New Student Issue - 2018

N E W S T U D E N T I S S U E FA L L 2 018

THE LEAD ER

BYUH President John S. Tanner explains his vision for the school.

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In this issue: Pages 68-69 La ie loca l sings in ‘ Th e Greate st S h ow m an ’ • Pages 104-107 A Burmese Mormon pioneer • Pages 118-119 Favorite recreation places in Oahu

NEW STUDENT ISSUE • FALL 2018

ADVISOR Le e A n n Lam ber t MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Antoniette Yee COPY EDITORS

Shannon Crowley

Brooklyn Redd

Anuhea Chen

Antoniette Yee

Bruno Maynez Chuer Vic Zhong Dani Castro PHOTOGRAPHERS Ky le Gab Bat ac C had Hsi eh Wesl ey Ng

VIDEOGRAPHERS Cour t ney Bow Ni el sen ART & GRAPHICS M cKenna Locken Lynne Hardy ART DIRECTOR Wesl ey Ng MANAGING EDITOR Brooklyn Redd

NEW S CE N T ER BOX 1920 BYUH LAIE, HI 96762 PRINTER P r int Ser vi ces Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquiries: ke a l a k a i @ by u h . e d u .

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

CONTACT

Email: keal akai @by u h. edu Ad Information: keal akai ads@gmai l . com Phone: (80 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 6 9 4 Fax: (8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 4 9 1 Office: BYU -Hawai i Al oha Cent er 13 4 ON THE COVER: BYU-H students walk out of the Canon Activities Center after devotional.

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

ABO UT US

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

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PHOTO OF THE MONTH Mark Bulos dives into knowledge during his studies in the Joseph F. Smith Library. Photo by Gab Batac

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

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

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

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NEW STUDENT ISSUE FALL 2018

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S CA M P U S L I F E

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Embracing a prophetic vision Tanners seek to serve students

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A celebration of diversity Locals and students share good food

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We are BYU-Hawaii Life-changing experiences of BYUH students on campus and at PCC

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Culture Night recap Sharing culture through dance and music

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COMMUNITY

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President Russell M.Nelson’s global tour ends in Laie, Hawaii Global tour summed up in two words: The temple

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Heating up the competition Aiea native reigned at the annual world fireknife competition at the PCC

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F E AT U R E S

90

98

Dr. Barbara Hong publishes book, “Failing Up�

Failures drive students forward

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Enactus wins 2018 National Championship Group focuses on helping farmers more than receiving recognition

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One mechanic, several impacts Converting organic waste into renewable gas

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A Burmese pioneer First sister missionary from Myanmar

LIFESTYLE

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118

Popular spots in Oahu Favorite recreation places on the island

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Enjoying nature within limits Negative impacts of disrupting dolphins during early mornings

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How to relieve a jellyfish sting Techniques to help heal them

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Campus Comment:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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campus life

in this section Day in the life of Pacific Islands studies major Teitirake Kabwaua

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President and Sister Tanner hope to service more students from the Pacific

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20 facts about Sister Tanner: She starts her day with prayer, scriptures, running

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On-campus students can find their favorite things for free

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Sewing Center made more accessible to students

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12 Purpose of $5 on-campus parking permit 32

Three students share what it’s like to work in their part-time jobs

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BYUH interns build a school and bless the lives of children

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Annual Culture Night recap includes more than 20 clubs

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First-ever Japanese play featured Japanese cast members at BYUH

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Students and local community members share culture and good food

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Four steps on how to become successful by current BYUH chaplain

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Life-changing experience students can have on campus and at the PCC Making the most of transportation options on the North Shore

Pell Grant and scholarship opportunities for students Professor encourages students to join Shaka Steel band

Latu said she left an established Utah life to serve the students who inspired her

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Meaning behind Mongolian names

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A safe learning environment at BYU-Hawaii means following correct protocol

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BYU-Hawaii community and students present in Great Ideas Competition

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CA M P US L LIF C ampus i feE

Teitirake Toabo Kabwaua Pacific Islands Studies B Y AN TO N I E TTE YE E Kabwaua said a major in Pacific Islands studies not only covers different cultures, but also helps her to know where her ancestors come from. Photo

by Olivia Tsan

Teiterake Toabo Kabwaua, a senior from Kiribati, said she chose to be a Pacific Islands studies major so she can become an environmental activist in Oceania.

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What made you decide to study this major?

Number of people in the major

“I love how most of the cultures in the Pacific are similar.

In this major, I get to connect with the classes, and it’s easy for me to get along because I know my culture both in heart and mind.”

There are currently 31 students with a declared major in Pacific Island Studies and another 49 students with the declared minor, according to Marilee Ching, the Pacific Island Studies academic advising manager.

What makes your major unique?

Time spent in a day

“It’s easy for me to express myself more, because I can relate things to myself in most of the discussions.” Aside from the Pacific, Kabwaua said Pacific Islands studies also covers other cultures and they “discuss where our ancestors came from.”

What do you want to do with it?

Kabwaua said she hopes to attend graduate school and be an activist. “With my knowledge, I want to inform people about climate change. Most people know about climate change, but they don’t know about the ways to improve our environment through modern technology. I want to share my knowledge.”

“I know a lot about the Pacific Islands, so I don’t usually spend too much time studying. But I mostly spend 2-3 hours to prepare for class presentations. Most of the readings in class are familiar to me because I took Pacific Islands classes when I was in high school.”

cons

She shared how class discussions get kind of awkward when there are Western people around. “They don’t really know the issues between the United States and the Pacific Islands. Most islands in the Pacific were used to test a bomb or to dispose waste.

It’s hard for me because whenever I try to voice out my thoughts, they would defend the U.S.”

She added it’s hard to get in the Pacific Islands with her major. “You have to get a master’s because a lot of people are doing it and there’s a lot of competition.”

Favorite class

Kabwaua said Brother Hiagi Wesley’s classes are her favorite.

“My favorite class is PAIS 480R, a senior level class. In this class, we talk about the environment in the Pacific.The islands may be different, but they have common environmental issues.When I took it, we were just six in the class. So, it was easy to throw a joke because everyone understands it. Instead of beating around the bush or staring at each other, we’re always on the same page.”

Pros

Kabwaua said one of the pros is the freedom to express yourself and it is easy to relate during class discussions especially for islanders. “It’s easy for me because I took classes in high school.”

Describe a typical day

“I’ve been taking Brother Wesley’s class and it is always exciting because a typical day involves presentations, Brother Wesley bringing food to class, and him teasing the island kids.”

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CARMeli P US LIF E g i on President Tanner says he sticks close to the history of BYU-Hawaii when planning its future. Photo by Stop Khemthorn

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Embracing a prophetic vision President and Sister Tanner share their hopes for BYUH to serve students from the Pacific B Y AL E X M AL D O N AD O

BYU-Hawaii’s President John S. Tanner said he is dedicated to preserving the history of the college by continuing to build upon it. To always keep the school’s heritage at the front of his mind, Tanner has decorated his office to be a panoramic display of what went into starting the university.

The first thing one would notice upon entering his office is the clear view of the statue of George Q. Cannon and Jonathan H. Napela by the Cannon Activities Center just outside his window. There are also mementos scattered around his office, including a statue of Joseph Smith and a statue of a young David O. McKay with a lei over his shoulders. Tanner said it is President McKay’s prophetic dream most of all that he is trying to fulfill on the BYUH campus.

Tanner explained, “[President McKay] had a founding vision for the university when he came to Laie as a young apostle. He saw this place as becoming a center for education where many cultures would come together, and they would be brought together as brothers and sisters, children of Heavenly Father.”

Tanner said, “Pivoting focus to the Pacific” is one of the ways he tries to preserve that vision. “Sometimes we call it our target area, so we really reach out to the students in that area who will return to help develop the church and develop the world.”

Tanner said BYUH has been sending representatives to countries all over Polynesia, northern Asia, and southeast Asia to visit and work with the leaders of the church and the official ministers of education. The main objective for their visits has been to work with the church leaders to identify potential students who are prepared to make the most of their time at BYUH, according to Tanner.

“We want to identify students who have that commitment and disposition, and will take advantage of this school to bless their communities, countries, and families. We want people to come here and feel the spirit of aloha, love,

and charity. We will also prepare people to become leaders in the church internationally.

We want them to be ambassadors for peace, and that requires being deeply grounded in the gospel,” Tanner continued.

His wife, Susan W. Tanner, added, “[What we do] really does go back to the prophecies by President McKay. He said character is higher than intellect, and that’s been a big focus for President Tanner. We want everyone to have a first-rate education, but the character of our students is an absolutely critical part of their education. President McKay prophesied people from this institution would go and spread peace throughout the world through the means of the gospel, so those are our highest spiritual and education objectives.”

Tanner quoted Apostle Marion G. Romney in saying, “This place will be a living laboratory where people would come and learn tolerance, and learn to live together and love people from different countries. We want people to come and take advantage of this intercultural, international education opportunity in a gospel setting.”

Describing their daily lives, Sister Tanner said, “It’s a lot of meetings. He’s trying to coordinate with the various departments on campus. He’s coordinating academics, student life, facilities management, and the PCC.”

Her husband added, “I often laugh because people always say, ‘Oh, you’re in Hawaii. How fun!’ And I tell them, ‘I don’t just sit around on the beach and drink piña coladas, you know.’ I love to swim in the ocean, but unfortunately my life gets taken up with lots of work.”

Tanner said he often flies back and forth to the mainland for meetings with the presidents of the other church universities, along with the Board of Trustees. The Executive Committee is made up of Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Elder Jeffery R. Holland, Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, Sister Linda K. Burton, and Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson.

According to Tanner, the meetings are held bimonthly. One is presided over by Elder

Oaks, and the other by the First Presidency.

Sister Tanner said, “It’s a privilege to be with the First Presidency, and it’s a privilege you don’t take lightly.You always want to be prepared and not waste their time because you know what kind of responsibilities are on their shoulders.”

President Tanner said, “It’s remarkable to me how much care, attention, and time the brethren give to the church schools. Every faculty member who is hired is considered individually by name by the board. That means the First Presidency, two apostles, and other general authorities, read a little biography about every faculty member we recommend… [which] takes quite a long time.”

“The reason I bring this up,” Tanner added, “is just to indicate that the brethren really care about all the church schools and especially the students. They want your experience to be a terrific one.”

Norman Black, the vice president of Administration, said, “[President] and Sister Tanner dearly love the students and employees and care about each one of us. We are happy to have them continue a legacy of great presidents who have led this university.”

President and Sister Tanner were married while attending BYU, shortly after President Tanner returned home from his first mission in Brazil. Together they have raised five children and have 20 grandchildren. After graduating from BYU, the Tanners spent six years studying at UC Berkeley, then moved to Tallahassee to teach at Florida State University. They then moved back to Utah and spent 30 years teaching at BYU, and eight more as administrators.

Sister Tanner was called as the Young Women General President in 2002 and served until 2008. They then presided over the Brazil Sao Paulo South Mission from 2011-2014. Following that, President Tanner was called to serve in the General Sunday School Presidency. He was then asked by President Thomas S. Monson to be the president of BYUH starting July 27, 2015.

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CARMeli P US LIF E g i on Sister Susan Tanner was the 12th president of the General Young Women Organization for the LDS Church.

Photo by Yukimi Kishi

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20 Fun Facts about Sister Tanner Susan Winder Tanner, along with President John Tanner, has been at BYUH since July 2015 and shared this information about herself B Y DAN N A O SU M O

1. She graduated from BYU with a degree in Humanities (English emphasis).

11. She always starts her day with prayer, scripture study and running.

2. Growing up, she wanted to be a mom and teacher.

12. Her favorite Halloween costume she wore was of a 1920s flapper girl.

3. She is the author of “Daughters in My Kingdom” (2011), a book about the history of the Relief Society.

13. Her favorite church songs are “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “He Sent His Son.”

4. She plays the piano, organ and ukulele.

5. She was called to be the 12th president of the church’s General Young Women Organization.

14. Favorite non-church song is “Aloha ‘Oe” because her grandparents served a mission in Hawaii as a young couple and the song was sung at their funeral.

15. She loves mountains and hiking.

6. Although she did not serve a mission as a young woman, she was able to serve with President Tanner in the Brazil Sao Paulo South mission as mission presidents.

16. Her favorite hike on Oahu is the Ka‘ena Point Trail hike because she got to see the Albatross Sanctuary and Hawaiian monk seals.

7. She is claustrophobic.

17. Her guilty pleasure is chocolate.

8. She had an experience where she was stuck in an elevator and President Tanner physically yanked the door open to get her out.

18. She loves to bake cookies and brownies.

9. Her favorite movies are “Chariots of Fire” and “Anne of Green Gables.”

10. Besides her children, her most prized possessions are the pieces of silverware her grandma gave to her each birthday.

19. The most interesting she has ever eaten was eel in China.

20. Her favorite quote is from Sister Eliza R. Snow, “When you are filled with the Spirit of God… that [Spirit] satisfies and fills up every longing of the human heart, and fills up every vacuum.”

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A celebration of

diversity

Rain couldn’t stop students and local community members from coming out to share culture and good food B Y N ATH AN GRAH AM

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Student clubs advertise their food and show off their finished products. Photos by Olivia Tsan

ood music, smells from around the world, and rain filled the air as students and local residents came together for Food Fest. On Saturday, Nov. 11, students and the local community relished in diversity and celebrated good food, while recognizing the ability of food to unite and bring together different cultures.

“Food Fest is like the Disneyland of food. Where else can you go and get homemade food from cultures around the world all in one place?” said Kailey Trussel, a senior in psychology from Washington.

Trussel explained how food has great value in an individual’s life. Not only on a physical level, but also in its ability to connect people. “I appreciate its ability to bring people together in a way that words cannot. Food is a universal language, and I speak it fluently.”

BYU-Hawaii clubs and associations came together to share their cultures through food with local community members and BYUH students. Event

Supervisor Kehaulani Maruhi, a senior in social work from Tahiti, explained how the event supervisors worked hard to involve all the clubs on campus by having them help set up the event, help out in the kitchen, or by helping to clean up.

This year Food Fest featured 22 different culture clubs that represent countries from Asia and the Pacific Islands. Patrons were able to enjoy adobo from the Philippines, dumplings from Mongolia, and sua fi from Samoa as well as many other diverse dishes.

Also featured was Sacred Fish, a local band comprised of a father and his children who regularly perform at the Polynesia Cultural Center marketplace. There was also a bounce house and obstacle course set up for the children to enjoy.

Every year, each club puts in days of hard work and preparation into Food Fest to raise money for their clubs, according to Tseegii Dugar, a sophomore in political science from Mongolia and vice president Continues on Page 16 JUNE 2018

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I appreciate its ability to bring people together in a way that words cannot. Food is a universal language and I speak it fluently.

Kailey Trussel Scan this QR code to view Kelsy Simmon’s video of Food Fest!

of the Mongolian Club. “We worked so hard all Friday night and Saturday morning to prepare the food we would sell. It was worth it. We sold over 1,500 dumplings and nearly tripled the money we spent on supplies.”

Despite continuous rain that ended the event an hour earlier than planned, Food Fest raised $25,464 for BYUH clubs, only $1,000 less than the previous Food Fest, according to the Student Leadership & Activities Accounting Office. Maruhi expressed her gratitude for those who came out in the rain, because without the support of students and community members the clubs would not be able to raise enough money for Culture Night or other activities.

Grace Everton, a sophomore in biomedicine from California, explained how increased regulations to keep the food clean and healthy for everyone to consume made it more difficult for clubs to participate in Food Fest but despite the challenges there was still a “great turn out.”

Dugar expressed her love for the Food Fest experience, where different cultures and “amazing foods” were all brought together in a small space.

“The food is amazing. My favorite was the Healthcare Professionals Club acai bowls. They were filled with healthy ingredients and fresh fruit.”

Dana Usavitch, a sophomore in math education from Arizona, said she was in awe at the ability Food Fest has to teach individuals about different cultures.

“Food Fest is incredible because so much of the culture of an individual is defined by food and dancing, so food is a huge part about learning about another’s culture.

It was really cool to be able to sample a little bit of everybody’s culture through their food.”

Amanda Hee, a senior in psychology from Maui, explained, “This is my first and last Food Fest.

It’s so sad. I have always known about Culture Night, but never too much about Food Fest. I wish I would have known and been coming all these years. The New Zealand Chapter dessert chocolate pudding cake was to die for.”

Emma Mccullough, a BYUH alumni and local resident of Oahu, said, “We do not miss Food Fest. We are 2015 alumni and we come back every single year.

Now we have a family and we have to show the kids what BYU-Hawaii culture is all about.” •

Left: The South Korean Club wears cultural clothing while holding the South Korean flag. The Malaysian Club barbecue chicken satay along with Indonesia, Taiwan and 19 other clubs that participated this year. Photos by Olivia Tsan FALL 2018

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How students can ‘Go Forth to Serve’ Current BYUH chaplain and former Hong Kong Mission president, gives students four steps on how to become successful B Y J ORDA N CORT E Z

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Elder Charles Goo spoke at Nov. 7 devotional and shared with students four steps on living by the BYUH motto: “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” Photo by Monique Saenz

ith the goal of sharing a message and vision for students was to go forth and serve all over the world, Elder Charles Goo, spoke at the BYUH Devotional on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Goo said, “You are special and belong to this chosen generation.You will be the future leaders of the church worldwide. God has brought you to this school to prepare.

‘Enter to learn, go forth to serve.’

“Someday, when you leave this campus, I hope you don’t just take a degree, but specific experiences of service and leadership that you can take with you, and spread throughout the world.”

Goo is also the chaplain on campus, he said, and as chaplain, his main purpose is to help the non-members who want to attend BYUH, or are already attending, know the school’s expectations.

With the Athletics program ending last year, Goo said the number of non-members attending BYUH has decreased from 60 students to about 30.

“The school wants to ensure that they understand the Honor Code and are okay with keeping it,” said Goo. “To help, I conduct interviews with applying students. Some applicants have two interviews, one with their geographical bishop back home, and then one with me.”

For Goo, his role as chaplain is not his first major church calling. He previously served as a stake president in Laie, mission president in the Hong Kong China Mission, and temple president for the Hong Kong Temple.

Lok Him Rhine Woo, a junior studying applied mathematics from Hong Kong who knew Elder Goo, said, “President Goo is one of the pioneers for the people in Hong Kong. He is a servant of the Lord who helped build up Zion there.”

When speaking of the ‘Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve’ sign at the entrance of the school, Goo said, “The Lord did not put it there for looks, but as a reminder of our responsibility.”

Goo left students with four ways to prepare to ‘go forth to serve.’ He said his original plan was to share 12 ways, “but my wife kindly told me that was too many, so I cut it down to four.”

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His four ideas his shared at devotional to prepare students to go out and serve included: • Temple Attendance • Take Advantage of the Education here at BYUH • Young Men, Serve a Mission • Find Opportunities to Serve Others Goo said any major decision he made as a stake president, mission president, or temple president was always made with regular temple attendance. “Being in the temple always reminds me of my eternal perspective and helps me make decisions.”

According to Goo, education not only helps when looking for a promotion, but it also helps to “develop skills, broaden horizons and think outside the box.” His advice is to spend two hours outside of class, for every hour spent in class that week.

Goo also pleads with young men who have not yet served a mission to begin planning now to serve. It was as

a young missionary in Hong Kong that he made the lifelong commitment to always be a consecrated member of the church and accept any calling that came his way.

This commitment came after seeing many homeless, helpless people in Hong Kong and after his mission president helped him see how he could help. His president shared Doctrine and Covenants 82:3, “For of him unto whom much is given much is required.”

Goo said, “My mission set forth the foundation for the rest of my life and has blessed me in all my callings.”

Goo also stated that finding opportunities to serve others can be simple and impactful. He said it starts with praying for the Spirit to guide you to those in need and following the subtle promptings that come.

Bryce Coleman, a sophomore studying international cultural studies from Arizona, said, “Elder Goo’s devotional was one of my favorites because he was so missionary oriented. I loved it.” •

Elder Goo (middle), stands with family members and friends after the devotional. Photo by Monique Saenz

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TIMELINE OF CHARLES GOO’S LIFE & SERVICE 1945

1965-1968

1970

1970-1973

1973

1981-1986

1986-1989

1989-2007

1997-2005

2005-2007 2007-2010 2014-2016

2017

Born in Honolulu Hawaii. Raised in Laie since 1954.

Served in Southern Far East Mission, Hong Kong Headquarters, Cantonese Speaking.

Graduated from BYU at Provo with a degree in Statistics.

First Lieutenant in Army assigned to the finance office in Germany.

Began at BYU-Hawaii in Registrar’s Office Assistant Dean of Students (admissions, financial aid, registrar).

• Earned Doctorate of Educational Administration in 1982.

Mission President for Hong Kong China Mission Associate Dean of Student Life (career service, international student services, counseling services).

Honolulu Hawaii Mission Presidency • Served under 4 Presidents - Dee F. Andersen, H. Ross Workman, Mark Hinckley Willes and Ronald K. Hawkins • 1991-1997 Stake President of BYU First Stake.

High Council of Laie Hawaii North Stake.

Hong Kong Temple President.

Senior couple in New York, New York North Mission for the China Town Ward as member and leadership support.

Now serves as BYU-Hawaii Chaplain.

Elder Charles Goo served as the mission and also temple president in Hong Kong, and is the current BYUH chaplain.

Photos by Monique Saenz and Olivia Tsan FALL 2018

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CARMeli P US LIF E g i on College students After visiting Laie for surf on the web the first time, Melba while waiting in line.

Latu observed how Photo by AP. Laie had been blessed by the Lord.

Photo by Olivia Tsan

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Dean follows dream Latu said she left an established Utah life to serve the students who inspired her B Y L E SL I E O W U SU

Melba Latu joined the BYU-Hawaii ohana as the newly appointed Dean of Students in November 2016. She shared how her journey to Laie and her passion for students has helped her love her current job and appreciate BYUH. Latu said her job consists of ensuring the health, welfare, and wellbeing of students. “The general welfare of students is what I’m charged with safeguarding, and it’s something I take very seriously. It involves a lot of different departments and a lot of different parts.”

She said she feels her responsibility is big and she needs to be informed about all aspects of campus and student life. “The more I learn, the more I realize what an inspired institution this is; that we’re able to meet the regulations, and we’re able to meet the requirements for all these students so they can come and get an education, then go back to their countries and build a kingdom. It is amazing.”

Latu said education was something she has always been passionate about; especially education for underrepresented populations. “My Tongan culture is something I’m very proud of, and for it to be represented as it is at BYUH and the PCC, brings me such pride. Seeing more Polynesians, specifically, getting higher education is something that’s always been important, but I never knew how I would be involved in it.”

Before deciding to take the job offer, Latu said she visited Hawaii. “I had never been to Hawaii before, and

when I came out here and met the students, I fell in love with them and their dedication. I thought if I could work with these students, that would be the opportunity of a lifetime...There is something about the setting of our campus. Laie was kissed by the Lord.”

Latu said the decision to move to Laie was hard because her whole family was in Provo, she had just bought her dream house, and loved her job at the BYU Honor Code Office. Despite her anchors planted in Utah, she said her dream-like experience at BYUH called to her. “This is an inspired organization. The people who work here, I think the Lord has hand picked them and has brought them here. For me, it was the students who sold this place for me.

“The students here at BYUH are the best because they’re good, passionate about learning, and they are culturally aware. I have no doubt that they are the future leaders of the church and in the world. I feel so humbled to play this role.”

Latu recalled her first night in Laie. “I was looking at the ocean. As I felt the trade winds blow through, I was captivated. This is an amazing place. I think Heavenly Father watches over our campus very carefully. He’s given us this beautiful land where we can learn.”

Latu was born and raised in Orem, Utah, and is the third of eight children. She obtained an English degree with a violin minor from BYU, and went on to law school at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. •

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Seeing and saying something Authorities say providing a safe learning environment at BYU-Hawaii means following correct protocol B Y K E VI N B RO W N

Campus officials urge students to understand what steps need to be taken in order to report incidents. Photo by Wesley Ng 24

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According to Rebekah Strain, the principle behind Title IX is to create a safe learning environment. Photo by Monique Saenz

espite BYU-Hawaii being a secular institution of learning operated by the LDS Church where students and faculty must abide by the Honor Code, incidents of crime and assault are no stranger to the campus. Campus authorities urge students to understand what steps need to be taken in order to report incidents and protect themselves or fellow students.

According to the Campus Security website, it should be the “preferred contact point for reporting any crime on campus.

However, students and employees may also report incidents of crime to other campus authorities having appropriate supervisory jurisdiction and responsibility for student and campus activities.” They are encouraged to work in conjunction with the Honolulu Police Department in reporting the incident.

Officer Young of the Honolulu Police Department said students should adhere to the university’s code of conduct and also contact Campus Security when necessary. “If [an incident] happens off campus, they should feel more than welcome to contact us, but they can really contact us on or off campus,” he said.

According to a statement from Campus Security’s website, “Often, the best defense against being the victim of a sex offense or any crime is one’s own personal alertness and awareness and taking care not to place oneself at risk.”

In order to provide prompt and accurate reporting, Campus Security said students should report crimes in progress directly to them by calling (808) 675-3503 or (808) 675-3911, or students and staff may also

report a crime directly to the Honolulu Police Department by calling 911.

Rebekah Strain, the deputy Title IX coordinator at BYUH, said if students feel there is an immediate threat to their safety or another student’s safety, then they should go directly to Campus Security first. “Once the immediate safety concerns are addressed, if there is any sexual misconduct involved, then Security will notify Title IX. “If a report goes directly to Title IX and there are safety concerns, then Title IX will contact Security.” She said Title IX and Security work together to ensure the overall safety of the campus.

Strain said even if Title IX complaints are reported to Security, the Office of Honor or any other university department, they will reach their final destination in the Title IX office. “If in doubt about whether or not a complaint should be reported to Title IX, just report it and we will help you sort things out and get you the help you need.”

Every situation on campus is unique, according to Strain, with Title IX either playing a supportive role while ensuring proper services designed to help an individual, or a role of discipline.

She said common scenarios of misconduct she sees are “harassments after a couple breaks up where one won’t stop contacting the other, one is constantly saying harmful or malicious things about the other, one party is destroying or stealing the property of another as revenge, or harassment by making jokes or comments based on someone’s physical appearance or sexuality.”

She also said stalking can be a major issue within the church. “Sometimes men are told to be persistent when finding a wife, but if she says ‘no’ and you continue to contact her when she has asked you to stop, you are not being persistent, you are being a stalker.”

Although Title IX primarily deals with non-consensual or unwanted sexual interaction, Strain said it also addresses domestic violence within a family or violence within an abusive relationship. “If in doubt, report it,” she said.

“The principle behind Title IX is to create a safe learning environment. We want to help all parties feel safe. We also want all parties to get the help they need to cope or correct.”

Strain said Title IX incidents and crimes on campus could be dramatically reduced if all students and faculty treated one another with love and respect. “If you respect your spouse, you will not abuse them, physically or emotionally. If you respect your dating partner, you will not pressure them to do anything that would hurt them or make them uncomfortable.

“If you respect your fellow student, you will not make sexual comments to or about them or treat them in demeaning ways. If you respect the person you want to ask on a date, you will not bother, pressure or force them to be with you.”

For more information on procedures for reporting on campus incidents or general safety tips, visit the Department of Public Safety’s website at https://publicsafety.byuh.edu.

Students may also reach out to Title IX or the Office of Honor for assistance. •

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BYU–Hawaii

Leaders of BYUH and the PCC explain the powerful, life-changing transformative experience students can have on campus and at the center B Y AL LY PACK

Students and families celebrating graduation. Photo by Olivia Tsan 26

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PCC workers gather for a photo after two students get engaged. Photos by Zachary Konecki

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or the vast variety of employers from all over the world, Student Alumni and Career Services planned a presentation to showcase BYU-Hawaii students at the Asian Pacific Career Conference. President and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center Alfred Grace, Vice President of Student Development Debbie Hippolite Wright, Vice President of Administration Steve Tueller, Vice President of Academics John Bell, and BYUH’s President John S. Tanner each contributed their thoughts about the importance of students at BYUHawaii.

Grace started off the info session by describing the benefits students offer to the PCC. He presented, “The Polynesian Cultural Center was created to sustain students who attended BYUH. BYUH is here, so the PCC is right next door. [As] an ambassador for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are asked to demonstrate and radiate a spirit of love and service by loving, welcoming, and directing all our guests with excellence.”

Grace added to prove his statement by saying, “The PCC is the No. 1 paid attraction in Hawaii because the vast majority of employees here are BYU-Hawaii students. Ninety percent of the interaction that our customers will have with a PCC employee is with a student employee. I don’t know of any company who

would turn their life and well being over to students, but that is what we do here and as a company. We are supposed to sustain and be self-reliant, and we are relying on our students to make sure that we can be successful and survive.”

Many of the creative elements and development ideas at the PCC, Grace said, actually come from student insight and recommendations. “The secret ingredient in our recipe has always been our student employees from BYU-Hawaii. They are held to high expectations here,” Grace stated.

Marilyn Harmer, a service missionary for the LDS Church, said she attended the Asia Pacific Career Conference with her husband Chet Harmer and told their story of attending a luau at the PCC with a young man who was singing as he prepared their meal. “He wasn’t just singing to himself,” she said enthusiastically.

“We all got to listen to him. He was joyful. He was happy to be there. I think this is the PCC’s spirit.”

Grace commented, “Much of what you see in the marketplace and the cultural center is actually being operated and managed by students at BYU-Hawaii. A lot of our students are working really high-pressure situations.

We serve generally over 200 meals a day at the PCC and they’re served within a two-hour

“The PCC is the No. 1 paid attraction in Hawaii because the vast majority of employees here are BYUHawaii students. ... I don’t know of any company who would turn their life and well being over to students, but that is what we do here and as a company.”

-Alfred Grace, PCC president period. Not many restaurants try to serve that many meals and strive for significant ratings.”

In addition, Grace talked of the awards the PCC has earned over the years, and the significance of those awards in conjunction with the difficult skill level, marketing system, and time and money needed to earn and maintain most of them.

However, he said the PCC’s goals in achieving high-customer satisfaction and financial goals have not taken away from the employees, particularly student employees, opportunities and aspirations. He said, “Our jobs have been designed in a way that’s been appropriate for student jobs to have experiential outcomes and development while Continues on Page 28 FALL 2018

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doing all of those and being able to maintain full productivity in business. They are working within the confines of a system that allows them to grow and develop in work and school.”

Hippolite Wright, as an alumna herself, maintained Grace’s perspective and told her story. “I came here to Brigham Young University when I was a very young teenager and worked at the Cultural Center for the entire time,” she stated.

“I remember that period of my life being one where I found who I was an as individual person. Coming here to BYU-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center allowed me to stand on my own, with the support of my family, to grow and to learn both professionally and personally. I’m proud to be an alumna of BYUHawaii and I am so passionate about the vision of our school to develop lifelong learners, leaders, and builders.”

Hippolite Wright then started into her presentation to promote the Honor Code BYUH adheres to. “The code encourages us, invites us, to live the virtues encompassed in the gospel of the church of Jesus Christ. It is the over-arching framework to help women and men become people of honor and integrity, and to adhere to ethical standards in all aspects of their lives.

“BYU-Hawaii focuses on developing specific skills,” she highlighted, “and these are our institutional learning outcomes. We’re

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purposeful about teaching these skills and we also emphasize character development.

“Our students have the opportunity to serve, and we have a vibrant Seasider sports program run by students. They plan, implement, and evaluate the program that happens throughout the semester. We also have a number of plays and performances to expand students’ perspectives around the arts.”

She also voiced the excitement surrounding the annual event of Culture Night, and its purpose in getting those previously mentioned associations and groups to join together with cultural pride. “Students plan what they are going to perform, they teach the dances and the songs, they arrange the music, and they organize the schedules for practice.

We do encourage each group to have members from different cultures and countries as well.

It’s the learning and the sharing that goes on.”

Hippolite Wright concluded, “With over 70 different countries represented on our campus, we embrace cultural diversity. We celebrate it. In this day and age, employees must know how to work with people who are different from themselves. We teach these kinds of skills in subtle ways. We encourage students to join student associations, and we provide opportunities to broaden their talents to become a well-rounded person.”

Tueller focused his presentation on BYUH’s purpose in educating what he called

“the whole person.” He commented on the difficulty of focusing on an eternal perspective when temporal needs are not being fulfilled.

“We take a similar approach [as the church],” Tueller offered. “We’re educating the whole person. We’re concerned with not only what students are learning in the classroom, but what they experience here working at the PCC, working on campus, and interacting with one another.”

He presented applicable statistics about the service center that connects students to the community. “It instills an individual’s desire to give proactive service.”

In 2017, Tueller said 2,000 students participated in service which equated to more than 4,000 service hours. He said the service opportunities students are offered build character on BYUH’s campus. He stated, “This is to give you a sense of the raw material that we are given to work with when we hire student employees on campus. Our student workforce comes with character. There is a minimum standard of excellence, character, and honesty that we require here.”

With over 60 percent of our students as returned missionaries, Tueller said the most important factor of hosting returned missionaries was the requirement of them to step outside of themselves, and as he said, “start thinking about the welfare of other people.”

He tied that statement back to what he said

Students perform the haka after a graduation ceremony. Photos by Olivia Tsan

regarding BYUH’s mission which is to educate the whole person.

“We have some really bright, capable wonderful skilled students. We’re interested in educating the whole person, and we see that as our mission, and to help support academics to give them a great work experience. We’re delighted when students make those kinds of things happen.”

Bell agreed with Tueller’s presentation.

He stated, “We collaborate with church entities--our self-reliance managers here--to help students develop their own self-reliance.

We think about this as a journey. Their holokai, or ocean voyage, began before they came. It’s a journey that we contribute to while they’re here. But it doesn’t end here. It’s a journey that continues on throughout their life, and in our faith, on to the eternity.”

Bell said multiple schools might boast they are unique in changing their students.

However, he said at BYUH, “We expect that the education here is more than a few facts that we hope they would remember. We expect them to be transformed. We help students develop in a strong spiritual sense: a sense of contributing, of moving outside of themselves. We help students to go beyond their own pursuits to contribute to their families, communities, employers, customers, and countries.

“It’s not just that we want them to learn about these things. We want them to engage

and think in these areas and disciplines. Then they continue in the cycle of engagement, preparation and improvement so that they can become effective learners and employees.

“That is what we value here. The journey doesn’t end with us. They are expecting to be doing this for eternity. They’re expecting to become something for eternity. That is what their faith is. That journey must continue.”

Bell’s presentation inspired Marilyn Harmer to tell the story of another experience she had with a BYUH student.

She said enthusiastically, “I remember a couple years ago we were walking along your campus and we saw a very tall girl. She must have been at least 6’2” or maybe 6’4”. I do not know which country she was from, but she ... had the most magnificent attire on.” Harmer described this student’s hat and outfit and that she was singing and enjoying herself.

Harmer then said she asked to photograph this girl because she often used photos as an excuse to meet people. She said the girl agreed and “struck a wonderful pose.” Harmer described her as “the largest woman I’ve ever seen in my whole life. She was decorated like the most wonderful peacock that I could ever imagine.”

As Harmer continued the story, she said her husband asked the girl, “Where are you from?’ And she said, ‘Heaven! And you must be from there too I hope!’” Harmer concluded

with, “This is something I’ve remembered always from BYU-Hawaii.”

Tanner began his closing thoughts powerfully by stating, “We believe that we are all part of that one ohana, that one family. We have diversity, but we also believe in unity that binds us together. Brothers and sisters, we come from heaven,” as Harmer stated.

According to President David O. McKay, President Tanner reminded his audience, the ground BYUH stands on would be the future of the church. Tanner said, “He said it would be an international, worldwide church. In fact, God loves all of his children equally. This college is a great gathering place for learning. That founding vision is celebrating his [prophecy].

Don’t forget that this is supposed to be a center of learning in Hawaii for the church.”

Tanner added, “When you come into the university, if you haven’t walked around the campus yet, you’ll see that mural and then you’ll see all these flags and they represent your nations and many others. The flags are there to remind you that we like to interact with diversity.”

Resolutely, Tanner then stated, “I like the fact that it’s in a circle because that reminds me of the unifying sense that we’re all nations of importance and we’re all brothers and sisters united, coming together as one.” •

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WHEELS, HEELS AND AUTOMOBILES Making the most of transportation options on the North Shore B Y GRE G E RI CK SO N

Walk - The oldest and most independent

mode of transportation can sometimes be the best. If you are headed to the beach, shopping center, or anywhere else in Laie, walking will get the job done. The shopping center is only .5 miles away from campus, which means walking is convenient. The Polynesian Cultural Center and beach access points are also a short walk away.

There is a bike path parallel to Kamehameha Highway between Laie and Kahuku that is good for walking or running, too. The path is 3 miles round-trip, with picturesque views of the mountains and open fields near Laie.

Bus - For only $5.50, you can get a whole day

slip that allows for an entire day journey on The Bus. Bus stops line Kamehameha Highway, including nearby stops at Foodland, Temple Beach, and the PCC. The bus comes every hour and can take you almost anywhere on the island.

Travel time will vary depending on your final destination, but a one-way trip to Waikiki takes about two hours. For bus schedules and stops, check Google Maps or thebus.org.

Bike - Even though bikes are generally quick-

er than walking, they require frequent maintenance on the North Shore. The salty humidity, rain, and trade winds can make bikes rust very fast, and loose gravel can leave you looking for a replacement tube. Luckily, Ace Hardware in the Laie Shopping Center has everything you need to

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get your bike back in working condition. Tires can be filled up for free near the physical plant behind the Old Gym.

A lock or chain is a must, as bike theft is common on campus and in the community. Even if you are just going inside for a few minutes, make sure to lock your bike.

Bikes must be ridden only on the streets.

There is a counter-flow bike lane on campus, and several bike lanes around Laie. Bikes are not allowed on sidewalks.

Skateboards - Longboards and skate-

boards are great for navigating around campus and fun to ride.You will see many students and some teachers longboarding to classes. However, don’t ride them on sidewalks. Use the bike lane on the street.

Drive - Although not everyone owns a car,

there are several ways to drive around Oahu.

The car rental company Enterprise has 12 cars on campus available for rent.You need to be a registered member on Enterprise in order to rent a car. Rental fees include gasoline costs, but users are required to clean up any trash before returning the cars. For more information, you can visit the Enterprise website https://www.enterprisecarshare.com/us/en/programs/university/byuh. html.

Also, the Facebook page “Sell your stuff @ BYU-Hawaii” is a good place to find students willing to carpool or rent their car out for the day. •

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CARMeli P US LIF E g i on College students To prevent the problem of surf on the web citations and the possible while waiting in line. towing of vehicles, BYUPhoto by AP. Hawaii campus Security officials encourage students to purchase $5 parking permits that last for a whole year. Photo

by Lexie Kapeliela

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Purpose of $5 parking permits Director of Security says they are willing to work with students concerning their vehicles B Y K E L SY SI M M O N S

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tudents at BYU-Hawaii said they have noticed an increase in the amount of citations on their vehicles parked on campus resulting in the towing of their vehicles.

BYUH Director of Security Earl Morris (Torch), said there is more to the issue than students think. “The intent of the whole parking program is to protect the university from liability. Being protected from liability is important because the LDS Church is self-insured. If an accident happens [on campus], the church could be liable.”

Morris continued, “If you protect the campus from liability, you protect the church from liability.Your tithing money has to claim for any liabilities that happen on campus. That is a church risk management policy. That’s not even a BYU policy.”

Requiring a permit is the only way Security can know all cars on campus are properly registered, inspected and insured, said Morris.

“It’s not Security’s fault everyone is getting towed. It’s because there is not an up-todate registration or safety check,” said Campus Security guard, Max Brimhall, a freshman business management major from Honolulu.

“We are just doing our jobs. Don’t hate all of us. Permits aren’t that expensive.”

Morris 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.

My son, who goes to Utah State, pays $480 a year to park there. At [BYU in] Provo it is over $400 a year to park. So we are cheap.”

In order to obtain a $5 campus parking permit and sticker that lasts for a year, students must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and their vehicle needs a up-to-date state

registration and safety sticker. Parking stickers used to be renewed every fall, but now stickers are good for a year from the month they are purchased. Visitor passes can also be issued for family and friends.

Over Winter break, some students said they arrived back on campus with numerous citations on their vehicles, including Kinsey Brown, a junior from California studying biomedical science. “I can understand one ticket, but four? It’s almost like they were taking advantage of the fact that we were gone.”

Brown said her car required $2,000 in repairs for it to pass the safety inspection. “The repairs cost more than the value of the vehicle.

When we finally got home, we noticed someone from Security writing a fifth ticket to the car, so we told them to just tow it. We are glad that campus Security just got rid of the car for us, for free.”

In response to student complaints about being ticketed and towed over the break, Morris referred to a message Security sent out in the Student Bulletin. He said, “If you are going to leave your car over the break, come in and let Security know so that we don’t tow your vehicle.”

Morris also said there is no limit to the amount of citations issued to a vehicle.

He said the system can be bad news to students purchasing vehicles from other students. Morris said if a student buys a car from another student who hasn’t paid off their tickets, the new owner would inherit all the citations. “When you give someone a ticket, you are giving the car a ticket.”

Even though Security is very willing to work with students, said Morris, students often don’t come into the Security office because

then the new student’s name will be attached to the car. “As soon as we know who you are, the game changes completely. Now, if you have 10 citations and you are not going to pay it, I know who the car belongs to. We can put a hold on your school account.”

However, Morris said a positive side to having a name attached to the car is the owner has the opportunity to settle the fines in order to not have the car towed. Also campus Security will call the owner before towing the car, he said, out of courtesy.

Morris said another issue is students parking in the Administration parking lot. “It’s a visitor parking lot.You can’t go there as a safe haven to escape getting a citation or getting your vehicle towed.You still have to have a permit.

“If you are a visitor and you get a citation, most of the visitors will come and see us. We will say, ‘No problem,’ and we will void the citation,” he said.

According to the campus Security website, all citation appeals must be appealed at the Security Office within 14 days of receiving the ticket. According to Morris, if students are not able to pay the fine, campus Security is willing to organize community service for the students.

Justin Park, a campus Security guard, said, obtaining parking permits is necessary for safety. “Our main focus or duty is to promote safety for anybody that enters campus and PCC.” Morris continued, “At the end of the day, I don’t want to give citations. I don’t want to tow vehicles. That’s the last thing I want to do.”

He also stressed the importance of legalizing vehicles to avoid worrying about situations like these.

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Financial preparedness for Spring Semester Financial Aid advisor and scholarship counselor urge students to explore all Pell Grant and scholarship opportunities B Y HA NNA H J O N E S

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or Spring Semester, BYU-Hawaii advisors and counselors recommended eligible students should apply for the new Spring Pell Grant and stay focused on getting their education done in a timely manner. A freshman, Hannah Kelly, who has not experienced Spring Semester, said the shorter semester with the Pell Grant will allow her to not spend as much money on tuition and housing.

Tammie Fonoimoana, Financial Aid supervisor for Federal Aid and Scholarships for BYUH said, “Student’s eligible for Pell Grants under the Federal Aid Program, may also be eligible for a Pell Grant in Spring Semester.” She explained in the past, Pell Grants were awarded for only two semesters within an academic year. Starting Spring 2018, the federal government has made Pell Grants available for a third semester within the academic year.

Eddy Tsing, the scholarship counselor, added, “There are fewer students who knew about the additional Pell for Spring, and they thought they had to do another FAFSA online. But the FAFSA you did for 2017-2018 is the same and works for Fall, Winter, and Spring.”

As for Kelly, a freshman from California majoring in biomedicine, she said she already knew Pell Grants were offered. She explained, “That’s why I filled out my FAFSA information. I’m utilizing the opportunity of the new Pell Grant opportunity.”

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Tsing said, “When it comes to scholarships [for Spring], the same opportunities are still available. The merit scholarships still work. It’s the same process. Students need to be enrolled in at least nine credits. Students can apply for departmental scholarships and private donor scholarships, through the academic departments.”

Tsing continued, “External scholarships have different requirements (usually a 12-credit minimum), and enrollment for Spring is eight.”

Kelly, who planned to move off campus while taking the minimum required credits for Spring Semester, said, “I think Spring will be easier to pay for because it’s shorter.”

Likewise, the Spring Pell Grant has further requirements to qualify. Fonoimoana said, “The Pell Grant is based on a 12-credit enrollment. Since Spring is a term and students will only be enrolled in 8-9 credits, the grant will be reduced to those credits, and students will still be able to utilize it this Spring.” She said the amount students can receive is solely based on the amount of credits they enroll in.

“The institutional scholarships have always been around for the Spring Semester,” Tsing said to clear up any confusion. He added, “I think the confusion is we went with a new academic calendar, so this is the first time we’re doing it as a shorter semester. But on campus, scholarships have always been around for Spring.”

Graphic by Mckenna Locken

Tsing added, “International students have access to the same scholarships. They have access to departmental scholarships and merit scholarships. They also have access to donor scholarships, but they need to work through the department scholarships. Students on the I-WORK Program have access to those same opportunities.”

Kelly said, “I know there is financial aid for I-WORK students and for current students who apply for it. There are also scholarships you can apply for.” With that, Kelly also mentioned the ability for students to take out loans and grants.

Fonoimoana said, “Stafford Loans are also available for eligible students to borrow money from the federal government. It is our practice at Financial Aid to counsel students to look for ‘free’ money before taking out loans with the ultimate goal to have our students graduate with as little debt as possible.”

Adding a few opportunities on gaining financial aid for Spring Semester, Tsing said students who participate in club presidencies receive money. He explained, “They have to be part of a club presidency to get the presidency-based scholarships.”

Fonoimoana added, “Students may not be able to earn as much money during the Spring term because it is shorter. But if they work and save during the summer break, they may be able to earn enough to help cover some of charges for their next semester.”

When asked if students would benefit by attending Spring Semester, Fonoimoana said it would be less expensive than a full semester and the student would be able to graduate earlier.

Fonoimoana said Financial Aid offers all types of financial counseling for our students. In addition to the typical financial aid counseling, she said, they also do budget counseling.

She advised students to practice what church leaders encourage about living within your means, creating a budget, and being selfreliant.

“Also, parents are a good resource for budgeting techniques.

Students may not want to talk to their parents about finances, but they are an excellent resource as they have been practicing financing a long time,” Fonoimoana said. “If parents are not available, students can also meet with a Financial Aid Counselor who would be more than happy to meet with and help students initiate a financial plan for school.”

Despite the financial needs for Spring, Kelly said with a smile on her face, “I’m excited for Spring because I’ll have more free time, and I’m really ready for better weather.” •

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‘Grab a pan’ and join Shaka Steel

Members can learn more about culture, rhythm, and improve their musical talents, says Shaka Steel Director Jennifer Duerden B Y DAN I CAST R O

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haka Steel is part of the Polynesian Drum Ensemble on campus, and its sound is recognizable in songs such as, “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid and “Crank That” by Soulja Boy. Those who are willing to dedicate time and practice are invited to join the Shaka family, said Duerden.

“I definitely try to find people and recommend them to do it,” said Jennifer Duerden, a special instructor and director of the Shaka Steel Band. “I go and look for them. There are certain people who gravitate towards that music, but they don’t know about it until they see or hear it.You can tell when you meet someone. Maybe [it’s] the instrument they play, their personality, or different things.

“Sometimes I’ll discover a student who is great for steel band, like our student, Megan.

I just thought she would be a great fit for steel

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band, even though she is not a music major.

She ended up joining it and being with us for several semesters. She has been fun to be with and fun to watch.”

Megan Hansen, a senior from Wyoming studying biomedical science, joined the Shaka Steel Drum Band when she was a freshman.

Hansen shared, “A few years ago, I met Sister Duerden in my music theory 101 class. She invited me to be part of the band and I’ve been on tour a couple of times. We’ve gone on tour to Maui and Kauai, and it was totally worth it.

They were great experiences and the music is uplifting and cultural, which this university is all about.”

Ninoy Kusuma, a senior from Indonesia studying music performance with an emphasis on percussion, explained, “This is my ninth semester with Shaka Steel. I just want people to

know Jennifer Duerden puts a lot of work into this. [The Music Department] is trying so hard to make us better musicians. Every concert we have are the things we want to show people.

These are the fruits of our labors. Please enjoy our music that we share. We hope you can feel the spirit while we play.”

Duerden said she hoped students with other musical talents could discover new skills in Shaka Steel. She said, “We have a singer in the group right now. She doesn’t play another instrument, and she says playing has really strengthened her rhythm. In Shaka Steel, rhythm is everything. People who have other skills in music even [develop] new skills by participating.”

Sarah Knight, a junior from California studying vocal performance, said, “I’m a vocalist, so I’m not used to percussion. It was very

fun getting to know the other side of the Music Department and learning a new instrument.

It’s really fun to be able to play something. It’s not easy, but it’s a fun, cultural experience.”

Kris Krisanalome, a sophomore from Thailand studying music performance with an emphasis on percussion, said, “We learn to listen to each other. As a drum set major, I learned a new style playing with Shaka Steel.

I look forward to sharing this type of music. I hope people who watch us will be interested in joining us and learning about us.

“We meet every Monday and Wednesday for two hours. I found that it’s not hard to play if you practice and you take time to become better at it. It’s not hard, and everything you learn is positive. If you feel like you need more practice, grab a pan.” • Above: EIL Professor Perry Christensen plays with students in the Shaka Steel Band at its Winter Semester showcase. Below: Darren Duerden, introduces the piece to be played by the band.

Photos by Wesley Ng

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Culture of Mongolian names Mongolian students said their names define who they are and where they come from B Y ZE E K CH E N G

Ulziika Sukhbaatar says her name means never-ending happiness in Mongolian. Photo by Monica Rubalcava 38

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The Mongolian anthem.

Mongolian names are structured very differently from other cultures because they do not have surnames and are personal to each individual, said BYU-Hawaii Mongolian students.

Sergelenbaatar Oyungerel, a senior from Mongolia studying accounting, said because Mongolians do not have a family name, the father’s first name will be used as the child’s last name for official documents. He explained how the “Oyungerel” in his name was his father’s first name and his first name “Sergelenbaatar” will be inherited by his son as the last name.

“Even for the married couple,the husband and wife both remain to carry their fathers’ first names as their last names.”

Ganbold Tsendayush, an accounting alumni from Mongolia, said this culture regarding Mongolian names has made it hard for him to do geneology. “For my genealogy, I can only trace back to two or three generations.”

Ulziijargal Sukhbaatar, a senior from Mongolia studying anthropology, said she has found up to fifth generations back, which is considered successful in Mongolia.

“It is hard to trace back to past generations because we do not have a consistent last name system.”

Tsendayush added, “We were under the control of the Manchurian and because of the wars, the records of our ancestors have been lost.” He said church leaders in Mongolia encourage members to do genealogy work by asking for information from parents and the elderly. “That’s all we can do for now.”

Sukhbaatar shared why she wouldn’t

choose an Americanized English name. “Some people will choose an English name that is easier to pronounce for foreigners, but names are something I value. I love my name. It has a deep meaning for me. A name defines who you are, where you come from, and helps us to remember our roots. Nobody can take it away from you.”

Oyungerel mentioned situations with friends who have married foreigners and how the couples have determined their last names.

“My Mongolian friend got married to an American girl, so his wife took his first name as her last name. A Mongolian female friend of mine got married to an American guy and she took her husband’s last name as her last name, but her father wasn’t happy about it. It’s a cultural difference.”

Another interesting thing about Mongolian names is that each Mongolian’s name has a special meaning behind it. For instance, Sukhbaatar’s first name is “Ulziijargal.” She said the first part “Ulzii” means eternal and the second part “Jargal” means happiness. “So the whole name means never-ending happiness,” said Sukhbaatar.

Oyungerel said his first name is Sergelenbaatar. He explained how “Sergelen” is his birth place, and “Baatar” means hero. “My dad wanted me to honor my birth place.”

Tsendayush said, “I don’t think our names are unique. It’s very common for us to have long names. It might be hard for the foreigners to pronounce, but it’s easy for us.” •

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Great Ideas Competition

BYU-Hawaii community members and students present their solutions to problems, and judges share their advice for success B Y: E M M AL EE SM I TH AN D JO RDAN CO RTE Z

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YU-Hawaii student finalists for the Great Ideas competition presented their vision for domestic, international, social and community problems and said the competition was hard, but rewarding.

The competition occurred on Thursday, Nov. 16 and awards were given in each category. First-place winners received $3,000, second place received $2,000 and third place received $1,000.

To determine which of the 24 participants would win the cash prizes, the university brought in four people who have had success in their businesses and entrepreneurial pursuits.

DOMESTIC

First place went to Lua Creations, a necktie brand started by Jackson Measles, a junior from Utah studying communications. He said he created handmade neckties as a hobby and turned it into a business after he received a lot of requests. During his presentation, he said his brand is focused on surfing action and sports culture.

Second place was Van Life in Paradise, a van rental company started by Bryce Coleman, a junior studying peacebuilding from Arizona.

His plan was to renovate Volkswagens into mobile homes for visitors when they travel. Coleman’s current Volkswagen has a kitchen with a refrigerator, two beds, a shower and space for surfboards and snorkeling gear.

In third place was ‘GLDR Handplanes,’ a hand board used while surfing to glide along the side of the wave. The creators, Jack Soren and Patrick Calderon, said it allows anyone at any skill level to surf down a barrel. The board

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is made out of broken and old boards to reduce waste and increase affordability with entrylevel boards starting at $100.

Munkh-Od Altansukh, it is a website to allows users access to any English educational video at a monthly subscription fee.

INTERNATIONAL There were four winners in this category, as third place was awarded to two competitors this year. The announcer said the judges donated more money to make the fourth award possible.

Shaker mints, on-the-go mints to clean protein shakers, came in first place. Julliet Liafau said she thought of the idea to save time and keep shakers clean with natural, non-toxic mints.

In second place came Bellflower, an online wedding dress website that allows brides to personalize their wedding dress in an affordable way. Sharon Yeap, a freshman majoring in biochemistry from Malaysia, said she created this website to reduce wedding dress prices. “I made my wedding dresses only half the cost of a regular dress, while still being exactly what you picture.”

One of the third place winners was the Cultural Discovery Center of Mongolia,

by Nasanbold Sukhbaatar and Tuvshinjargal Lkhagvadorj. This is an idea for a center near the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, where five of Mongolia’s cultural nomadic tribes would be brought together in one place for visitors to see. According to Lkhagvadorj, this idea will allow easier and faster access to cultures in the countryside.

The other third place winner, Cloud College, was also geared toward Mongolians.

Created by Bayarsaikhan Amarjargal and

SOCIAL

Symbiotic Solutions came in first place and aims to solve the problem of food shortages and unemployment. The non-profit organization creator, Devin Hampton, said its solution is having fathers and sons come home and build their own chicken businesses. Food for the chickens will be provided by family’s or community’s food waste to black soldier fly larvae.

Beristain Clothing came in second place.

Carolina Cruz and Genesis Chavez said they created this unique and traditional brand of clothing to provide jobs for less-educated and poverty-stricken Mexican women.

In third place came Daisi, created by Sei Kuwahara and Tomomasa Ono. Daisi is a biogas digestor, which processes human waste into compost. Kuwahara, a freshman studying business management from Japan, said this invention is perfect for third-world countries that suffer from sanitation problems or countries like the United States that produce a lot of food waste.

COMMUNITY

First place winner was Oahu Indoor Swap Meet, a more comfortable solution to the outdoor swap meet, according to creator Martha Christensen. It includes air conditioning, a close bathroom and will be open six days a week. Christensen thought of this idea to provide cover from rain, wind and the heat usually experienced at the swap meet.

From left to right: Jay Bliss, Jackson Measles, Rickey Butler, Clarke Miyasaki, Jean Brown. Photo by Alvin Dy

The T-shirt brand Daily Mormon, created

by Josh Mason, an alumni from Oklahoma, came in second place. Daily Mormon sells “shirts to convert,” with Book of Mormon verses and favorite scripture verses on them.

Selling through Amazon, he said the company will also include Mormon quotes and is currently developing options for requests with verses not already available.

In third place was Crowdsourced Sales Team. This company’s business was started by Kevin Knudsen and aims to find customers the best products and visa versa. The company gets a commission from the sale once it is finalized. They are currently developing an app and focusing on digital design, photography, and the service industry.

INSIGHTS FROM THE JUDGES

When asked about what makes an idea great, Jason (Jay) Bliss, a diverse angel investor and founder of other healthcare organizations, said, “It has to be something that is going to change lives.”

Bliss said he has been a part of many companies that have made a lot of money but

haven’t changed people’s lives. “I only invest in businesses that can improve the lives of the customer and those who engage them.”

Clarke Miyasaki, the executive vice president of business development for Stance Socks, said, “Great ideas are ones that are simple, don’t try to boil the whole ocean.”

Jean Brown, founder of Jean Brown Research and former Entrepreneur in Residence at BYU-Hawaii, said of the participants, “You have international students that do a fabulous job with the language barrier.You also have students that have a million things to do and some were willing to do their homework.”

Ricky Butler, founder of Plaid Social Labs and current VP of Corbis, also judged the competition a couple years ago. “I thought there were a couple ideas that were groundbreaking, and I can say a lot has improved. A lot of the ideas were really strong this year with the students.”

The four judges were also asked what advice they would leave with BYUH students.

Bliss said, “My biggest contributor in my life, to all my successes … is the fact I chose the best partner ever, and that is my spouse.”

Brown said, “I think there’s a plan for people, something they need to accomplish and they need to find it. They need to find their own vision of what it is they want to be, not what everyone else wants them to do or be … and work like crazy for it. God will help you do it. Every time I thought I could do it on my own, I was cut to my knees.”

Butler said, “I would suggest surrounding yourself with people who balance out your weaknesses. Where I have had success is when I’ve focused on my weaknesses.

“I knew exactly what I couldn’t do. Once I finally swallowed my pride … and allowed other people to fill in those gaps, my business really started growing. Once I built up a team, my business exploded and became the biggest company in the world, helping brands work with online celebrities and influencers.”

Miyasaki said, “I love the concept of ‘nail it and scale it.’ Great ideas can become actual products by nailing something simple ... and proving that it works in a small subset or group.” •

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The

Give Take &

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Min Edwards

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CARMeli P US LIF E g i on Sister missionaries guide students learning to sew.

Photo by David Preece

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The Sewing Center moves to new location Preparations are being made for the open house, though it is already open B Y L E SL I E O W U SU

The Sewing Center has moved from its location in the Cannon Activities Center to a more accessible and more spacious location in the Aloha Center, said the center’s staff.

They said this new location will help both male and female students to dress modestly.

Sister Linda Campbell, a senior missionary from Utah and a volunteer at the Sewing Center, said, “This new location is what is really unique about it. The students can see where it is. Before, a lot of the students had no idea where it was, or they could not find it.”

She said with the new location in the Aloha Center, students can drop in and see if they need anything to be fixed or if they can fix it themselves.

Sister Karla Robins, a senior missionary from Utah who volunteers at the Sewing Center, said, “First and foremost, we want the students to know that the Sewing Center is available. Also, it is not a sewing class. It is a helping service to aid the students with whatever they need and to help them do it themselves.”

Robins added, “The goal is to show the students how to do it themselves. Lots of times, it is not possible because it is too complicated for a beginner; but if it is, we just help the student. And actually, there are almost as many men as women that come in.”

The official mission statement of the Sewing Center, according to its website, is “to provide students and their spouses opportunities for learning by making available services and supplies to learn to become more self-reliant.”

Campbell said, “Our focus is really on modesty. Students can add fabric to make things longer, fix holes, add sleeves, and more.

Many students will bring clothes they received from the Give and Take and bring it to the center to mend.”

There are 10 volunteers and one student worker available to assist people at the Sewing Center. Students can learn to mend their clothing to meet the standards of the dress code, as well as learn basic sewing skills.

Cambria Graves, a senior from Colorado studying international cultural studies, is the student worker for the Sewing Center. She said she used to be a teaching assistant for the sewing class, and prior to that she learned how to sew as a child from her mother.

“I love working here. It is so fun. For the most part all I do is mending, working on hems, and helping students with whatever they need,” said Graves.

She said the added space is good because “we now have a dressing room, and the windows bring in the bright sunlight.

People are always in the Aloha Center.”

“All of the people who work here are super friendly and they are really good at what they do. They are all senior sister missionaries, so they have experience.” Graves said the volunteers want students to feel comfortable and are always trying to make the center better for the students they serve.

“The students are so grateful and overjoyed after finishing a project, they cannot thank us enough,” said Campbell.

The Sewing Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It stays open three hours later on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m. The open house for the Sewing Center will be held on Sept. 9, and all are invited to attend.

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Sunny Wong takes a group of tourists around the Polynesian Cultural Center as part of his job as a multi-purpose tour guide. Photo by Olivia Tsan

Working while learning Three students share what it’s like to work in their part-time jobs B Y H E L AM L AU

S

unny Wong, a sophomore from Malaysia majoring in human resources, has worked as a Chinese multi-purpose tour guide in the Polynesian Cultural Center for 10 months since coming to Laie.

He said he will work as a tour guide as long as he can.

He strongly recommended students who have courage to accept challenges to work as a tour guide. He said it helps a lot when you start working in the real world. “The only qualification is being willing to open up. They don’t want people who are shy. It requires me to think more and continuously seek for improvements. I don’t like jobs [where I’m] sitting for a long time.”

JOB DUTIES: “Our job is mainly to serve the tourists by bringing them around the PCC and explaining the cultures of the villages. We have to be familiar with the time and location of different activities and shows.”

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UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE: “There were two retired couples who were in my tour who might have had family problems.

Some tourists come here to escape from the reality. I could tell from experience. I tried to talk to them and they opened up. We had a wonderful time and they invited me to come over to their house during the semester break.”

SKILL OBTAINED/ BENEFITS TO FUTURE CAREER: “I think it is one of the most beneficial jobs you could get in the PCC. People who you meet are connections that you can build. Within the four hours of a tour, you can build a relationship with people. The income of most of the tourists is above average and they have their own companies. I met supervisors and managers of the companies in the states.

“You get to interact with people every time you go to work; you have to talk with people. It is related to my major and contacts in the states, and connections that I made could be beneficial for my future career.”

WAGE: Minimum wage WORK SCHEDULE: Work three days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Shifts are either from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or noon to 6 p.m.

TRAINING: “We have to get certified on how to give a tour on a canoe and [have] knowledge of the islands. Only male tour guides are required to learn how to push a canoe.

Wong said there is a written test, which is open book but with 100 questions. Three practical tests and three follows come afterwards, where you would partner with certified tour guides and then do 50 percent of the tour. At the end, you have to pass three out of five evaluations to be certified.

BOSS AND COLLEAGUES: “I have a strict but understanding manager ...but he actually takes care of people. Supervisors listen to our concerns. Every first week of the month, we have a meeting where our concerns would be taken care of by writing down things we are not satisfied with. They will contact us personally afterwards and try to resolve the problem.

“I have close relationships with my colleagues through working and helping each other.”

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abriela Corbett, a junior from Washington D.C. majoring in peacebuilding, said she has worked as a student facilitator supervisor in the McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding for more than two semesters. It is also her favorite job compared to her other job as a Portuguese tutor in the Language Center. She is reapplying to keep the job.

JOB DUTIES: “I am responsible for the ‘Arbinger’ work, which is the name of a theory about how to see people and how your behavior can be more effective in expressing yourself.

“Basically, I plan workshops that could be held in different departments at school like Housing RA training, Language Center, classes, or even in the community. The workshop helps me to improve relationships of families, colleagues, and everyone.

“I also teach the student facilitators how to teach the peacebuilding skill as a supervisor. Part of the job is I am also a teaching assistant in the Peacebuilding 121 class.”

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE: “Last night, I was helping one of the students in the 121 class to understand one of the concepts. It was so rewarding to me how much it means to them. They said, ‘You are the best A ever.’ I really care about them and want them to have a good experience in the class.

Continues on Page 48

From top to bottom: Sunny Wong, a PCC multi-purpose tour guide; Brian Wheeler, a consultant for the Academic Computer Labs; Gabriela Corbett, a student facilitator supervisor for the Mckay Center for Intercultural Understanding. Photos by Olivia Tsan and Breana Rogers FALL 2018

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Brian Wheeler says being a consultant for the Academic Computer Labs is the best job he’s had as a college student. Photo by Olivia Tsan Continues from Page 47

“At the time, I had to teach the workshop, which lasts for five hours either on Friday night or Saturday morning, I felt like it was a sacrifice. But later I felt like a change of heart in myself when I heard the students saying, ‘I did not want to be here’ to ‘that was actually really good. Thank you. It was rewarding.’

“You will be involved in lots of awesome things and learn so much.

I got sponsored to go to Israel to teach the Arbinger [method] because of the job.”

do it. When I work for a company in the future where someone is having a problem with computers, I would know how to fix it because I had practical experiences. I am already doing my job before I graduate.”

WAGE: Minimum wage

WAGE: Minimum wage

TIME SCHEDULE: Flexible, clock-in when you work, have to be

FLEXIBILITY OF WORK SCHEDULE: “Same schedule

committed for three semesters

throughout the whole semester. It’s convenient because you can work in between classes. Usually do not have to work after 5 p.m.; no work during weekends.”

QUALIFICATION TO APPLY: Must have taken or be taking the Peacebuilding 121 class in order to apply for this job and related positions. It is more applicable for a peacebuilding major or certificate.

B

rian Wheeler, a junior from Hawaii majoring in information technology, has worked for the Academic Computer Labs Service as a consultant for more than a year and a half. It is his favorite job out of the three jobs he’s had as a college student. Previously he had worked as a concession worker at the PCC and a waiter at the Aloha Luau. “I am not going to quit the job.”

JOBS DUTIES: “We are in charge of the podiums in the classrooms, the computer lab in the Aloha Center, McKay Building and the 48

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library. We make sure they are working well. If they have any problems, we just go over to fix it.”

SKILLS OBTAINED/BENEFITS FOR FUTURE CAREER: “It helps a lot with my major rather than just learning how to

IS IT TIRING PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY? “It is mentally tiring when there is problems in the computers, but that’s what makes it fun!”

BOSS AND COLLEAGUES: “Our boss understands we have a bunch of things at school. I really like the people that I work with. They are fun and we have a good relationship with each other.”

QUALIFICATION TO APPLY: “You don’t need to be an IT major, but if you are, you are more likely to be able to get it.”

BYUH intern Jessica Page is pictured with her students at the Namuka I Cake school in Fiji. Photo courtesy Dr. Jonathan Shute

Fiji School: Namuka I Cake Internship Program BYUH interns build a school and bless the lives of children, says Education professor B Y D R . J O N AT H AN W. SH U TE

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t the far northwest end of the island of Vanua Levu in Fiji lies Namuka I Cake, a small primary school servicing 82 students where for eight years the BYU-Hawaii School of Education and Career Services Center have been sending university students for internship programs.

This internship program, started by Dr. John Bailey, a professor in the School of Education, allows these students to live full time at the small school and gain invaluable teaching experience.

The benefits for both Namuka I Cake and interns are difficult to put into words. How do you describe the experience of living among beautiful, young and very poor island children who are excited to be in school? How do you describe the learning that takes place when you see the sacrifice some children make because they believe in the power of education?

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Continues from Page 49

Six students at Namuka I Cake travel 11 kilometers one way every day to attend school.

How do you describe the hope and trust seen in these children’s eyes as they rely on you to be their teacher?

In addition to the intangible gains our School of Education students make, they are also able to practice the effective teaching skills they have learned thus far in their teacher education program.

From the Namuka I Cake point of view, according to the headmistress (principal), Mrs. Meri Sauvou, the biggest gain for the students is the exposure to English. Interns bring with them reading programs and picture books designed specifically for beginning and intermediate English language learners. They also bring with them fluent English proficiency.

According to Sauvou, before this small school was built, parents in the three villages sent their young children to boarding schools

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in different areas of the island. The younger children were unable to be sent because of age and therefore unable to gain an education.

Sauvou explained this tradition lasted for several decades, but as the years passed the parents encountered two major problems: “The financial demands of sending children to this boarding school by boat and providing weekly rations and their expenses were unbearable,” she said.

“Secondly, the parents realized their children missed the indispensable emotional support of the family as strict discipline wore on them through the boarding school lifestyle.”

To solve these problems, the people of the villages of Nabubu, Lakeba, Nasovivi, and Silivakatini collectively worked on the establishment of their own school. Pooling their meager resources and using their own labor, they constructed a classroom block and four teachers’ quarters in 2004 at Namuka I Cake School.

Local timber was used and the men and youth of the villages worked together. The people had to purchase some materials, namely roofing, nails, louver blades, etc. and provide food for the laborers.

Sauvou attributed the success her students are experiencing to the internship program.

She explained, “Our students’ English results are excellent. English is a core subject and students should get a 50 in order to pass the external exams.

“I’m so proud to mention that we had 100 percent of the students who sat the exam passed.” In addition, many of their students are attending high school in Labasa and they are doing well. Some of their students have grown and are now attending University of the South Pacific.

Not only do the students and head mistress appreciate the internship, but so does their community. Ms. Sauvou stated, “The

Left: Students at Namuka I Cake School read, walk to school and pause for a photo.

Above: The island where the school is located. Photos courtesy Dr. Jonathan Shute

people in this community strongly support the interns from BYUH because they’ve seen the improvement with their children’s academic performance.”

This School of Education internship opportunity has been the catalyst for a separate non-profit humanitarian organization, the Millstone Initiative, to step in and help.

Numerous basic fundamental problems exist for this small school and for the interns.

To name a few: lack of electricity and running water, water pumps and rain catchments, decrepit buildings, old, unusable school materials, cracked chalkboards, broken desks and chairs, and many basic schooling materials.

The Millstone Initiative has had success and is appreciative of many people who have donated resources. It is currently raising money to upgrade the facilities at Namuka I Cake. They anticipate being ready to start construction in May of 2018.

In addition to many private donors, Seacology, an environmental group that has completed hundreds of humanitarian projects like this, is the main contributor. Under its direction, the school will be rebuilt. In addition, LDS Charities in the Pacific Area have also pledged to provide desks, chairs, and other materials for the students.

Such is the success at Namuka I Cake School. However, the BYUH School of Education has expanded its internship opportunities.

In the Summer of 2017, seven BYUH students working with the Ministry of Education had the opportunity to travel to the Republic of Kiribati and help at Rurubao Primary School. In the future, we hope this program will expand to such areas as Vanuatu and Indonesia.

A great story that is representative of the great work our interns are doing is told

by Alexis Spencer, a TESOL education major who interned at Namuka I Cake. Alexis wrote,

“It was a usual math morning review. … As I moved around the classroom helping and asking questions, I asked Jessi, a Year 4 boy, what something said.

“Epeli then informed me that Jessi didn’t know how to read and his English wasn’t good.

From the first day in class Jessi had been a troublemaker, he never stayed on task and he bullied the other students. I asked Jessi if he wanted to start doing extra reading during lunch and he agreed. And, of course, Epeli wanted to join us.

“As I started reading each day with these two boys, I was able to see them improve.

One day as I was coming from lunch to the classroom, I was looking around for Jessi. I was nervous that he would become uninterested and stop reading with me. But as I entered the classroom my heart about burst as I saw this little Fijian boy who was constantly getting into trouble, hitting others and glaring classmates down, was now quietly sitting at the table.

“He had his book open and had started without me. It is because of little boys like Jessi and Epeli that I want to be a teacher. I want to help students from all backgrounds have a desire to learn and to be their biggest cheerleader as they are doing so.”

While most of the students who participate in this internship are education majors, students from other majors have also had the opportunity.

For example, Molly McKeon, majoring in intercultural studies and communication, was able to travel to the Republic of Kiribati. Of this experience, Molly wrote, “I learned things during this internship that I would never have learned anywhere else.

“Working with Grade 5 students was incredible. The kids were smart, funny, willing to learn and they know how to relax and have fun.

I can say that I helped out in the school, but in reality, I was the one who gained the most. This was one of the best experiences of my life!”’

Our School of Education internship is providing exciting opportunities that our students and the primary school students will remember for their lifetimes.

For more information, students can contact Dr. Shute at jon.shute@byuh.edu.

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Culture Night RECAP B Y ADAM B RACE

F RI DAY, MA R CH 23

Top: Hawaiian Club was the first group to perform on Friday. Bottom left: Kiribati dedicates their dance to a recent tragedy of their island. Bottom right: Africa performs for the first time since 2015.

Photos by Alvin Dy.

First up for Culture Night 2018 was Hawaii. The club took the stage in the Cannon Activities Center with the women wearing bright yellow dresses and the men in white shirts and shorts. A traditional hula was performed with a live band with students singing. After the hula, pu’ili sticks were used, followed by another hula.

The Ballroom Club was next. Its performance was dedicated to the different styles of ballroom dance, highlighting where they came from and accompanying them with modern songs. First was a swing dance originating from New York. Next was a dance from Cuba, the cha-cha, followed by a tango from Argentina.

The group then travelled to Brazil with a samba and finished with a Viennese waltz from Germany.

Africa performed after the Ballroom Club. It kicked off its performance by reenacting a scene from “The Lion King” and had a stuffed lion that was held up. The rest of the group then joined the floor dressed in red, green, and yellow and had their faces painted.

After its performance, the Hong Kong Club followed. The dance started with a traditional lion dance accompanied by a drum and cymbals. Following that, tribute was paid for Bruce Lee, which was then followed by a hiphop number. A dragon then burst onto the floor as the club then performed a traditional dragon

dance. The lights then shut off and the dragon lit up with color and light. Students then filled the floor once again with finger lights and glowing hats and vests and danced to another upbeat song.

Following Hong Kong’s performance, the emcees invited students to play a game. Groups of students were invited to come to the floor on a first-come, first-served basis to play charades. The winning group received tickets to “A Night of Music and Comedy” featuring music

by Josh Tatofi and comedy by Augie T.

Next up was the New Zealand Club.

Students filled the floor with very little empty space. The performance began with a chant and then the group coming together in song before breaking into a dance. Afterwards, the women performed with poi balls. The floor was then cleared for the men to perform a haka. The club closed its performance with the group coming together in the front and everyone singing once again. Live music was performed throughout the group’s performance.

Indonesia then came to the floor, starting with a video about the country. After the video, a group of men dressed in grass skirts armed with spears came forward and danced.

The lights dimmed, allowing members of the club to come onto the floor dressed in all black and red or white, the colors of the Indonesian flag. The students then performed a traditional Indonesian dance called the saman, where danc Continues on page 54 FALL 2018

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Left: The Philippines Club’s finale of its performance at Culture Night. Right: Cook Islands dance to live music. Photos by Alvin Dy. Continued from page 53

ers form a single line and move and clap their hands in rhythmic, synchronized pattern.

Brazil and Portugal performed next, showcasing different aspects of their cultures, starting with a Brazilian martial-arts-style dance called capoeira and four students performing fútbol tricks. The women of the group then took the stage, dressed in carnivalesque outfits, dancing to upbeat music.

After them, the Hip Hop Club danced onto the floor. Dressed in all black, the dancers performed different hip-hop numbers. Following them, the emcees introduced another game where the audience was encouraged to turn to the person next to them, introduce themselves, and then talk about different subjects that were presented.

After a break, Kiribati came to the floor with a traditional tirere dance, where each dancer had a foot-long stick and kept rhythm with the accompanying song. The performance was dedicated to a recent tragedy that struck the island in January 2018 when the ferry, M.V. Butiraoi, carrying a ship full of students sank.

A dance was then performed to pay further respects to those affected.

Following them, Cook Islands began with a chant that led into a dance performed to a more upbeat song. The traditional dance from the Cook Islands, called the Maori Ura, was then performed. The dance involves men and women dancing vigorously to tell a story. Following the custom, it was accompanied by live drummers.

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remind audience to remain in their seats and not jump into the performances. According to the emcees, performers put a lot of hard work into the arrangements they would be performing and did not want anyone to take away from the experience.

Taiwan came next starting its performance with students playing drums and recorders to the tune of Mulan’s “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” while two more students fought with staffs. Dances were performed to pop music with a hip hop number to finish.

Closing out Friday night was Samoa.

After announcing the final group, the crowd roared in excitement. Live music with drums and stringed instruments filled the back of the performing area. Samoa began with a group of men with glow-in-the-dark twirling batons.

After them, the women, dressed in bright yellow dresses, began a dance with the men joining in at the end. The performance built in energy and excitement, becoming more and more intense as the performance came closer to its end. As the performance was coming to a close, the lights were cut early as students and community ran onto the floor throwing money when they were asked not to do it right before the Samoan performance.

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Japan kicked off Saturday beginning with a sumo wrestler battling it out against different characters in Japanese culture such as Goku, Monkey D. Luffy, and a Japanese war general before ultimately losing to Kishidan. The rest of the club then took the stage and danced to

pop music dressed in street clothes. To close, the group created a giant pyramid with a flag that had Japan and some Japanese characters in large print.

Up next was the Melanesia Club. The club showcased dances from the islands of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands; blending the different styles of dance into one performance.

After the performance, a clean-up crew ran onto the floor and swept the debris off the floor quickly. The audience cheered and roared with applause as they swept the last few pieces off.

Following Melanesia was China. Dressed in red robes with long flowy sleeves, the dancers took the floor and performed a traditional dance with arm movements highlighting their costumes. Next, one female took center stage continuing with a Chinese traditional sleeve ribbon dance, spinning and twirling around the floor. The club finished with a contemporary piece telling a love story.

The cleaning crew ran onto the floor again. This time, they got the spotlight and the crowd went wild cheering for them.

The Thailand Club then entered the stage.

It began with a traditional northern Thai dance called the fon lep, where dancers wear long fingernails that elaborated their finger movements to add artistic style to the dance. The men then took the floor and performed a muay Thai-style dance. Dancers fought to a fast tempo drum beat.

After Thailand, another intermission took place where the emcees called for three mar-

ried couples to come to the floor to play a version of “The Newlywed Game.” Five questions were asked, ranging from who is the cleanest in the relationship, what show would you binge watch together, and who has the most shoes.

The prize for this game was two dinners to L&L Barbecue.

Following intermission was Tahiti. Live music was performed as the group entered the floor with the first group of women performing a classic dance. The men, dressed in black lava lavas adorned with grass head and leg bands, joined in. Closing its performance, the men performed a Marquesan bird dance and a male haka. During the bird dance, there was a female soloist spotlighted.

Up next was Latin America. The first group took the stage with men in white buttonups and black shorts and the women with white tops and flowing red skirts. Pop music played and club members danced. Following that number, a second group came to stage to perform to music from the movie “Coco.” Keanu Dellona dressed up as Coco with a guitar and danced around while three couples danced in the background. The rest of the club then took the floor with partners and danced to more Latino pop songs. At the close of it performance, flags of the Latin American countries were brought out and the group gathered together in the center of the floor.

The Philippines Club then came on stage.

Students were dressed in different styles of costumes representing four different festivals and cultures of the Philippines. Beginning was a group dressed as local tribesmen wielding a

shields and spears. Then women in red dresses and gold jewelry took the floor with men wearing gold vests brandishing golden swords. The next group of women came onto the floor with flower props. The last group, dressed in bright neon colors with masks attached to the back of their heads allowed them to dance themselves and use the masks as another person. The groups faded in and out of each other before ultimately coming together at the end.

The Singapore and Malaysia Club followed them. As the club members entered the stage, a soothing melody was played on traditional instruments. The dance highlighted a male soloist, dancing in a circle with nine women until they filed out leaving him alone with just one other dancer. The group representing Malaysia then flooded the floor wearing a rainbow variety of colors and performed Bollywood-style dances.

Another brief intermission was taken, this time recognizing the hard work of those who work behind the scenes to put Culture Night together. Recognition was also given to Elvin Laceda, student founder of RiceUp, who won this year’s Enactus award.

Following the intermission, Mongolia performed. The club began with a hip-hop number. Then switching to a more traditional dance, women dressed in red and green dresses took the floor and finished off the group’s performance.

Fiji came next with a performance that told the story of a fisherman falling in love with the chief’s daughter, who was set to marry someone else. After she runs away, the chief

finds his daughter and sees she is truly in love and lets the couple stay together. They are married and the accompanying dance celebrates the joy felt among the performers.

Korea then took the floor beginning with a traditional drum performance with buks, janggus, and other drums. A second group of the performance then came to the floor, all women wearing red and pink dresses performed a buchaechum, a traditional Korean fan dance. The dancers synchronized their movements to create pictures and waves. Closing their performance, the women pulled out new fans of red and blue and created a circle in the middle while others on the outside held up flags of black to create the Korean flag.

The finale for Culture Night 2018 was Tonga. Before its presentation began, the Tongan Club president thanked everyone for being there and through tears expressed his desire that everyone would respect the hard work and dedication that the students had prepared to show that night and asked audience members to not come down on the floor. The men started the presentation dressed in white shirts and red lava lavas topped with grass skirt. They began with a war dance using spears later in performance. Afterwards, the women came on and performed a dance and the men joined in later. As one of the largest groups, the floor was crowded with people and there was almost no open space.

After Tonga’s performance, a member of the club concluded with a prayer and Culture Night came to a close. •

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The Honorable

Urashima Taro First-ever Japanese play featured Japanese cast members who shared their culture and language through the beloved children’s story

BY COU RTN EY B OW

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YU-Hawaii Music and Theatre Department presented the Japanese children’s play, “The Honorable Urashima Taro” that showcased the Japanese culture for the first time on BYUH stage.

The play was on Nov. 9 and one of the cast members, Rachel Haruka Van Vleet, a freshman from California studying communications, said they tried to make it “as authentic as possible.”

She said, “We have lots of Japanese cast members...and some of our lines were translated into Japanese to add more authenticity

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too, which was a lot of fun.”

Director Kristl Densley explained in her director’s note that she had a two-fold mission to produce a play for children and families, and include members of the BYUH student body that hadn’t had their culture represented on the university’s stage before.

“Urashima Taro is a well-known story in Japan,” said Densley. “Children grow up learning the story of Urashima Taro. In choosing this story it has provided us with a wonderful opportunity for our students to perform for the families and children in our community.

The Japanese students in our production shared their culture and language with us as we adapted this beloved story for our BYUH stage.”

Densley said, “The majority of our cast is of Japanese descent. It has been wonderful watching them share their experiences. They have helped some students discover their heritage that they have little knowledge of and kept me in line as I attempted to make choices that ‘wouldn’t happen in Japan.’ What a delightful way to learn.”

Van Vleet said she’s half Japanese and grew up in a mixed culture home. “I knew a lot to begin with, but I also learned a lot with this play being with Japanese students.”

Densley said she drew inspiration from Japanese theatrical movement practitioner Tadshi Suzuki. The cast spent hours using Japanese movement styles to create the world of the play.

“He crafted a series of walks and marches that require full physical commitment,” Densley said. “While training in this style, you are able to find freedom within the rigidity of the movement form. We used elements of this training as inspiration during rehearsal, utilizing many of them in the final product.You will notice many things pulled from Karate.”

Audience member Ping Liu, a senior from China studying TESOL, said she found inspiration in the message behind “The Honorable Urashima Taro.” She said she appreciated the culture represented in the production and was able to draw connections to the gospel.

“In China and Japan, the music is very similar and so I liked how the music in the play was very Asian style,” Liu said.

“I liked it a lot. I felt like they were really able to bring the audience into the culture to make them feel like they’re in Japan. It also makes me think about the gospel and our purpose here on earth. The end is a very meaningful part for us. It’s the highlight.”

Mari Kojima, a freshman from Japan studying intercultural peacebuilding, played the role of Michiko in the play. She said, “I used to be in a drama club back in Japan, so I was very excited about doing a play again.

“When I was a little girl back in Japan I used to think Japan was a nerd country. I didn’t know why, but I just felt like it was not cool to be Japanese. But now, I think my culture is super cool!”

Kojima said the play reminded her of her home country of Japan and the customs and traditions she grew up with. While diving into

Japanese culture came easy, she said the hardest part of the performance was reciting it all in English.

“Acting in Japanese and English aren’t the same. The hard part of acting in English was that I had to say all of the English words to my scene partners as my ‘true words.’ The rehearsals ... helped me digest all of the English words in my mind.”

Sam Tobon, a freshman from Colombia studying peacebuilding, said the cast members began running through the play right after they received their roles, of which he played the turtle.

“At first I thought of Master Oogway from the movie “Kung Fu Panda” as my inspiration and looked at some of his scenes, but they didn’t really fit. So I felt it was better if I just worked around as an assistant to the princess.

“I also watched a lot of sea turtle videos, like how they swam underwater, how they walked on land, how they moved their feet and even how they angled their head.”

Tobon said one thing that set this play apart from others was the implementation of marching by cast members in the play. “There are several scenes where repetitive music was played that had a very clear beat. Professor

Densley taught us marching styles that she had learned herself.”

He said the marching was evident in the scene where the soldiers were going to fight to see the scorpion.

Tobon also said there was “an air of familiarity” for the play for most of the cast when they practiced and performed their roles, which helped take out some stress.

“Sometimes during practice breaks we would play songs that everyone knew and we just had a good time. We had an amazing team to work with. Everybody was fully committed to doing their best and putting up a good show.

That’s what made it special and something to look forward to every day.” •

“In choosing this story it has provided us with a wonderful opportunity for our students to perform for the families and children in our community.”

Kristl Densley

The majority of the cast were of Japanese descent and were able to discover their heritage, according to Director Kristl Densley.

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community

in this section Members of the community receive confirmation of President Nelson’s prophetic calling and Elder Holland talks of loneliness

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Aiea native finishes first in front of second-place competitor from Japan in 26th Annual world fireknife competition at PCC

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Community buys out Laie Palms Cinemas to honor Keala Settle

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President and Sister Nelson are photographed as they end their world tour in Laie. Photo by Wesley Ng

President Nelson’s

Global Tour ends in Laie, Hawaii Members of the community receive confirmation of President Nelson’s prophetic calling and Elder Holland talks of loneliness B Y DAN I CASTRO

Members lined up hours before the event. Photo by Monique Saenz 60

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Laie Hawaii North Stake Youth Choir sings. Photo by Wesley Ng

Attendees stand for the prophet in the CAC. Photo by Wesley Ng

Sister and President Nelson greeting keikis. Photo by Monique Saenz

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resident Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke about the importance of temples at a fireside in the Cannon Activities Center in Laie on April 22 at the conclusion of a trip around the world.

“Our message to you tonight is the same as the message we’ve given to others, that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that this is His Church restored in its fullness,” said President Nelson. “Really everything we’ve done in these last few days together circling the globe could be summed up in two words—the temple.

“In Jerusalem we talked about the temple Jesus loved. And in several cities, we talked about the temple that is going to come to their place, and here in the shadows of the temple in Hawaii, we talked about temples again.”

Preparing to leave on his mission soon, Landon Hullinger, a freshman from Utah studying business, said testimony was increased by the opportunity to hear the prophet’s own testimony about Christ, and temples, and everything he does. Hullinger said, “I don’t think I’ll ever forget how the prophet emphasized the

Elder Holland accompanied President Nelson. Photo by Wesley Ng Continued on Page 62

importance of temples. How everywhere on his journey, he went to different temples and places where there will be temples in the future. I’m excited for the other temples around the world. Just hearing the prophet talk was just a great testimony builder.”

The fireside was streamed to all LDS meeting houses in Hawaii and was the last stop of the global tour that started in Jerusalem, and continued on to England, Africa, India, Thailand, and China. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also went on the world tour and was at the fireside in Laie.

They were accompanied by their wives, Sister Wendy Nelson and Sister Patricia Holland, and several other general authorities such as Relief Society General President Sister Jean B. Bingham, accompanied by her husband Bruce Bingham, President and Sister Bekker of the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, President and Sister Kealoha of the Laie Hawaii Temple, President and Sister Okura of the Kona Hawaii Temple, President and Sister Tanner of BYUHawaii, and conducting the fireside was Elder Aley K. Auna Jr. of the Seventy accompanied by

his wife, Danelle Auna, sitting in the stand.

The fireside began with the Laie Hawaii North Stake Youth Choir singing “I Know that My Savior Loves Me.” Moved by the music, Sister Patricia Holland said, “My beautiful children, we do know the Savior loves you. Thank you, for helping us feel and know that the Savior loves us as well... We all love the Savior.

It’s hard for us to communicate all the feelings of our heart, but these children did it for us tonight. I’m so grateful for the way they sung this song… We loved it and it was the most lifting thing we could listen to before we go home.”

Elder Holland described his experience on the global tour, “As we come to the close of something that will never come again, we want you to know how grateful we are and that we count our blessings and do not take them for granted. We’ve met multitudes. We have met as many people as can get into venues… We got the biggest venue possible in those cities and filled them, and still there were people who didn’t get the chance to participate. We have been wonderfully, lovingly overwhelmed with numbers.

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Continued from Page 61

Elder Holland continued, “I bear witness of President Nelson’s foreordination, literally, foreordained however many thousands of thousands of years that was ago, before the foundations of the earth, to be the prophet of the earth this hour of the last dispensation, and Sister Nelson was, equally, fore designated, prepared, set apart, in the sense identified to be by the prophet’s side at this time.”

According to Mormon Newsroom, Hawaii is home to more than 74,000 Mormons who are part of 141 congregations. The first converts were baptized in Hawaii in 1851.

This was only the second church gathering that Anela Apo, an investigator from Kailua, had attended besides her regular church meetings. She said, “I just love everyone’s energy here. It was so positive, and seeing the prophet in person, and this being only my second church gathering ever, I felt like this was a huge honor to be here.

“I’ve never listened to them before. All my friends who are part of the church and the missionaries have spoken to me about what it’s like, but it’s nothing like hearing it yourself. It definitely has grown my testimony.”

Kieiki Pouha, a local from Kahuku, said the experience was “hard to describe. I received 62

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President and Sister Nelson seated on the stand. Photo by Monique Saenz

a personal confirmation that President Nelson is a prophet of God, that he was foreordained, and he was sent here to share with us God’s love, and the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, specifically here on the islands.”

Members of the audience, such as Elder Grant Johnson, a missionary from Idaho, gained answers to their personal prayers. He said, “Since the death of President Monson, I’ve been praying a lot for a stronger testimony of President Nelson’s divine calling. I received an answer to that prayer tonight. Gain a testimony for yourself. Keep growing.”

Tuione Longolongo, a Laie local, said, “You know, it’s so amazing how we can feel his love and dedication to this work that is being called to be a prophet of God. It’s amazing to feel that and to witness his spirit. It is overwhelming to sit in front of him and see him in person and feel the love he has for the Savior.”

Sister Holland said she thought it was fitting how the tour ended in Laie because of the spirit that exists here. She shared, “It’s because of your faith, because of the faith that has always existed among the people of the islands of the sea. It’s perfect faith because of the love and aloha, all of the titles of love and greetings they want to give their brothers and sisters.

“I truly believe the Savior is here tonight.

He is with our dear prophet, and he certainly is with these beautiful, innocent, sweet children.

“The Savior loved the meek and lowly of heart… When we join this church, and covenant with our Father in Heaven that we will follow Jesus Christ, we are going to have many opportunities to acquire that virtue. We’ll have sorrow and have sadness and sickness, but we’ll have joy and gladness and warmth and peace because we’ll know the Savior’s with us.”

Longolongo said he was amazed by the President Nelson’s ability to do so much. He said, “For a 93 year old to do such things, to fly around the world in short periods of time, it’s amazing. He’s a truly chosen one of God.”

Ever since President Nelson became prophet, his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, describes the change she sees in him. She said, “I can only tell you at age 93 and a half, my husband is becoming more and more of his true self every day, and why wouldn’t he be?

He is now doing what he was foreordained to do. I can take any witness, stand in any nation on earth and testify I know President Russell Marion Nelson has been called by God to be the living prophet of the Lord on the earth today.

President Nelson waves to the thousands in attendance upon his arrival. Photo by Monique Saenz

“Many days, after the end of a rigorous day, for him, of meetings and decisions at headquarters, the man I greet at the end of the day is just a little different from the man I kissed goodbye in the morning. I can’t really articulate what those differences are. During this world tour, I have seen him change, right at this pulpit, become more clear in professing certain doctrine, to using phrases I’ve never heard him use in 12 years. I’ve seen him ever look younger right at the pulpit, on the spot, when delivering the message.”

Warren Wilson describes his experience of hearing Sister Nelson testify of her husband.

He said, “The most amazing thing to me was to hear the prophet’s wife testify of the mantle of prophet on him and to hear the experiences from that solidified for me that if she believes he is a prophet, then I believe he is a prophet.

My teenage son announced to me he sat through an hour and a half of church without falling asleep or going on his phone, so to me is a testament of the power that happened in that room.”

As President Nelson spoke with his cheerful demeanor, he caused laughter to erupt from the audience. Rebekah Ollis, a freshman from Hawaii studying intercultural peacebuilding,

said, “President Nelson’s talk was really funny.

Joke after joke. That’s what I remember the most. President Nelson is a prophet of God. He is truly ordained to be the prophet at this time, and he is here to carry forth the work of the Lord in a way that no one else can.”

Elder Holland counseled the congregation of Saints, “Sometimes, at moments in our lives, we may feel terribly, terribly very much alone.”

He said for whatever reason people may feel they are walking a path alone, they aren’t alone.

“I want to testify of the Lord, Jesus Christ’s ministry to you, when you are alone.

When you are, as it were, the only one, maybe the only one in your family, maybe the only one in your dorm, maybe the only one at work, maybe the only one at school, or wherever, or in your heart, some loneliness of spirit, I want you to know the Savior understands that and reached out and followed a course that took him not only to you, but especially to you.”

Ollis said she really enjoyed what Elder Holland said. She shared her own thoughts.

“Even Christ was never alone, he just had to experience loneliness so he could truly experience everything we will experience in this life.

Heavenly Father is literally just waiting there for us to talk to him. I really did love that.”

President Nelson remarked, “I’m a father.

I’m a father of 10 children, and I know what it is like to have your children say, ‘Good morning,’ and ‘Good Evening.’” I know how dreadful it is when they forget… How our loving Heavenly Father wants that brief word of communication, good morning, good night, thanks for helping me, thanks for blessing me, thanks for helping me through my travails.’”

Apo said her favorite comment was “what President Nelson said about a child saying good morning or good night to their parents, and how that means a lot to them showing that appreciation and acknowledgement. It was so simple and easy to do, but so important.”

Longolongo said he couldn’t stop watching. The experience was too special to miss.

He said, “You don’t know what it means to me. It’s something I’m going to treasure. To be here within a couple weeks from conference, addressing and counseling us and pronouncing a blessing upon us, especially here in Hawaii in the city of Laie, it’s a wonderful time to be a part of this great work.” •

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Heating up the competition Aiea native finishes first in front of second-place competitor from Japan in 26th Annual world fireknife competition at PCC B Y A NTO NIET T E YE E 64

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Fireknife performers compete over three days during the annual world competition at the PCC in May. Photos by Wesley Ng

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Continued from Page 65

T

There were a total of 19 fireknife dancers in the senior division, with only six advancing to the semi-finals. Photos by Wesley Ng

he 26th Annual World Fireknife Competition lasted three days and ran from May 10 to 12. The first night took place in Hale Aloha at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The event was opened by Samoan chiefly speeches.

The 2018 World Fireknife Champion, Hale Motuapuaka, from Aiea, Hawaii, outperformed competitors Matsushima Yuya from Japan who came in second and former champion Joseph Cadousteau, from Tahiti, who placed third in the final round of the competition.

In the PCC press release, Steve Laulu, director of the islands for the Polynesian Cultural Center, said, “We are extremely thankful for the outpouring support from communities around the world to celebrate the World Fireknife Championship.”

From 19 participants in the senior division, only six competitors from Hawaii, Tahiti and Japan advanced to the semi-finals.

Laulu said, “This is the first time a competitor

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from Japan has earned a spot in the semi-finals, which is a testament to the growing interest and practice of the fireknife culture and traditions internationally.”

The competitors wore traditional Samoan lavalavas and were accompanied by eight Polynesian drummers. According to the PCC press release, “Their routines had them spinning one, two, and for some, three flaming fireknives above their head, behind their back, between their legs, and tossing them high overhead. Each junior division competitor showed bravery far beyond their years by sliding the burning fireknives around their torso, grabbing the flaming ends with their bare hands, and some placing them on their mouths.”

The executive vice president of the Polynesian Cultural Center, Eric Workman, said of the competition, “Year after year we are wowed by the caliber of competition and it’s a credit to the thousands of hours they put into refining their craft and preparing for this championship.”

Motuapuaka said, “Being the 2018 World Fireknife Champion has been a dream, and I’m thankful for all of the support from my family, friends and coaches throughout my fireknife dancing career. I am blessed to have come so far.” Motuapuaka said he started fireknife dancing at 3 years old and began competing as an exhibitor at the PCC’s World Fireknife Championships at 4 years old.

“As a junior and intermediate competitor, I remember watching the World Fireknife Championship competition and being in awe of the competitors’ skills,” said Motuapuaka.

Nora Kaio, wife of one of the judges from Utah, said she’s attended the World Fireknife Competition for 15 years now. “The ones they choose are the ones I have chosen myself too.

I’m impressed because they all improved their skills.”

Workman said, “We thank all the competitors for how they are elevating public awareness about the artistry of this Samoan cultural tradition.” •

The 2018 World Fireknife Champion, Hale Motuapuaka, took home $7,50 0 as he spun his way to the top. Photos by Wesley Ng FALL 2018

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A Laie local sings in ‘The Greatest Showman’ Community buys out Laie Palms Cinemas to honor Keala Settle B Y JE SSI CA L E O N

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Above left: Keala Settle, aka the Bearded Lady, above right, who grew up in Laie and is in “The Greatest Showman,” is pictured at the 17th Annual Movies for Grownups Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Monday, Feb. 5 in Beverly Hills, Calif. Photos by AP and the Greatest Showman Facebook page

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amily, friends, and classmates of Broadway star Keala Settle, who played Lettie Lutzon aka the Bearded Lady in “The Greatest Showman,” honored her major film role by renting out both movie screens at Laie Palms Cinemas for an exclusive screening on Jan. 9.

Laie local Kaniela Kalama, a good friend of Settle, came up with the idea of the event and even dressed up as Hugh Jackman’s character P.T. Barnum. He said, “She grew up in Laie and we love her.” He explained the purpose of buying out the theater screens was to allow people to sing, dance, and be loud while watching the movie.

Kalama said almost everyone who attended the event had already watched the movie multiple times. “These guys know the dance moves from all the songs. We want to sing and dance, so we reserved the whole theater to do that and not get in anybody’s way and make anyone mad,” he said with a big smile and some laughter.

TH E E VE N T

As soon as the movie started, the audience sang and clapped in unison. There were people dancing in the aisle and in front of the screen.

From adults to kids, everyone sang the songs and performed the dance moves.

Kira Tai Hook, a 10-year-old in the audience, said she loves the movie and it was her third time watching it. She said she listens to the music every single day.

Tai Hook sang all the songs during the entire movie. She said, “My favorite part was when they were singing ‘Rewrite the Stars.’” Her favorite characters are Settle’s and Zendaya’s.

Alicen Nielsen, co-owner of the Laie Palms Cinemas Theater, said, “We love doing this whenever we get a new movie. This is fun.

This theater is the place where the community meets, enjoys a great movie and a have great time.”

SETTLE ’S L E GACY

Kalama shared how Keala Settle was a big motive for him to start singing. “I liked singing, but I wasn’t a good singer, and she made me sing with her in our senior talent show. She

used to yell at me that I wouldn’t sing loud enough.”

He said Settle gave him the confidence to start singing. “Now, I love singing. She was the one who pushed me.” From there, Kalama said he kept singing and was part of a church group called Musical Truth with Settle.

Kalani Shelford, another good friend of Settle who helped set up the event, dressed up as Settle’s character. She said this was the second time they rented the entire movie theater. Shelford said, “We started at Ko’olau Theaters, then we heard that the movie was coming to Laie. So we wanted to go ahead and support her again. We are just so proud of her and what she’s done.”

Shelford said everyone who attended the event were somehow close to Settle and acknowledged her success. “We knew her since she was a little girl. To see her progress and where she is now feels like a great achievement and accomplishment not just for her, but also for her family.”

Shelford said the Settle family are all great singers and shared how Settle’s dad was one of Keala’s greatest supporter.

Jolene Kanahele, an administrative assistant in BYUH’s Education Department, also helped make the movie event happen.

She shared her earliest memories with Keala.

“The first time I saw her sing was when I got back from my mission in 1988 at a PCC Talent Show.”

Settle, then a junior in high school, sang a Whitney Houston song. Kanahele said ever since that moment, Settle continued on singing and her talent even took her to Broadway.

Kanahele said, “Any show she’s in, no matter what part she plays, she steals the show.

That’s just who she is. She doesn’t mean to. She does it naturally.”

Serena Tuliloa, who wore a pink wig and dressed up as Zendaya’s character Anne Wheeler, went to Kahuku High School with Settle. She aid they were both part of the BYUH Showcase, a musical group in the ‘90s.

Tuliloa said, “I was really lucky and fortunate to be around such talented people like her. It’s neat to see someone from our hometown succeed in her dreams with such passion she has for music and singing. I think it’s

so important for our youth and our kids to see that they can succeed and follow the same steps as her.”

Tuliloa described the film as inspiring. She said, “It has such great messages for families and the youth. … I’m excited to be here with family and friends and to recognize Keala and her big success, and celebrate the concept of loving and accepting everyone.

“She brings the character to life. She brings the song to life. I don’t know if anyone could have done it as she did,” Tuliloa continued.

In the movie, Settle sings “This is Me,” which won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Tuliloa said, “Everyone can relate to that song somehow because we all want to belong and be accepted. I love the message and hope that we can care for each other and accept our differences. It’s okay to be different.”

Clint Mariteragi, a member of the community and bishop of the Hale La’a YSA ward, shared, “I do remember her from high school. She is older than me, and she used to sing all the time.”

In regards to the movie, Mariteragi added, “I thought the movie was good.” He explained how in today’s society it is very rare to watch a movie in which “we don’t really cringe at anything. It was just a really good family oriented movie.”

He said it was such an exceptional experience to see someone who had grown up in Laie to be in the big screen. “It was a trip.

We were all excited. … Congratulations to Keala on a job well done and ... [representing] not only herself, but also her family and community.”

More words of encouragement were shared by Settle’s friends. Shelford said, “We only wish her the best and I know it’s just a start, and it’s going to continue to grow.”

Kanahele shared, “She worked her way up.

She worked hard, so we are very proud of her.”

Tuliloa said, “We are so excited to celebrate her success and her Golden Globe award on ‘This is Me.’”

Kalama added, “We love Keala. We are so proud of her and we are hoping that she’ll come and visit us one of these days.” •

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feature

in this section Accounting alumnus motivated by wife and son to succeed in education

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Hong’s book illustrates how teachers can help failures drive students forward

90

Previous diesel mechanic converts organic waste into renewable gas

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Non-members get introduced to Mormonism attends BYUH

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Dr. Martins’ talk about race and having faith during trials

92

First sister missionary from Myanmar shares her life story

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Deborah Pui-Yan Kwok shares tips to be succesful and happy

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BYUH student makes his dream come true of having a food truck

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Five BYU-Hawaii students from Africa share their stories of where they come from

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Beard urges people to become advocates like those who did it for him

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Line Kruse publishes a book on indigenous Samoan land rights

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Law school graduate and politician says blessing come from living the Code

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Enactus group wins National Championship

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Graduating biology major wants to do research and save the world

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Graduating with family & faith Accounting major chosen as commencement speaker, motivated by wife and son to succeed in education

BY AN TO N I E TTE YE E

Jared Lucenta said his family motivated him to succeed in his studies.

Photo by Chantal Hopper

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“We should not forget to ask help from the Lord to accomplish great things,” said Filipino student Jared Lucenta, who was chosen as graduation speaker for the Spring 2017 Commencement. He said he will base his graduation speech on President Thomas Monson’s quote, “Our future is as bright as our faith.”

Lucenta shared the most important aspect of his university life is his family. He started as a single student and said his school work was good. But when he got married and had a son, he was more inspired to study. “My family made my studies more joyful, and I became more motivated to do better in school. I was not only thinking about myself; I put my family on top of my priority list.”

Lucenta said he could not believe he was chosen to speak because he is a quiet person and is not good at public speaking. He is honored and grateful to be given the chance to speak in behalf of the graduating students, he added.

“I received an email asking me to meet with the Vice President of Academics, Dr. John D. Bell,” said Lucenta. He said he thought it was a survey for graduating students. “When I told 74

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my wife about it, she got scared and asked me if I did something wrong. It felt like I was called to the principal’s office,” he said while laughing.

Rebecah Lucenta, Jared’s wife and a senior studying social work from the Philippines, said she is very proud of her husband.

“He deserves it,” she said. “Jared really worked hard for this, and he is very good in balancing his time with his family and studies.”

“I feel jealous because I am not graduating yet,” Rebecah said while laughing. “Jared is a very humble person to the point that we can’t believe he is the graduation speaker.”

Jared explained small classes made his studies easier and fun. “Accounting is hard, but through the personal relationship built with my teachers, it helped me forget about all the stress in class.”

Lucenta shared the advice he learned from an alumnus to study two weeks in advance for each class. He said, “Studying in advance has helped me participate in class discussions. I also create a questionnaire based on the book and my notes to test myself.

“I also sacrificed most of my Saturdays to study, but I regret it because I missed some

activities. Since it is my last semester, I am making the most out of my time here to explore Oahu more.”

Rebecah said her husband is very into studying, unlike her. “He inspires me and always reminds me to do my best.”

Lucenta explained how he surpassed one struggle as a college student and a father. “My wife had postpartum depression. Our baby experienced seizures and we thought he was going to die,” he said.

“We went to three emergency rooms. A Mormon ad came to my mind that says: “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come unto you.” Through faith and constant prayer, he said his son is now in good condition.

Rebecah shared her husband’s advice to her every time they encounter trials: “He would always say to have faith, just do your best, and God will do the rest.” She added, “Being married to him is a blessing because I learned a lot.

“Our experience here is very meaningful in so many ways. We learned a lot from our hardships, but we always believed that at the end of the rain is a rainbow,” added Rebecah.

“We had a hard time financially. Jared would

Left: Jared Lucenta is graduating summa cum laude; Right: The Lucenta family will be staying around as Jared does an intership with the Institutional Research Department. Photos by Chantal Hopper

always remind me about the miracle of tithing.

It always works.”

Adreil Maguale, a freshman from the Philippines majoring in business management, said Lucenta was already a consistent honor student in the Philippines before he even came to BYUH. “I am not surprised that he is graduating summa cum laude because I already expected he would be able to reach it,” he said. “Since he has a family, I was just a little worried because I know it is hard to balance it with school. I am happy he is graduating with honors.”

Lucenta was Maguale’s youth leader, and both went on the same mission according to Maguale. “He is favored of the Lord. I look up to him so much, and I even call him prophet because he is so righteous,” Maguale added.

Maguale said Lucenta made a huge impact in his life. He said, “He was my inspiration on my mission. Even though he was a consistent honor student, he was willing to cut all the benefits from school to go on a mission. There was a point in my life when I wanted to finish my studies first, but Jared inspired me to go on a mission.”

“He also inspired me to go to BYUH.”

Maguale said. “When I was on my mission, I heard he was going to BYUH. I was inspired to go and took the Michigan test on my mission.

Now I am here.”

Maguale shared he once went to Lucenta’s house in the Philippines and saw a board filled with goals that had a specific year to finish a mission, go to BYUH, and get married. He said, “I even asked his mom how did they raise Jared to become who he is now.

“When we were in youth, Jared was a bully, but he had a mighty change of heart. His mom told me that Jared would lock himself in his room and read the scriptures. He also inspired me to read the scriptures everyday.”

Being able to graduate from BYUH is a dream come true, said Lucenta. “I am grateful to all the people who donated and made IWORK available. Given the financial circumstance we have back home, I was able to come attend here.”

Lucenta said, “I am very happy to be part of this great university and meet international people who are willing to help. Professors were always there to help willingly. Even though a class is hard, they make it simple and fun for

students.

“The education offered here in BYUH is not only academic. It is all about everything. I get to balance both secular and spiritual aspects in life.”

Lucenta gave a smile when he said, “You cannot just pray and chill.You have to do your part to attain your goals.

“I am graduating with my family. Throughout my whole BYUH experience, I felt the Lord’s help. The Lord poured so many blessings to us, especially to our son.”

After graduation, Lucenta is going to do his academic training with the Institutional Research Department on campus. He said he recently received an email about the position and was not expecting it. “I was looking for accounting positions, but they emailed me without my knowledge about it,” he added.

Lucenta garnered academic acclaim by graduating Summa Cum Laude, becoming SAP certified, and being a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society while studying accounting. •

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From left to right: Ayusha Bajyoo and Diskshyanta Lama, both non-members from Nepal, say the atmosphere at their high school in Utah led them to further their education at BYUH. Photo by Olivia Tsan 76

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Leaving

Nepal

to return and serve others Non-members get introduced to Mormonism at Utah private school and decide to pursue higher education at BYUH B Y GO SU K E KAWAN O

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yusha Bajyoo and Diskshyanta Lama were both born in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The life journeys led them to attend BYU-Hawaii for Fall Semester.

Both Bajyoo and Lama, undecided majors, said both of their fathers’ dreams of providing them with quality education in the United States has been the enabling power in getting their high school education and attending BYUH.

They said when their fathers first went to the United States, they envisioned their children would come get an education. They hoped to provide their children with a good education in order to serve people in Nepal.

After completing tenth grade, they moved to Utah, where their fathers had made connections beforehand. Both of them said they had no idea about Mormons before coming to the United States, even though they knew about Christianity.

Lama said they had no idea if there were any Mormons in Nepal until they moved to Utah and saw some parts of Nepal from the movie “Meet the Mormons.”

The Nepalese students said they could not go to public school because going to public

school would only entitle them to a one-year visa, so they chose to go to American Heritage High School, which turned out to be a Mormon private school.

Two or three days after starting school, they went to one family’s house. There they faced Mormon culture shock.

They said they remembered the host dad drawing, what they described to be a “long description” about Heavenly Father and the Plan of Salvation.

Lama said, “We didn’t know the school we were going to would use the gospel in everything and how much the gospel would be tied into academic and everything in our life in Utah.”

Bajyoo said, “After joining the high school, we found out why we needed to study those things that the host dad explained to us.

The first thing we had to read in our first class was the Living Christ.”

They admit they were shy for the first time because of the culture differences and also the sense of isolation they felt since they were not Mormon.

They said they were encouraged to go to church and they did a few times, but for the

first year it was difficult to adjust to the Utah culture. Lama said, “We were not used to [going] to church. We didn’t make much friends that first year because everyone was a Mormon and we felt like everyone hangs out with Mormons.”

After the second year when they came back from Nepal, they started living in different homes separately, which exposed them to life in Utah more than before.

They started going to church out of respect for their host families. Both Bajyoo and Lama even attended the church in Nepal when they went back home.

Lama said the aspect she likes about Mormonism is the emphasis they put on the family.

She also said most of their generations are not religious in Nepal. She said they rarely talk about religion and she likes the LDS teachings of being honest and becoming a better person.

Bajyoo said she liked family home evening and how it helps the family to have a stronger connection.

Bajyoo said she felt kindness from people in Utah. However, she thought there were some days when some Mormons seemed dis-

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appointed in her when she didn’t go to church.

Lama added, “Even though there isn’t a direct pressure, there were some days when I felt pressured and kind of left out.”

People in Utah told Lama and Bajyoo about BYUH. They said it is a good school because it is international and Mormon.

Bajyoo said since they do not have any support from their parents, she thought going to BYUH would be the best choice because of the scholarship, which reduces tuition.

Lama said starting off with a small college similar to their small high school would be a good choice.

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Diskshyanta Lama says she loves the emphasis the LDS Church places on family. Photo by Olivia Tsan

Bajyoo said she’d like to get a quality education, make good connections, and go back and serve her community and country.

The two friends said they hope to make new connections with other students and even try out new activities around the island.

Besides the friendliness she notices from people in Hawaii, Bajyoo said she likes the beach, mountains, and culture. “I don’t think I will try surfing at all,” she said with a laugh.

They said they cannot swim, but they are hikers. Lama said she enjoys hiking, even though she said she feels she is not good at it.

The climate along with the presence of chickens wandering around Laie is similar to

Nepal, they said, making them feel at home even though they are far away from their homeland.

One of the biggest things the two students said they miss about Nepal is that there are lots of hills and mountains. Bajyoo said, “People always think Mount Everest is in our backyard or something, but it’s not. It’s far away!”

Due to their experience of attending a private school in Utah and learning so much from being surrounded by the Mormon culture, they hope to gain the same experience at BYUH.

Lama said, “That’s why we came here.”

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Senior Feature

Deborah Pui-Yan Kwok says getting up early, planning ahead, honoring the Sabbath Day and making time to build relationships, helped her be successful and happy B Y H E L AM L AU 80

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Deborah Pui-Yan Kwok and her husband, Mike Cheng, graduated together and say they will take with them their memories of Hawaii. Photo by Alvin Dy

H

ong Kong student Deborah Pui-Yan Kwok recently graduated

Starting each day off early helped Kwok get everything done as with her husband, Mike Cheng, after Winter Semester. Kwok, a double major, a 19-hour part-time worker, and a loving girlfriend. a double-major in psychology and finance, said she graduated “When I was still dating my husband, I woke up early at around 4 a.m. with a 3.98 GPA and a total of 162 credits. According to Kwok, 120 to prepare all the meals of the day for both of us, and then I started my credits are the minimum requirement for graduating. study.”

Kwok originally thought about transferring to BYU in Provo dur She also shared how planning ahead on what has to be done for speing her first semester at BYU-Hawaii. She said, “I ended up staying here cific times and having the determination to stick with the schedule were mostly because I met my husband during my first semester.” She said she her ways of being productive. now loves Hawaii.

Kwok said ever since high school she was committed to not study

She shared how the best part of Hawaii is the relationships she deon the Sabbath Day. “I’d rather go to sleep early on Sunday and wake up veloped with other people. She gave her workplace as an example. “You early, like at 3 a.m. on Monday. Heavenly Father helped me stay focused go to work not just for finishing up the work.” She said while she worked, and I spent less time to finish my work.” she was also developing relationships with others.

She said her biggest achievements while attending BYUH were get “People here know how to truly enjoy life. That is something Hong ting married and being able to figure out her ultimate career goal from Kong people lack.” She said she noticed how people in Hawaii are more taking one of the psychology classes. Eventually, she wants to become a likely to take time to get to know and talk with colleagues. “They had parenting counselor. parties. They know how to entertain themselves, but they still get things

Concluding her time spent in Hawaii, she said she feels like she has done.” made the most out of it. “I have been to many places in Hawaii. I have

With the extra 20 credits that are non-major related, Kwok said great friendships.” she took different classes in order to explore what she liked such as:

Kwok’s sister, Zipporah Kwok, a sophomore from Hong Kong beginning Hula, Hawaiian cultural studies, ukulele, video marketing, majoring in graphic design, said regarding her sister, “I admire how she’s Spanish, calculus, and student development. She said, “I wanted to learn able to balance her work, school, family, and church calling and still do the Hawaiian culture before I leave, so I can share it when I am back in such a great job in all these aspects.

Hong Kong.”

“She has a full scholarship every semester. As an older sister, she

Kwok said she worked while in college to pay for her living exstill takes care of me during her busy life, likes to cook for me, reminds pense and maintained a high GPA in order to get a full scholarship. She me to eat, has me over for dinner with them, lets me stay with them was able to provide for herself and was able to maintain a good balance in when I have no place to stay, and takes the same classes with me.” • her life by taking good care of her family and the people around her. She shared what has helped her to achieve it.

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Representing Africa

Five BYU-Hawaii students from Africa share their stories of where they come from and where they’re going B Y CO U RTN E Y B O W

Graphic by Lynne Hardy 82

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REBECCA UDOH

HIBA ARKOH

Junior from Nigeria studying business management

Junior from Ghana studying hospitality and tourism management and information technology

HOW DID YOU FIND THE CHURCH?

WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE CHURCH?

“I joined the church when my uncle who was in Canada came back after getting his Ph.D. He came back to Nigeria and brought the Book of Mormon. I remember going to his house and seeing the Book of Mormon. He always encouraged us to look inside, but I never did.

I thought he belonged to a cult called Mormon. I remember that’s what interested me. I thought, ‘Yeah, you’re a cult member. I’m going to expose you.’ But when I opened the book, I learned that it talked about Jesus Christ just like the Bible. I learned that it wasn’t evil.

It was actually really good. I investigated the church for three years before I actually joined. When I joined, I was 15 or 16. When I was in high school, I used to be so rough, but the Book of Mormon and the missionaries helped me change.”

HOW DID YOU END UP COMING TO BYU-HAWAII?

“Well, I served my mission in another part of Nigeria. My parents joined the church while I was on my mission and so did my brothers and sisters. After my mission, my mission president sent me a message to see how I was doing and he sent me some applications to BYU. I applied, but I was rejected by BYU-Hawaii because they said Africa was not one of the target areas for the school. So I applied to Provo and went there. But then Robert Gay from the Seventy decided to sponsor me, and I went to Southern Virginia University and I graduated with my bachelor’s in biology. After my graduation, I wanted to keep studying. I went home to Nigeria for a break and then tried coming back to the United States, but I couldn’t because of my Visa.

So I had to stay home for two to three years. But then it worked out and I ended up here.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER GRADUATION?

“Well, back home I got a job in a hospital with my biology degree, but that’s not really what I want to do. I had a personal experience where I lost my best friend. That’s when I felt like if I couldn’t use my degree to help anyone, then it doesn’t mean anything. I thought business would be a good fit for me, so I’m trying to advance myself and combine this degree in business with my biology degree and do medical sales. I would love to own my own business one day.”

“Well, I’m not a member. Because I went to Moroni High School, I went to seminary and institute and I stayed in the dormitory, so I was just like a member. People called me a ‘dry’ member. In my last year of high school, I was elected student body president. I was really blessed to have that opportunity because it opened up a lot of doors for me. I go to church because I’ve been going for almost 10 years already.”

HOW DID YOU END UP COMING TO BYU-HAWAII?

“My family moved to Kiribati when I was 12. I went to Moroni High School (an LDS school) for like six years, and they give a scholarship to the top three students. I got the scholarship and that’s what brought me here.”

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BYU-HAWAII?

“The students are really friendly. Ever since high school, everyone is like too friendly. Everyone is like family.You get to know tons of people in the dormitory. So far all of my roommates are really good.

One of them is my co-worker. She’s trying to convert me, but I don’t know. She served her mission and she’s like, ‘Okay, so now we have to try and baptize you. I’ll teach you whatever you want to learn.’ She’s really nice. I also like the Honor Code. I like being in a place where there’s a standard.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER GRADUATION?

“When I’m finished I might go to school again. I’m trying to get degrees in a few things because I have a dream of helping people in Africa. Even right now we’re working on a project [with BYUH Enactus] where we [went] to the Congo in December. We [helped] women who have ideas but don’t have the resources, so we’re helping them with crowdfunding. If we can, we’ll get them the resources to help out. I’m planning on going to BYU Provo after graduation for another degree or master’s. I’m still deciding.”

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EPHREM SMITH

RUTH BEREHE

Sophomore from Ethiopia studying business management and HTM

Freshman from Ethiopia studying mathematics

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR YOU GROWING UP?

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR YOU GROWING UP?

“I was born in Ethiopia, and then I was raised in an orphanage with about 400-to-500 kids. I was very blessed to have been adopted into an American family. The first adoption failed because it wasn’t a healthy atmosphere, but then I was able to go to a foster home near Reno, Nevada. I lived in a foster home for about a year, and then this family invited me into their home with love and care. I was then adopted when I was about 17. I’m deeply grateful for my family.”

HOW DID YOU END UP COMING TO BYU-HAWAII?

“I went on my mission when I was 18 years old. Out of all the schools there was BYU-Idaho, BYU Provo and BYU-Hawaii, which were all options. I didn’t know a lot about BYU-Hawaii because it’s an island and I wanted to go to an island, but I was thinking about going to Saint Thomas (the Virgin Islands), … but BYU-Hawaii was an LDS school so I decided to go here. It wasn’t an easy journey because I had to meet their standard as a domestic student, so there was a higher expectation to get into school here. I went to Utah Valley University first to set up a blueprint to come here. Coming here wasn’t easy. I had to work.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER GRADUATION?

“Initially I was thinking I want to own my own restaurant, but right now I’m shifting over to wanting to manage resorts. I definitely need to work hard to get to that level. My vision is to help those individuals who feel hopeless especially in foster care or orphanages. I want to help in any way I can. That can be through donating through Boys & Girls Clubs, anyway I can help. I believe that everybody deserves to be happy and deserves to enjoy life.”

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“I was born in Ethiopia. I grew up there my whole life. Living in Ethiopia and living in the United States are very different. Here you do your own thing, but there it’s more with friends; like your friends are a big part of your life. It’s very different. Each house back home is connected. Sometimes I joke that there are no secrets between your neighbors because you can always hear them. There are a lot of languages in Ethiopia. The main language is Amharic and we speak that in my family.”

HOW DID YOU END UP COMING TO BYU-HAWAII?

“I was in Utah before. I got a scholarship when I was in high school and then I just took the chance. I graduated from high school in Utah and then went to Weber State for a semester and then transferred here. It was hard moving to Utah because I’m really close with my mom. She’s like my best friend, so it was hard not having her there, but now it’s better. I haven’t seen them since I was 16 or 17. I call my family a lot though. I was even talking to my mom last night.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER GRADUATION?

“I’m not actually staying here. I’m staying for maybe one more year, but I’m not sure. I’m just getting my generals or associate’s degree and then transferring to BYU Provo. My dream job is as an aerospace engineer. It might be years and years to get where I want to go, but we’ll see. That’s why I came to America – to learn and follow my dream. There’s no way I could get a job in Ethiopia after studying aerospace engineering. We don’t have NASA in my country. I love my country, but my goal is to get a job here and do humanitarian work to help my home.”

PRINCE OWUSU Senior from Ghana studying political science

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR YOU GROWING UP?

HOW DID YOU END UP COMING TO BYU-HAWAII?

HOW DID YOU FIND THE CHURCH?

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER GRADUATION?

“I come from a family of 10, and so with my mom and dad, we are 12. My dad was the one who took me [to the orphanage] when I was 10 years old and said, ‘We want you to care for our son,’ which was crazy. I was the only one of my siblings they took, but I didn’t believe I had to fight with my dad in doing that. I never questioned them as to why they took me. It’s a rough story, but I think it was all part of the process. Everything about me changed when I went to the orphanage.

I loved it. It was one family. When I go home, I don’t feel like I belong to any place but the orphanage home. That is where I spend my time because that is where I feel like life started for me. The Lord knew what he was doing.”

“I found the church through a member who had studied over here in the states. He owned a school. His name is Abraham Fokuo. I consider him my father. He said if you want to be like me, the key is the church. Living with him as a father, he taught that it is part of your recommendation as a man to go on a mission. So even throughout the process, you have the mindset that you’re going to serve a mission.

Most of us under him went on a mission. Even though it was a big fight between him and my family, I went on my mission to the Ivory Coast Cote d’Ivoire Mission from 2010-2012. I didn’t tell my mom or dad, and by the time they knew, I was already out in the mission field. I never regretted that decision to go.”

A friend introduced me to the school. Initially, I wanted to go to Idaho or Provo, but then I met a friend in the Missionary Training Center because I was a teacher over at the MTC in Ghana for three and a half years. She said that BYU-Hawaii could shape me well. I think she understood my perspective of the future wanting to help people and changing society and stuff. I’m more of an activist so she said that’s the main reason why BYU-Hawaii was created. So she helped me throughout the process until I got accepted. It was hard to get an I-WORK scholarship because they were clear that their boundaries didn’t cover Africa, so I had to fight for it. They realized that I deserve to be here so they gave it to me, and I’ve been grateful for that.”

“I want to go get my master’s in international relations for now. I want to be an ambassador. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but I know it’ll work out. That is my main goal. I want to work with the government, but I don’t want to be a politician. I want to be behind the scenes working to change certain things in the government like corruption. I want to make sure things are done right. There are so many people with degrees and so I feel like I need to do more than just have a degree. It doesn’t matter what certificate you have to make a difference, but with the state in which my country and many African countries are in right now, I feel like I need to get more education in order to be on a level to change things.”

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Alumnus returns home to lead Office of Honor Law school graduate and politician says blessing come from living the Code B Y AN TON I E TTE YE E

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Feki Pouha says he is ready to help students develop integrity and character. Photo by Chantal Hopper

he new Office of Honor Manager Feki Pouha, a former Hawaii state representative, said it is an honor to give back and serve BYU-Hawaii. “My family felt strong in serving and giving back,” Pouha said.

“Those were things I was taught growing up. I felt that I should grab any chance to come back and serve in BYUH, especially after serving in government and learning things in law. I also felt I could be helpful to the university and students as well.”

As an alumnus, Pouha said he is a firm believer of President David O. McKay’s prophecy about BYUH. “This place aims to produce genuine gold men and women who can be instruments to the establishment of peace. I love and support this mission,” Pouha said.

He graduated with a law degree from BYU in Provo and was a state representative of the 47th House District. “I enjoyed my work as a state representative. I was able to apply the things I learned as a law student, and I know I did my best to improve the community.”

Pouha was also student body president at BYUH from 2006-2007. As an undergraduate in Hawaiian Studies program, he worked as part of the first crew to help carve and maintain the Iosepa, a 57-foot traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe now housed at the Polynesian Cultural Center. He also helped to document the first crew members’ oral histories involving the Iosepa, according to www.Hawaii.org.

Pouha said, “One of the reasons why I came to work in BYUH is my family has been here for quite a few generations. My grandparents were labor missionaries at the PCC. My parents met in BYUH. I also met my wife, Kieiki Pouha, here.”

Pouha said he officially became the new Office of Honor manager on April 17, and the main principles he will follow are integrity, character, and honor. “Every day has been very interesting since I started working here. We’re trying to emphasize and help people remember the education here is not only academic, but also a moral component to character development. That’s what sets apart this university from other universities.”

He continued, “My prayer goes to everybody, especially those who are part of this university ohana, to follow the ideals we have committed to.”

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Pouha was student body president from 2006-2007

Graduated with a law degree from BYU

While attending BYUH, he met his wife, Kleiki Pouha Continues from Page 87

Pouha said his role is to remind students to live within the Honor Code’s standards, settle challenges, and make sure the safety of the campus is not compromised. “Everyone makes mistakes. [They are] opportunities to re-evaluate our choices and make sure we’re in the right direction.”

Pouha said the Honor Code can bless lives and be used as a teaching tool to help students develop better characters. “I find the Honor Code to be true as I strive to live it and do my best. I have had many blessings and that’s what people can find too.

“We also believe in the spiritual aspects as well. If you keep yourself clean, you will receive more blessings, answers to prayers, and you will be able to have a full experience at BYUH that can help you for the rest of your life.”

Dana Templeman, director of the Office of Honor, said she is confident Pouha will be an asset to the office. “Feki has the qualifications, compassion, and a sense of humor. He is very articulate and has a good nature.”

Templeman said their team supports Pouha and will get him ready to manage the Office of Honor. “He’s catching on so quickly and he has already exceeded my expectations.”

She explained how she has worked for the LDS Church for 24 years, and it’s time for her to retire. “I’m so happy to leave the Office of Honor in great hands.”

Mele Lesuma, former manager who is temporarily working at the Office of Honor and is originally from Fiji, said the Honor Code office was changed to Office of Honor to better represent the commitment of students to the school. “We are here to help students fulfill their goals and commitments by reminding them to adhere to the code.”

Lesuma said their team was divinely guided when they were hiring a new manager. “We know that Brother Pouha is the right person to lead this office.”

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Became the new Office of Honor manager on April 17, 2017

Former Hawaii State Representative

Lesuma advised students to keep in mind the commitment that comes with studying at BYUH. “If we abide by the standards, we will be successful and happy not only here, but also when we pursue our goals.”

Sister Tanner, a senior missionary at the Office of Honor, said, “Our job is just learning how to serve and help the students and university.”

Pouha explained it could be hard for students to see the benefits of the code because they don’t want to be treated like children. He said the way students view the Honor Code is the problem. “Instead of seeing it as a hindrance, you should look at it as a protection that would help you change your behavior to your benefit.”

When students don’t follow the code, he said, they are missing out on opportunities to learn, grow, and become more than they are now. “See what a great person you can become by following the Honor Code [instead of] seeing what you can get away with,” he counseled. “In the end, you will hurt yourself and miss out opportunities and eventually hurt others if you choose to disobey.”

He said the Office of Honor wants to give people the opportunity to correct themselves as much as possible. “We don’t want to tell you what to do. We don’t want to tell you that you’re wrong. We believe in being responsible and having agency. That may be true as you commit to follow [the Honor Code] and continually recommit yourself.

“Just like brushing your teeth, if you didn’t brush for a long time no one wants to be around you. Same thing with the Honor Code. It is made to protect each other, the university, and to keep our campus a safe place.”

He advised students to go to the BYUH website to report any concerns they may have. “There’s due process for every report we receive, and we need evidence. If there are patterns of misconduct, it should be reported.” •

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Dr. Barbara Hong publishes book,

“Failing Up”

Hong’s book illustrates how teachers can help failures drive students forward B Y AN U H E A CH E N

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r. Barbara Hong held a reading and book signing for her book, “Failing Up: A Professor’s Odyssey of Flunking, Determination, and Hope,” sharing surprising examples from her own life, on Thursday, June 21. Hong is a professor and program coordinator of special education at BYU-Hawaii.

Hong explained that she has been trying to write her story since 2011. “Students often stereotype me as the typical Asian: Rich family, went to an ivy league school, excel in math.” she said. But all of these characterizations, Hong said are not correct. “I’m far from a typical Asian.”

While writing her book, Hong highlighted her struggles, “No 1, I don’t write memoirs.

I write research papers. It is very hard to put yourself in the narrative when you’re not used 90

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to that kind of writing. In scholarly papers, you are never in the script. If anything, you’re to take yourself of the writing so you can be impartial.

“Second, it’s about my life, so it’s even harder to write. Everytime you write, you’re recalling everything about your past. And you have to describe it vividly using all your senses so readers can understand where you’re coming from. This is so different from writing a research paper.You’ve got to go way deep in your core and bring out your past feelings; things you try to forget, but now you have to bring them back to life.”

Despite her struggles, Hong said writing her book was therapeutic. She expressed, “I wanted to focus more on the positive than the negative in my life. So, I kept finding ways to

reframe my struggles into positive things so it can be valuable to readers. In doing so, I was able to see past my struggles and appreciate what I have become today.

“Of course as I was going through these trials, I complained a lot, as many of us would.

I had all these complaints. But looking back, I also learned a lot. I hope my book will resonate with readers and edify them, whether they are a student, a professor, a foreigner, poor, have been abused, a [LDS Church] member, or a non-member. There is something we have all experienced no matter what our backgrounds are–failures.”

At the reading, Hong shared snippets about her life growing up in Singapore. One story was about her father being an alcoholic, making it unsurprising to see a prostitute in the

Dr. Barbara Hong greeting students during her book signing. Photo by Chad Hsieh

house or to see him handcuffed by the police.

It was difficult for Hong’s mom to be in that situation. In addition, her mom was illiterate and had been given away as a child because her parents couldn’t afford to raise her.

As Hong was growing up, she said she worked in a sweatshop. For every dozen clothing threads trimmed, they earned 5 cents.

Each day, they would try to trim 60 dozens or 720 pieces of clothing to earn $3 to afford one meal. If they couldn’t afford food, they would drink water.

Additionally, Hong said being the fourth child in her family under the government law of “Stop at Two,” resulted in her not being able to get into a normal government school. After some time, Hong was able to reach a sixth grade education. However, she said she wanted

to continue her education and begged her dad to let her keep going to school with the stipulation she pay the supplementary fee each year on her own. Because she had been told all her life that she was a failure, Hong said she didn’t attempt to take her Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education test and simply didn’t show up. Repeating tenth grade (the equivalent to twelfth grade in the United States), she said was the hallmark of shame in an unforgiving culture of high academic competitiveness. It wasn’t until the year she had to repeat a grade and learned from a math teacher, Mr.Yap, that Hong finally grasped math and developed her first intuitive determination to succeed.

Following her LDS mission when she attended BYUH in 1993, she was discouraged in a political science class when a professor didn’t take the time to understand her background nor clarify the basic concepts of the course.

When Hong retook the class from another professor, Debi Hartmann, she learned the subject matter so well that she was even encouraged to consider majoring in that field. This is what Hong called empathetic teaching–understanding where a student is coming from, then providing the background knowledge students need to master the material. Hong said this and many such experiences taught her to become a better teacher because she first learned to walk in the students’ shoes.

Marissa Jones, a senior from Arizona studying art education, took classes from Dr.

Hong to obtain her special ed certificate. She praised Hong and said, “I thought it was really sweet to get to know more about her background because she’s such a happy, hilarious, upbeat person. I heard stories in class now and then, but I had no clue she came from such a rough background.

“I already thought she was amazing. This woman is accomplished. But seeing her now, wow, she really did come from humble beginnings, and that was really amazing. I love her so much.”

Jones said she is going to China to teach next year and expressed her excitement to read the book due to Hong’s influence as her teacher. Jones said, “She had lots of influential teachers, so I hope [her book will] inspire me to be one for my kids. I don’t know what their backgrounds will be. I don’t know what they’ve been through, but hopefully I can help them want to learn and be the best they can be.”

Lexi Jimenez, a junior from California studying psychology, got to know Hong through planning this book event.

“I had been able to talk about what she expects, and everything she does, she works hard for. Nothing is mediocre about today because she’s the driving force,” Jimenez said.

Hong’s book cam be purchased from the BYUH Bookstore or through Amazon. To have your book signed, contact Dr. Hong at barbara. hong@byuh.edu or 814-441-7200.

For more information, check out failingupbook.com. • FALL 2018

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Dr. Marcus Martins with his wife, Mirian Martins, who got her associate’s degree during Fall Graduation 2017. Photo by Monique Saenz.

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President Marcus Martins and Sister Mirian Martins in 2012. He presided over the Brazil Sao Paulo North Mission 2011–2014 .

Photo courtesy of Marcus Martins.

Learning from the past Dr. Martins’ lecture about race and doctrine teaches students how to have faith during trials

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r. Marcus Martins, associate dean of Religious Education at BYU-Hawaii, gave a speech on race and LDS Church doctrine at the Black, White, and Mormon II, a conference hosted by the University of Utah that took place on June 29-30. Students from both BYU-Hawaii and BYU in Provo talked about how they learned to have faith and deal with adversary from the symposium.

The idea of learning and improving was a lesson in Martins’ speech, and Jana McQueen, a former student of Martins and a senior psychology and business management from New Zealand, said, “Dr. Martins taught that prior to conversion, we are all in darkness, but once we are converted, it is our duty to seek the light.

I love that with the Spirit we can be changed from the traditions of our fathers and from the unkind behaviors in today’s society.”

A word of caution was given during the speech. Martins warned against repeating the mistakes of the past, and Joseph Fitzgerald, a junior studying at BYU in Provo, said,“I

B Y B RU N O M AYN E Z

liked how he talked about how sometimes the cultural ideas that surround us start negatively influencing our gospel perspective, and how he warned that that can still happen today. That made his thoughts applicable to many current issues and tensions, and it wasn’t just a reminiscence of past grievances.”

Christian Metzer, a sophomore at Provo studying neuroscience, said of Martins’ lecture, “It‘s really a powerful example to me that we get to choose whether we let persecution and trials destroy us or make us better. I really liked how he talked about having faith in the doctrine even if he struggled with the way people treated him.”

Martins also highlighted the topic of change in his speech, and McQueen said, “We can allow the gospel and spirit to change us through our trials and the injustices we may face. Dr. Martins shared an experience that showed our trials shouldn’t turn us into unkind people. The experience he shared happened on his mission.”

McQueen continued, “It was a Secret Santa being held, and during the gift exchange, he was kinda bullied. Someone teased him for his skin color. Instead of reacting bad, he turned the other cheek. From this, he set himself on a path to love people instead reacting to them. I learned we ought to be sensitive to the persecution or pressure that those around us may be facing and treat them as the Savior would.”

McQueen said the current generation in the church can feel comforted in a society that is against the church’s doctrine. People can still seek their own witness and gain a testimony, he said, and through their experiences they can find comfort from the sacrifice of the Savior.

When asked about how people felt about the conference and his speech, Martins chuckled and said, “I was not run out of town.

No one threw tomatoes. There were no broken eggs. I got a few handshakes afterwards. I got an email from one of the organizers, and they said they got positive feedback.”

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Beka Frome saves the world G r a d u a t i n g b i o l o g y m a j o r s ay s u n e x p e c t e d c i r c u m s t a n c e s p a r t o f G o d ’s p l a n t o b r i n g h e r t o B Y U H B Y L E SL I E O W U SU

Beka Frome said she wants to pursue a career in conservation biology because she loves the beauty of the earth. Photo by Olivia Tsan

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espite not being able to accomplish her dreams of joining the military and attending a Californian university because of an unexpected diagnosis, Beka Frome said attending BYU-Hawaii was the best decision she has ever made. Now that she is graduating, Frome said she plans to pursue a career in conservation biology.

Frome, a senior from Bozeman, Montana, majoring in biology and minoring in biochemistry, said the journey of attending BYUH was not always clear from the beginning. As a high school student, she was competitive and ambitious. She applied to a lot of universities and was accepted to several of them, including her dream school, University of California at San Diego.

She said, “I was so excited when I got in, but I was like ‘Whoa, I’m not a California resident.’ The [cost of attendance] was like $55,000 per semester, so I thought maybe I should rethink this for my undergrad. So I went through a lot of different options.”

One option that seemed the most viable was joining the military.

“I always loved the military and I would love to be a part of it and serve my country,” said Frome. “I was talking to recruiting officers and starting that whole process because that was going to help pay for school and go to UCSD at the same time.”

However, during Frome’s senior year, she was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that prevented her from eating gluten. She said, “I know people make fun of it, but it’s a real thing.

“When I got Celiac Disease, I was so frustrated because it also meant that I was no longer eligible to be in the military due to deployment and ration regulations. It was really hard for me, but I see now in hindsight that was the way of Heavenly Father showing me [I wasn’t] supposed to go to San Diego.

“Then after that, I decided I was going to BYUH because it was my second choice and I could afford it. It turned out being the exact perfect thing that I needed to do. I’m so grateful that it happened now.

It’s hard still to have Celiac, but I know that I got it at that time so I could come here and have all the experiences that I’ve had here.”

Frome said her favorite thing about BYUH has been the people. “I hope that’s not cliché, but I look back and I think about the people I’ve met here and the friends I’ve made and I can’t imagine where I would have been without them. I have all these different cultures that I’ve fallen in love with. I’ve fallen in love with the islands. I’m so grateful and blessed that I could come to this school,” said Frome.

During her time at BYUH, Frome said being a teaching assistant has been her favorite job. Job Greenall, a freshman in biochemistry from California, is currently enrolled in BIOL 112 this semester, and said, “She took the time to meet me outside of her tutoring hours to help me. I’ve watched how busy her schedule is. She manages her time so well and she is able to knock out each item each day.”

Frome said she loves helping the students she tutors, and getting to share something she is so passionate about is what makes it all worth it. “A lot of the times there’ll be students who come in and they just can’t get something. I’ll feel myself starting to get a little frustrated.

But the best part about my job is when they’re sitting there - and I’ve seen them struggle for hours or even weeks on a subject - and then finally they’re just like ‘Oooooohhh! I get it.’”

Frome said majoring in biology was not something she originally planned on pursuing in college. She said, “When I was in high school, history, English, and other subjects came really easily for me. As for math and science, I did it because they were challenging to me, but I didn’t really see a future in them for me.

“I guess I chose to be a biology major because it is challenging for me, but it is also so interesting and so rewarding. I want to do conservation biology because I believe we can’t, as humans, exist if our earth is not healthy and taken care of. It’s like malama ‘aina: taking care of the land.

“I love the ocean and I love the ecosystems there. I love protecting the reefs. If I ever see anyone snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or anywhere and they’re standing on the reef, I’m one of those annoying people who are like, ‘Hey, you know you’re not supposed to stand on the reef.’”

She said if more people respected the plants and creatures of all of earth’s ecosystems, there wouldn’t be as many problems with conservation.

Dr. Michael Murdock, an associate professor in the History Department, has had Frome in his classes and said, “She lifts everyone around her. All you have to do is get within 20 feet of Beka Frome and your day is better. Even if she’s having a bad day, she lifts others.”

This semester Frome enrolled in Murdock’s HIST 485 class but realized there was a scheduling conflict with her biology labs. Murdock said he changed his former syllabus and created a “Rebeka-Friendly Syllabus” so she would be able to attend the class and her labs. “She has an excellent work ethic. It makes me happy to see her. That’s why I adjusted my syllabus. I knew it’d be better with her in it,” he said.

After graduation, Frome said she wants to pursue a graduate degree. She said, “I’m thinking about going to school at UCSD or University of Hawaii and staying here on the island. I really just want to do research and work in conservation biology.”

Frome said she would like to be a professor or teach biology at her high school in Montana. “It will be a way to share my love of biology and my love of the earth with other people. I want to help the world. When I watch the sunset or when I stare out at the horizon and the waves, I just feel like I really want to protect things.” •

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

-Ariella Barker, Pushliving.com

Chris Beard:

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

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

With his specific condition, he demonstrated how “it affected mainly fine motor skills and speech” by taking a quick walk around the front of class and writing his name on the board, tasks that ordinarily prove little chal96

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Alvin Vincent Dy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Chris Beard

bachelor’s degree at Castleton State College.

He has since worked in the casino and hospitality industry before working with the Church Education System for the past 10 years. • FALL 2018

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The RiceUp team celebrates together with their first-place trophy. Photo courtesy of Enactus

Enactus wins 2018 National Championship Advisor says group is focused on helping farmers rather than receiving recognition B Y AN U H E A CH E N

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fter nonstop hard work for three months, BYU-Hawaii’s Enactus team earned the title of National Champion and took home $10,000 in prize money at the Enactus United States National Exposition on May 22 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Leading up to the competition, one of the challenges that proved trying for both the students and advisors on the team was time. Enactus advisors Jason Earl and PJ Rogers shared their frustrations of trying to prepare the team for finals while balancing student life.

Earl said, “I really didn’t think we were going to win it until the Q&A. Our students were so ready to answer the questions … [the judges] can ask some pretty tough questions, and our students just nailed them.”

“It was amazing,” Earl said, thinking back to the team’s victory.

“You’ve got Elvin standing there, tears coming down his cheeks, and the first thing he tells me when it’s all done, he pulls out his phone, and he’s like, ‘Brother Earl, the farmers are watching us on Facebook right now.’

To see why they were doing it and who they were trying to help, it was amazing.”

Rogers defined Enactus as an opportunity for students to showcase their social entrepreneurship projects in a way that makes people really excited about them. Enactus is a combination of words that stands for entrepreneurial action in all of us.

Regarding the win, Rogers said, “We started three months ago … and right at the end, they came together and made it happen. … I did support and help them along the way, but I will not carry them. I made them do most all the work. That was what was most gorgeous about it, because they earned it.”

To Elvin Laceda, founder of RiceUp, the winning moment for BYUH Enactus was when they won in the semi-finals. He said, “Because we won in semi-finals, all these strong teams didn’t make it. All those in the final four were new teams.”

Included in the final four was Utah Valley University in second place, and its enactus team is comprised of all returned missionaries, the same as BYUH. Earl reflected on the two top winning teams being made up of students who have all served missions and understand the gospel.

He said, “[In Enactus], we don’t talk about the gospel. We don’t talk about the mission of the Savior, but the truth is, they’re living it. People see it and it works.”

Laceda and teammate Joseph Duano explained the difference between BYUH’s team and other teams is other teams do projects primarily for the competition.

But they said BYUH’s team does their project every day to give back and serve. Earl said, “I think you kind of get a sense of how gracious people are when they win, and they really sense something Continued on Page 10 0

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Continued from Page 99

The BYUH Enactus team members said they share their victory with the farmers. Photo from Enactus

different with our students. They’re there for the right reason. There’s the spirit of love and aloha.”

Duano added, “I think one thing that helps us as we get on stage is when we really think what we’re doing for the farmers. It’s not about us doing well on stage, but it’s about conveying the right message. The farmers’ message. The message of Christ. The testimony we’re trying to bear. All of a sudden it’s not a competition, but an opportunity to bear our testimony.” Laceda added, “It’s honoring the farmers. As we share their story, we honor it.”

For farmers in the Philippines, RiceUp started as an idea for an app in 2016. Now it is a bigger system created to connect farmers with consumers so they can have an equal playing ground with the middleman and directly profit off of their crops. Duano clarified that RiceUp is a social enterprise and agricultural ecosystem. He said, “It’s meant to create harmony in the agricultural industry to where people can be free to profit and do well as long as they work hard.”

Additionally, BYUH’s Enactus team stood out to one of the judges with the love the team had for each other. During their mic check, BYUH’s team introduced and complimented one another, and Laceda and Duano concurred that love is what helps the team stay unified.

Laceda said, “I think it helped us during our travels to the Philippines. Maybe we loved each other before, but it grew as we’ve worked together.”

With BYUH’s Enactus program, the RiceUp team was able to travel to the Philippines from April 20 to May 1, 2018. During this trip they astonished Entrepreneur in Residence Elder Corey Blake. Elder 100 KE ALAK A ‘I

Blake informed Earl that the RiceUp team’s help and care for the people was the closest thing he had seen to David O. McKay’s prophecy being fulfilled, bringing light and hope.

From their trip, they were able to experience the boost they needed. RiceUp currently has a farm school where teachers, with the involvement of the government, educate farmers. They plan on expanding to five more villages by the end of August 2018, taking on about 50 new farmers to add to the 26 who are getting ready to graduate from farm school.

“Before they can really become their own agripreneurs, they have to be set free from where they are,” Duano said. “We believe that the financial skills, knowledge, business, and entrepreneurship is what will set them free, so that with or without RiceUp they can be on their own, and they won’t ever have to be cheated by people.”

Duano also explained Enactus at BYUH is different because they are striving to achieve what the school is trying to do: to become men and women of genuine gold. Duano, Laceda, Earl, and Rogers all said they hope Enactus will expand and grow at BYUH.

Duano said people think they can’t do it, but there are mentors and resources available to drive forward BYUH’s motto, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.”

BYUH’s Enactus team will represent the United States and compete in the Enactus World Cup in October against 35 other countries. To learn more about the ongoing Enactus project, RiceUp on their Facebook page: RiceUp Filipino Farmers (facebook.com/ RiceApp)•

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One mechanic, several impacts Previous diesel mechanic, Sei Kuwahara, volunteers with BYUH SWATT to convert organic waste into renewable gas B Y E M M AL E E SM I TH

Sei Kuwahara builds a biogas digester in hopes of providing other countries with reliable resources. Photo by Gab Batac.

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hrough skills gained as a mechanic, Sei Kuwahara, a business major from Japan, built Daisi, a biogas digester to help save money and resources for countries and businesses.

According to Kuwahara, Daisi is used to make methane from any organic material including, human and animal waste.

His project won third place in the social category of BYUHawaii’s Great Ideas Competition last Fall.

Kuwahara said, “I just want to jump into opportunities ... I love serving others. That’s why Daisi is a perfect model because I can sell it, and at the same time, I can support their lives too.”

Kuwahara said he used to work as a diesel mechanic for three years back in Japan before figuring out it wasn’t profitable. He said he usually made less than $2,000 a month and he found out his coworker made $100 more than him even though his coworker had worked there for 10 more years.

In comparison, Kuwahara explained his father’s income was $70,000 a year as an elementary teacher and his mother had to work as well to support their family with four children.

Kuwahara said he quit his job and volunteered to help with relief efforts. During this time, he met business owners who had enough money and time to support others and decided he wanted to be able to do that too so he came to BYU-Hawaii to study business.

Les Harper, the director of BYU-Hawaii’s Sustainable World Action and Technology Team, said, “He is our master mechanic at SWATT. He’s the first person I talk to about anything we have that’s mechanical.”

Harper, who has been working with Kuwahara for a year now, said, “[Kuwahara] has an amazing mechanical ability that he loves to share and enjoys using.”

When King Kili, the crown prince of the Marshall Islands came to see the SWATT projects on Friday, March 16, Kuwahara said the prince loved the project and said this would save them money by not having to buy propane gas.

Kuwahara said, “When I went to Kiribati last summer, I found out people are buying gas or fire wood that were expensive.

“They also have sanitation problems. Human waste can create methane gas, so I decided to build a prototype. In that way, I can help people in the world who are suffering with sanitation problems.”

According to Kuwahara, he has been working on other projects, like small engines running on pressurized air instead of gasoline besides Daisi, prior to coming to BYUH. He also fixes cars and started a YouTube channel with how to fix car tutorials.

“Skills are [shared] to help and support someone, but in order to do it, you have to sustain yourself by using the skills too, “ said Kuwahara. “A talent can help you but also help others at the same time. That’s what I love.”

Harper said, “[Kuwahara] finds these beat up rusted motorbikes and he’ll resurrect them so they’ll work. In the process of fixing he would look at them and say, ‘You know, it would be really cool if they could run off of something other than gasoline’ … He’s developing an air engine so we can pump the air and compress it using solar wind power.

“His idea is brilliant. Little engines like the weed whackers and lawn mowers are enormously polluting because the engine is so small. The gas doesn’t burn properly and the exhaust is very toxic,” added Harper.

According to Harper, Kuwahara is going to make the world a better place. He continued, “He has the brain, the spirit, and the ambition behind him that it’s going to happen.

All I want to do is be able to say that at some time in my life, I knew that guy,” he laughed, looked up and said, “I opened a few doors for him.”

Kelsy Simmons, a senior studying interdisciplinary studies from Utah, shared something she enjoys about Kuwahara.

“Every idea he has is to make life better around him.” Simmons said the first time she talked with him was when they passed some of his friends who came back from a potluck with a bag of hotdog buns. “They gave him a bag of hotdog buns and he said, ‘Oh great I haven’t had dinner yet.’ And he looked at me and said, ‘Hey do you want some hotdog buns?’”

She leaned forward laughing and said, “It was just so fantastic … because he hadn’t had dinner yet and he just had a couple hotdog buns leftover from a potluck. … He’d only been on the island for not very long so it’s not like he was all integrated into the island spirit of sharing or anything. It was just the way he is and it’s pretty great.”

Currently, Daisi is still under repair, but once it’s fixed, Kuwahara said he was thinking about putting a toilet on it so he can use it for human waste.•

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A Burmese Mormon pioneer One of the first members and the first sister missionary from Myanmar shares her life story B Y: E M M AL EE SM I TH AN D H AN N AH JO N E S

Mon said after graduation, she hopes to further her education at BYU in Provo where she will study marriage and family relations. Photo by Alvin Dy 104 KE ALAK A ‘I

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YU-Hawaii student Yee Olive Mon shared her conversion story to the LDS Church and how she is striving to get an education to become an advocate for her country and help her people have better lives.

Mon, who goes by her middle name, Olive, is a senior studying social work from Myanmar. She said she started attending the LDS Church after the senior missionaries offered to teach her piano lessons for free.

She said the missionaries then asked her if she wanted to learn more about the church.

Mon said she thought, “I have to say yes now because I’m taking free lessons and eating their food.

“So, I did it, and that’s how they got me.

Heavenly Father knew how to get me. But because my heart was not open to the gospel, it took a while. I felt so much love and peace when I went to church. I kept coming back to church because of the senior missionaries. I didn’t become a pianist, but I think I got more than that,” she said.

The missionaries asked her to start translating church writings from English to Burmese because she spoke a little bit of English from her Baptist high school. She said she was translating Gordon B. Hinckley’s talk, “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for the Youth,” in which he teaches about the six ‘be’ attitudes.

“That talk changed my life. I thought, ‘This man is a true man. So, this man must be a true prophet. If this man is a true prophet, then the church must be true.’ That means the gospel must be true and that means Joseph Smith must be a true prophet.”

At the age of 16, Mon formally became a member of the church. “I was baptized on Feb. 14, 2004, and I was the 38th member of the church from my country,” said Mon. Although Mon’s parents were very supportive of her joining the church, her extended family were against it. “My uncle didn’t start speaking to me until I went to school (BYUH).”

She shared an experience when she was soaking wet as she came home from church. “[My uncle] lives really close to the church so I decided I would just go to his place. I was knocking and knocking, but my cousins couldn’t answer the door because I was a Mormon. He said, ‘We don’t want Satan people

inside the house.’

“It was really difficult at that time. I told my mom about it who told my uncle, ‘If you don’t like my daughter, then I’m not going to be your sister.’” She said her uncle didn’t invite them to any family reunions anymore.

MISSION

As Mon became active in the church, she said she had a very strong-willed Young Women’s leader who served in Brazil, Cleia Peterson, who encouraged her to go on a mission despite her scoliosis. “My Young Women’s president encouraged me to go on a mission. She told me I could do it.”

Mon also said she watched “The Best Two Years” and thought it made serving a mission look fun.

Although Mon had the desire to serve a mission, she said, “We didn’t have any young missionaries at that time. We did not have any returned missionaries [from] the country to tell me what it was about or what the mission life [was like].”

After making the decision to serve, Mon said, “I was really worried, to be honest. I was going to be the very first female ever.” Despite her fear, she said she proceeded to move forward with faith.

Admitting it was “so scary,” Mon said, “I was born and raised in a family that if you start [something] you finish it and you finish it good.

So even if I started [my mission] and hated it, I would finish it.”

Mon received her call to serve in the Pocatello Idaho Mission, English speaking, and would become the first sister missionary to serve from Myanmar and the fifth missionary to date. “In my country, how we see the United States is Washington, D.C., New York City, and L.A. I had no idea where Pocatello was.

“All we see in the movies [about the United States] are people shooting people and [everyone] killing each other. So, as soon as I said ‘United States’ my mom said, ‘No, you are not going.’”

Despite Mon’s mother’s concerns, she said, “My mom was very supportive [and] very encouraging,” so Mon proceeded to prepare for her mission.

Mon attributed how she got through the

familial tension to her mom’s loyalty to her during conflict.

“Half of my relatives are really strong Catholics, and half of them are really strong Baptist. My uncle wouldn’t allow me in his house. [Preparing] was difficult in a way and it was easy in a way. It was like a Cold War inside the family.”

Mon recalled how miraculous it was she got her visa. “At that time, politics were not great. I had a friend waiting six months to get a visa. It seemed very impossible. The miracle was that I just walked into the embassy, and [after a] really good half hour interview … having [laid out] the first lesson of Joseph Smith’s vision … I got my visa! Something was working in [the Lord’s] mind. Nobody believed it.”

During her mission in 2014 and 2015, the church allowed the first young missionaries to serve in Myanmar. She explained since then the church has been growing in Myanmar and there has been more missionaries, even sisters, from her country. “Once they saw that I could do it with my disability, they said, ‘If she can do it, I can do it too.’”

Mon said she was able to preach the gospel and help people with mental issues, depression and homelessness on her mission.

“I knew I wasn’t going to save the whole world because I can’t do that, but I was going to change one life and that is going to help more change.”

AFTER MISSION

Mon moved to Singapore after her mission with her Young Women’s president. There, her bishop encouraged her to attend BYUH. “It was a hard process because I didn’t grow up in a rich family and everything I earn is with my own effort, but I’m really glad I did it.”

One of the lines she thinks of when she is discouraged is something one of her professors, Dr. Andre Hippolite, said. “She said to us, ‘I don’t know why you chose social work or why you’re doing it, but you’re in the business of selling hope.’”

Mon said, “I push myself every day and say ‘Okay, I’m going to be the one who helps people restore their hope.’ I need to have hope for my future.”

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Mon said she joined the church primarily because of the role the senior missionaries played in her life.

She tells stories of her conversion with Elder Mcaffee, a senior missionary currently serving in Hawaii.

Photo by Lorin Vilayvong Continues from Page 105

Mary Deyro, a junior from the Philippines studying psychology, is friends with Mon, and said, “She knows what she wants and she’ll work for it until she gets it. Even though she has a very big workload, she still gives time to serve in the temple six hours a week.”

Mon talked about the effect serving a mission had on the people closest to her. “My baby sister joined the church when I was on a mission and my middle sister joined [last] March. My sister would always say, ‘You’re my role model.You’re the reason I want to serve a mission!’”

Zanna Dehiwaththage, an alumna from Malaysia who also know Mon, said, “Her kindness, charity, and love makes others feel very comfortable. Through her example, her sister served a mission.”

Jaeleen Ozu, Mon’s first roommate at BYUH and a sophomore majoring in accounting from American Samoa, agreed that Mon is a

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role model. “Olive was one of the people who inspired me to serve a mission.”

AFTER BYUH

After graduating, Mon said she wants to go to graduate school at BYU and study marriage and family relations “because it has been a big problem in my country for many years. They don’t speak about it, but there’s a lot of abusive behavior, lots of drug addicts or other forms of addiction. Children drink alcohol starting at 3 or 4 years old.”

She said she wants to be an advocate for the youth. “They don’t know where or how to get jobs, but they’re very smart and intelligent people. I want to help my people get the higher education they deserve.

“I know I will not become rich, but I will become rich with blessings and seeing other people’s lives change and their generations change. That is my goal.”

Mon has struggled with scoliosis her whole life, but didn’t let it keep her from serving a mission. Peterson said of Mon, “She is a gospel powerhouse. She is strong and has a strong testimony of Christ and the gospel of Jesus Christ. As one of the first members in Myanmar, she has been an example of a pioneer.

“I remember when she was getting ready to go on a mission. She had so much faith [that] she would serve regardless of her physical problems. She served with commitment.”

Mon concluded, “I’d like to encourage anyone who is thinking of serving a mission, that despite their disabilities-physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, even financiallythat everything will be helped if they commit to serve others.

“A mission ... has changed my perspective on life. I have so many blessings that I have lost count, all because I served a mission.” •

Having been given the opportunity to attend BYUH, Mon said she studies hard so she can one day be an advocate for youth in her country. Photo by Alvin Dy FALL 2018 107

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

BY DENA LI LO F L I N

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I googled waffle dog, and found machines in China and Budapest that make them. This was Continues on page 110 FALL 2018 109

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fa’a Samoa

Political science professor Line Kruse of BYU-Hawaii recently publishes a book on indigenous Samoan land rights B Y VI C ZH O N G

Dr. Kruse said she helps Samoans become educated about their customary lands and what is happening to them. Photo by Gab Batac 112 KE ALAK A ‘I

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r. Line Kruse, a BYU-Hawaii political science instructor, recently got back from a short visit and book launch event in Samoa. Dr. Kruse said she had spent over five years researching for her recently published book, “The Pacific Insular Case of American Samoa: Land Rights and Law in Unincorporated US Territories,” which was launched on campus March 19. During the event, Kruse shared her role as an author and instructor, along with the value of family and the community, which motivated her to pursue her research.

During an interview, Kruse shared the purpose and hope of her book. “I hope to inspire other Pacific Islanders, particularly Samoans, to write about customary land. If you would Google Samoan lands or customary land, you’re going to find non-Samoans who are writing about our land. Though research is an open-space for everyone, there should be more Samoan voices discussing about customary lands. The way we practice our culture leads us to our way of life or what we call ‘Fa’a Samoa.’”

Rowena Reid, associate director of the Faculty Center for Learning and Teaching, said, “In spite of the work that has been done by Samoan researchers, Dr. Kruse took the research further into publishing a book, which was a great act.”

S ECO N D B O O K L AU NCH I N S A M OA

On May 6, the Centre for Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa sponsored Kruse to do a second book launch and give a scholarly presentation. According to Kruse, the experience was special to her because she was able to go back to where she used to teach in the faculty of arts. “The Centre of Samoan Studies contributes a breeding ground for Samoans and for their scholarship to be cultivated, to be shared and to be grown. It’s very keen for the Centre to host me and have me present my topic, which was about customary lands, culture, and law, this time.”

“After the Q&A [session of the book launch] and as I was leaving, so many students, whose families are in customary land fights, came up to me. It took me three hours to leave because there were so many questions asked. I was also asked to speak in another school, but unfortunately I only had so many days there. However, I am planning on returning next year with my husband.”

AS AN AU T HOR

Due to the alienation of land being a personal issue for indigenous communities, Kruse said she has gotten lots of positive responses for the book. “Books were sold out in both of the book launches and according to my Publisher Palgrave [Macmillan], which is the third largest trade publisher in the world. I’m one of the top-five publishers in international relations here in the region.”

Kruse also wanted to express her gratitude for the following sponsors of the initial book launch: Taliana Pasi, the manager of Alumni and Career Services; David Fonoimoana, the manager of the BYUH Bookstore; and Michael Murdock, the Political Science Department chair. Fonoimoana said Kruse’s book has been the most successful one they have ever sold at the bookstore, and they just made their fourth

order on Tuesday, May 29. “The company we are buying the books from was nervous about sending us the first order of 54 books. They didn’t think we could sell them, so I had to really convince them to sell and

“The way we practice our culture leads us to our way of life or what we call ‘Fa’a Samoa.” send us the 54 books.

“They only make them when we order, and they don’t just have them sitting in the warehouse. If I order 54 books, they have to make 54 books. They were afraid if those were not sold, I would have to send them back, and books would just be stuck with them. A few weeks after the first order, I called them and asked if they could send me 54 more.

They were surprised, and now they are making a whole bunch of them because thing’s are going well.” Kruse said the data of the book is based on a century of research of land case. “Before declaring independence, Samoa was colonized by Germany and New Zealand so that its land records have been scattered all over the world. I have traveled to those two places, Samoa and American Samoa in order to obtain the records.”

CH A L L ENG ES A LO NG T H E R ESEA R CH

“It’s great to study about customary land, and indigenous rights, and land law. However, you need to be very firm and know what you want to study when you come to study the cultural component like the matai systems. When you are doing research, your heart is opened, and thus your research can take you in many different ways and to many issues.

“I had my research plan and questions, but my heart wanted me to go to all the different ways and interesting research areas. My struggle was to commit to my research subject because everything is very important for me when it comes to the communities in Samoa.”

Kruse explained how her journalism experience furthered her interest in many areas and in many topics regarding customary land, and those interests all came to her while researching and writing. “When I was in Samoa, I was not only teaching, but I was also a journalist writing for the newspaper, the “Samoa Observer.” I wrote specific subjects that I worked on. I wrote about women and poverty, and I wrote about how object poverty leads to children not going to school, how that leads to crime, and how that leads to drug abuse. ” A BEL IEF-DR IV EN P R O FESSO R

Kruse said we shouldn’t separate secular knowledge and the knowledge of God, and they go hand-in-hand with one another. She said she likes to emphasize President David O. Mckay’s vision of this Continued on Page 114 FALL 2018

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Continued from Page 113

American Samoan flag flies in the Little Circle. Kruse said because of Pacific Island traditions, politics and students’ lives can go hand-in-hand. Photo by Gab Batac

university and even make scriptures references in class. “As you graduate and leave for a government job offer, your own business or nonprofit organization, it is important to stay firm with the gospel principles.

It doesn’t matter what political distractions are and what is surrounding you and your family, the gospel values will sustain you.”

TH E VA LU E O F PO L I T I CA L S CI E N CE

Coming from a business family, Kruse said she thought she would be a business woman until her political science class here at BYUH sparked her interest. “I loved the students and curriculum, so I transferred to become a political science major after I took the first class in my first semester. When I was involved in the Sorority, which is an LDS service-based organization, the values of it intertwined with what I felt political science was about. It’s about building communities, helping citizens and strengthening families.”

“When I was here at BYU, the state of Hawaii and the nation were going through the process of same-sex marriage. I did an internship at a Catholic diocese in Kailua, and I researched for half a year on this religious collision. After the internship and coming back to the community, I concluded our first priority should always be to love others.”

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PACIFIC ISL A ND ST UDENT S A ND P O L IT ICA L SCIENCE MA JO R

Kruse shared how political science is almost the “second nature” of Pacific Island students. “I don’t think it takes a lot of work for us to understand [politics] because we come from such structural communities in our culture. Politics are just ingrained in our culture. “Because of the Pacific Island geography, there’s a practical reason for Pacific students to choose a political science major. When you graduate with a political science degree, you know how to think, you know how to write, and you have skills that are transferrable to any department. If you’re an attorney, a solicitor, or barrister there in the islands, you are guaranteed a job because there is so few that return with professional or graduate degrees.”

FA MILY A ND P O L IT ICS

Kruse said she has been asked many times about family and politics, and she said her answer was simple. “The main things my husband and I talk about at home are our children, what we want for dinner, and either we should go hiking or swimming on the weekends. We never talk about politics at home because it’s not an important topic for my family’s welfare.” •

lifestyle

in this section BYUH ohana say putting god first, trusting God, and prioritizing decrease stress

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Favorite recreation places on the island, according to students

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Thomas McClellan bases his self-published books from his personal dreams

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Disrupting dolphins during early mornings can negatively impact their sleep time, says conservationist

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Students and professors give insight into different techniques of dealing with stings

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LRIFeli ESTY LE g i on

The Weight of Stress: Finding balance BYUH ohana say putting god first, trusting God, and prioritizing decrease stress

B Y DAN I A. CASTRO

Illustration by McKenna Locken

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Prioritization and counsel focusing on spiritual he beginning of a new semester places more than matters have helped him develop more self-discipline, just books in backpacks. A new semester brings adSproat added. “If you don’t prioritize, you could miss out ditional responsibilities. BYUH students and faculty on something important.You can minimize your stress by share their thoughts on how someone can prepare to carry getting the most important things done first. Putting God the stress of newly ushered responsibilities that come from first is going to give you the opportunity to live with peace school, church, work and social life. in your mind that everything is going to be fine.”

Kaha’akea Sproat, a senior from the Big Island study Laiken Tomie, a senior from ing music, recommended people Canada studying accounting, related change their perspective on how a saying she heard during final exams stress affects them. “You can use last semester: “Diamonds are made stress to help yourself grow. Stress from pressure.” She added, “I like to helps us to grow because we can think that stress tests us and urges us look back at that stress and see to grow and become our best.” what it was and appreciate it for

Tomie said she glows from what it helped us become.” optimism as she confronts new

Sister Karma Whiting, a challenges and is comforted by the senior missionary from Arizona and lifestyle at BYUH. “I try to stay posistaff member at the Center for Acative when handling stress and I do demic Success, said she challenges my best to remember the blessings I students to take stress head on. have in my life. I feel capable of find“There’s usually a couple of reasons ing balance. I think stress is different why you’re stressed as a student. So at BYUH for that reason. I know if once we pinpoint what it is, then I strive to prioritize the teachings you can figure a way to handle that of the gospel, it will help me realize stress.You can run all day if you like what truly matters.” running, but if there is still a big

Whiting wants students who problem in your life, you’ll still be - Laiken Tomie are struggling with the weight of stressed.” new obligations to come visit the

Whiting also gave insight on Center for Academic Success. “If how to handle burdens people have you’re a stressed student and decide no control over. “Let it go....You let to come to the academic center, we God handle that, and He will. We know that Jesus Christ will handle that for us. When we can’t would have a prayer, then we would talk to you and ask you why you are stressed. control it, we’re not supposed to. That’s something that I’ve

“You can have balanced life.You can schedule your learned also. It’s okay to give up control.” time, and if you will be where you’re supposed to be when

Taking time to organize has helped Sproat manage his you’re supposed to be there, it makes life a whole lot stress. “Usually when I get put in [stressful] situations, I try to take myself out of them,” he said. “Do something else for a easier.” • bit. Step out and make sure that everything that I need to do are put order and come back into it.”

Diamonds are made from pressure... stress tests us and urges us to grow and become our best.

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POPULAR SPOTS IN

OAHU

Favorite recreation places on the island, according to students B Y AN E L CAN TO

THE BYODO-IN TEMPLE

KAAAWA FALLS

Lina Wong, a freshman from California majoring in Sedrick said, “Kaaawa Falls is a really short hike with a music, said, “It’s supposed to be a replica of a temple in pretty waterfall at the end. The waterfall is really tall, Japan. By going there, you can better understand the and it’s not really far. It’s maybe 20 minutes away from Japanese influence in Hawaii.” She mentioned how the the school, and it’s fun because you have to climb a koi ponds and the green scenery depict an atmosphere couple of short waterfalls in order to get to the main KAAAVVA FALLS of peace and tranquility. Wong concluded, “It’s a fun and one. It’s very jungly, and you climb up a river as well. It cheap thing to do on the island.” will take you like two hours if you go fast.”

MAUNAWILI FALLS

Mariah Pilling, a junior from Canada majoring in exercise science, said, “It’s like a 40-foot cliff jump. It POINT LAIE looks like you’re jumping into a hole, and it has a pretty waterfall. My brother and I used to go a bunch.” She said a famous YouTube star, Devin Graham, went down with them to have a photoshoot at Maunawili Falls.

She said, “He did a bunch of cliff jumping shoots over there.” She shared that as she wasn’t too experienced, she “jumped straight,” but others would do backflips off the cliff.

CHINA WALLS BEACH

Jordan Sedrick, a junior from California double majoring in psychology and biochemistry, said, “China Walls are really nice because there are no rocks, and it’s super deep.You don't have to worry about hitting anything at the bottom, and you can do crazy tricks off the side. It’s nice not having to worry about the rocks.”

LAIE POINT

Isabella Pigley, a senior from California majoring in SHARK’S COVE intercultural peace building, said she enjoys watching the sunrise at Laie Point. “I think it's really pretty even if the clouds are blocking the sun. The colors in the sky look amazing.” She said there are many people who like to jump from the archBYODO-IN right across Laie Point.

She TEMPLE also shared how there is a “glass cave” with sea glass collected inside the cave.

MERMAID CAVES

Mindy Harter, a junior from California majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said the Mermaid Caves on the West Side could be accessed through a hole in the ground. One can see the sky from the cave, and the sea water coming through the hole in the ceiling of the cave. Harter said, “It was cool to be down there chilling literally like a mermaid.You could touch the top standing and then you can hoist yourself out.” •

MERMAID CAVES

CHINA WALLS

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MAUNAWILI FALLS

Graphic by McKenna Locken

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

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Dreams become a novel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You’re stuck.”

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

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t s i l t e Buck

s n i h p l o D ith w m i w S 1. ng i v i d y k S 2. i i a w a h 3. Go to 122 KE ALAK A ‘I

Enjoying nature within limits Disrupting dolphins during early mornings can negatively impact their sleep time, says conservationist B Y JO RDAN CO RTE Z

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wimming with the dolphins on the West Side of Oahu leaves BYU-Hawaii students in awe, but a lack of respect for the dolphins and their habitat could push them to leave, said Michelle Bennett, a marine biology alumna.

According to Bennett, who works with shark conservation group One Ocean Diving, the dolphins come to shore for good reason.

“Dolphins are nocturnal hunters, and it’s believed they come into shallow, sandy bays to sleep. This reduces the risk of predation.

“Since dolphins need to be conscious in order to breathe, they are only able to rest half of their brain at a time to keep themselves from drowning. Continual rest during the whole day is vital to allowing these animals to sleep.”

For this reason, Bennett advised students to be respectful and unobtrusive to the dolphins. “The ocean is their home and you are just a visitor. Learn how to swim without splashing and kicking above the surface. If you dive down, do not dive down directly at the pod. It will disrupt their resting and swimming pattern. I’ve seen many cases of it happening.”

Erica Greer, president of the Scuba Diving Association and a junior studying exercise science from Washington D.C., said, “If you see a boat coming, that means the dolphins are there.

These huge tourists groups come, and if you see a boat, that means they’ve seen the dolphins.”

From Greer’s experience, she noticed the best spot to swim with the dolphins is on the West Side of Oahu, just past Electric Beach.

“There is parking all along both sides of the road.You’ll get out and the sand is right there.

Just put on your snorkel gear and go out immediately into the water.”

Greer stated that she usually leaves Laie

around 5 or 5:30 a.m. to catch the dolphins at the best time. “It is about an hour and a half drive. The dolphins come every morning between 7 and 8 a.m.”

When asked about how long the dolphins stay, Greer replied, “At around 8:30 or 9 a.m. they are going to leave. They do not stay too long.”

Sophie Acedo, a junior studying communications from Arizona, said she went to see the dolphins around 7 a.m. at Makaha Beach. “The dolphins stay between Makaha, where we were, and Electric Beach. They swim up and down the shore.”

Acedo added she was in awe when she saw the dolphins. “I saw two or three at first and they were beautiful animals and were so graceful but playful at the same time. I was seeing them in the wild doing their own thing.

“I am almost positive they knew we were there, but they did not care. They kept being playful with no restraints - totally free. They eventually swam away. Then another pod of 25 or 30 came and it was amazing.”

When preparing for a first-time swim with the dolphins, Greer and Acedo both advise bringing flippers and snorkeling gear. They also suggested weaker swimmers bring a boogie board too. Greer said not to bring too many items however, since the dolphins are constantly moving and people will need to keep up.

Bennett added if people want to continue having dolphins around these areas, not harassing the dolphins is a necessity. She said if people harass dolphins, she would not be surprised if they left and found a new spot to rest.

Acedo and Bennett both agreed people should not attempt to touch the dolphins or chase them in the wild. They said if the dolphins

Dolphins swimming at Makaha Beach on the West Side. Photo by Jordan Cortez

want to, they will come up to people.

Seeing them for the first time, Acedo said she was tempted to touch one but realized “they were in their element and touching them would ruin it.”

When Greer compared seeing dolphins in the wild to man-made aquatic attractions, she stated the following, “You can go to Sea Life Park and do it for $200 in a little aquatic tank, or you can go to one of the natural beaches for free and swim with them in nature.”

Acedo shared her feelings about being with the dolphins. “The dolphins weren’t told or trained to do anything they did in front of me that day. That was all them - total instinct.

What I had seen in Sea World didn’t feel real after experiencing what I did here. My memory of swimming with these dolphins will be with me forever.” • FALL 2018 123

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How to relieve a jellyfish sting Students and professors give insight into different techniques of dealing with stings B Y E M M AL E E SM I TH

Information from Professor Kikiana Hurwitz Illustration by Emmalee Smith and Mckenna Locken 124 KE ALAK A ‘I

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A study conducted by BYUH professors shows the best treatments for a jellyfish sting are pouring hat water or vinegar on the wound. Photo by Alvin Dy

ikiana Hurwitz, a BYU-Hawaii professor in the Natural Science Department, found different methods to treat a jellyfish sting based on her experiment in 2016 and debunk some myths passed on by students.

Hurwitz said the experiment, done with some colleagues, showed hot water or vinegar are the best treatments for the sting.

“So if you were stung, the absolute best thing to do with no money on you, would be to go home and take a hot bath,” said Hurwitz. In her experiment, she said they used water from 42 to 45 degrees Celsius, which is just a little hotter than a hot tub. “If you essentially got into a hot tub and stayed there for 15 minutes or so, that would be the best treatment.”

One of the famous myths regarding jellyfish stings include peeing on it, according to BYUH students. Oni Rareba, a freshman studying exercise science from Texas, said she was told peeing lowers the swelling.

Kendal Keung, a senior studying exercise science from New Zealand, agreed and said, “My nan tells you to pee on it.”

Espirit Saucier, an assistant professor in marine biology, said the myth probably came about because acidic solutions help remove the toxins and urine is slightly acidic. “But if anyone is ready to pee on you, they’re not dehydrated enough to make it worth your effort. Plus, it’s also not very hygienic.”

Hurwitz said when she tested urine in her experiment, they found peeing does make it a little better because of the heat. “[We found out] it’s not the active compounds in it that would cause it to feel better. It’s most likely the heat or the temperature that would make it feel better.”

She said while it may feel better, “long-term it’s probably still best to get a hot bath or get in a hot tub.”

Stine Plomgren, a sophomore studying anthropology from California, said when she googled methods to cure the sting, it said to scrape off the stingers and rinse it with saltwater, which Hurwitz said is the wrong treatment.

“That would be bad. The rubbing of it will cause the cnidae to discharge,” said Hurwitz. According to Saucier, cnidae are microscopic organelles the jellyfish has on its tentacles, and when brushed against, they are released onto the skin.

Saucier added, “The stinging is [caused by] the cnidae bursting and injecting toxins into you.You want to wash off the ones that have not yet stung you. The best thing is to get the rest of the tentacle off you or the [rest of the] cnidae.” Saucier recommended using something acidic, like vinegar.

Hurwitz said the rubbing could be used as a distraction to make the pain feel less [painful], “but I feel like those who’ve done it have gone home and probably felt more pain after that.” She suggests not rubbing because in the long term it makes it worse.

“If you had money and you knew you were going to get stung a lot and you wanted to have treatment on the spot, the ‘sting no more’ cream was developed in our laboratory,” added Hurwitz. “The formulation of this cream and spray was created for on-the-spot beach treatment. But this costs money, and vinegar you can go to the store and buy a five gallon for a couple of dollars.” •

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Service Center “we collaborate with communities to provide meaningful service”

- Over 20 partners around the North Shore community -Scholarship opportunities -Regularly scheduled sevice projects - Hawiiana Service Day - Sept. 15, 2018 - Blood Drive - Sept. 26th-27th 2018 - Ho’omana Service Day - Oct. 20th 2018

Phone: (808) 675-4951 Email: serve@byuh.edu

Aloha Center Room 171

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Are you interested in getting involved with clubs?

Are you a member of a registered club returning for another semester?

Do you have a shared interest you want to enjoy with others?

New and Returning clubs register by September 7 Officer Training September 13 Aloha Center Ballroom Join a club during World Fest September 17-18 Contact clubs@byuh.edu for more information FALL 2018 127

NEW STUDENT EXPERIENCE STARTS AUGUST 27

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP IN THE ALOHA CENTER

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TUESDAYS

11:00 AM Cannon Activities Center

devotional.byuh.edu @BYU–Hawaii

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Haka performance for New Zealand Spring 2018 graduates.

Photo by Wesley Ng