to be humble, and I could hear his voice telling me to keep pushing all through today.” Among the guests at the hoedown were several female descendants of the saints who went to Utah to be closer to a temple and created the Iosepa settlement. After several performances of hula, one of them, Amanda

Lyman, spoke about the importance of legacy. Lyman encouraged the youth assembled to both live a legacy, and to leave a legacy. “Someone who loves you and cares for you very much bestowed upon you a name that would bring comfort, protection, and guidance as you made your way through this life. “But of all these, the name that I, that we are expected to bear with utmost reverence is the name of Jesus Christ.” Lyman continued by talking about her Grandma Genoa Keawe, who was a talented singer, and said her current singing ability was a part of her grandmother’s legacy. She then sang as a tribute to her grandmother. Swimming, singing, and a surprise Following a day of rest and swimming at Hukilau Beach, the youth on the Trek were called back for an evening luau featuring music, devotionals, and an unexpected surprise guest. Also that night local families dressed in white surrounded the youth and their Trek leaders serenading them. Following the previous days’ activities, David Smith, 13, from Hauula took a moment to reflect on his journey. “I really can’t believe how far I’ve come. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is making my friends my family and my family my friends. I’ve made so many great connections in just a few days, and there’s this feeling I cannot really explain. It must be my testimony.” The mystery guest turned out to be President Dallin H. Oaks, the First Counselor of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Oaks entered into the performance area, dressed in an aloha shirt and white lei, holding the hand of his wife, Kristen. Accompanied by BYUH President John Tanner and his wife, Susan Tanner, he took a seat in front of the youth, smiling warmly at the sight of those gathered. After he was introduced to the youth, President Oaks stood up and walked to the Continues on Page 142 141

About 300 youth and their Trek families pulled handcarts through the hills and valleys of Gunstock Ranch just north of campus and on the morning of the last day walked up to the Laie Hawaii Temple. Youth leaders included members of the BYUH faculty and staff. Photo by Mark Lee

Continued from Page 141 microphone. With a thunderous “Aloha,” his deep baritone voice carried its way to the ears of all those assembled. He told the youth, “You’ve not only learned about your ancestors, including your parents who have serenaded us and have met you here so appropriately, but you’ve also learned something about yourself - your ability to withstand hardship. You’ve also put yourself in a position where you can understand the promptings of the Holy Spirit which come to us when we are humble and sometimes when we make sacrifices. “President Oaks emphasized, “You’ve learned something about yourself. Build on that for years to come. Don’t be satisfied with being mediocre or ordinary. Don’t yield to the temptations of the world when they are contrary to what your Heavenly Father would do for you. Set your eyes up high and go on.” Mahea Napoleon, 14, from Hauula, said, “I liked how his talk was short and simple. It really served to encourage me and the other youth to be active in our lives

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because the Second Coming is coming soon. It’s nice he was so direct. I just feel so whole right now, despite the mixed emotions, It’s just really hard to explain. The surprise of President Oaks coming made everything more special.” Lisa Hannemann, who was put in charge of the Trek by the Laie Hawaii Stake, said at the Friday night hoedown, “You may not all have pioneer ancestors in the traditional sense, but you, the youth are all pioneers. You have already spent the last few days doing some incredibly hard things, and because of your sacrifice, I hope you learned what your ancestors might have felt, and you’ll be able to understand why they gave everything to come to Zion.” Missionaries in Polynesia The youth participating in the Trek had the opportunity to celebrate their own Polynesian pioneer ancestors by visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center on June 7. The youth were called on missions to the island nations of Polynesia where local leaders and pioneers talked about building Zion in those missions.

“A lot of these youth come from the islands and this activity at the PCC recognizes their personal treks. This portion is about Polynesian pioneers. Everyone has their own story to learn about their pioneer ancestry in their islands and families that modeled the way we live today,” said David Aupiu, a stake leader for the Tongan mission. Janee Niutupuivaha, a youth from Hauula, said on the experience, “It just makes me love all of our cultures more, [by understanding] how many people have sacrificed a lifetime's worth of work to do all these buildings of the church.” Elias Ululave, a youth from Laie, said, “It’s a lot of rich history. In thinking of the impact, we go for the people proceeding us. When we go out [on missions], we carry on what they taught us. Trek is a challenge, and it helps to unify strangers and take us out of our comfort zones. I really appreciate our leaders whom we don’t take for granted.” A walk to remember During the Trek, leaders reminded the youth that President Gordon B. Hinckley had purchased Gunstock Ranch so they

On the last night of the Trek, President Dallin H. Oaks and his wife came and spoke with the youth. The 40 handcarts used on the Trek were built by the youth, their leaders and local volunteers. Photo by Li Yin Ho

could use it as a reminder of the blessings from the Lord. As the sun rose on the morning of June 8, the youth and their Trek families walked up Hale La’a Boulevard from Temple Beach to the temple at the end of the road. Solemnly and silently they walked, watched by temple missionaries, the pioneer reenactors and posters of early pioneers of the Church, handcart pioneers and Church member pioneers from Asia and the Pacific regions. As the youth walked around the right of the temple, they weaved their way around Laie. Their final destination ended up being the Laie Cemetery. As they silently entered into the graveyard, they and their Trek families were led to a gravesite, where a relative of the deceased told the story of their ancestors. Among those buried in the Laie Cemetery are Iosepa saints who went to Utah but then returned to the islands to help build the temple here in Laie. At the final devotional by the cemetery and capping off their trek, Hannemann remarked how “through the Holy Ghost, your ancestors and those who love on both

sides of the veil, we’ve felt them as we’ve planned Trek this past year, and they’re anxious for you to have a testimony about the gospel’s truthfulness and want you to make their family continue forever.” The companies then split up for individual testimony meetings, which lasted about an hour. Youth and leaders were free to share their feelings about their experiences and how they had been changed. Mason Allred, in bearing his testimony to his Trek family and the surrounding families of the company, said, “I love my family, and I’m grateful to have been your Pa. It’s been so much fun walking with you and getting to know all of you. Don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t be afraid to be weird to the world. I testify you have a perfect father and mother in heaven who love you perfectly.” When the testimony meeting was over and it came time to go back to Hukilau for breakfast, Tevaga said she thought her ancestors are proud of her. “I know I did Trek for a reason, and it was more than just for me to benefit myself. I hope I remember this for the rest of my life and never forget the lessons I learned from my family in all our trials.”

Feeling enthusiastic about his experience at Trek, Shamus Fitzgerald, a youth from New Zealand, said Trek “was a team effort . . . My dad back at home always wanted me to help people and to be humble, and I could hear his voice telling me to keep pushing all through today.” •

“I really can’t believe how far I’ve come. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is making my friends my family and my family my friends.”

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Students perform during the annual Culture Night event that is held over two days in the Cannon Activities Center. Photo by Chad Hsieh

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