THE LEADER
APRIL 2022
MĀLAMA I KA ‘ĀINA Embracing the call to respect the island p. 8
FAST FASHION p. 14
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APRIL 2022 • VOLUME 131 • ISSUE 4
LeeAnn Lambert ADVISOR
Leiani Brown COPY EDITOR
Levi Fuaga MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
Katie Mower GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Michael Kraft CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Collin Farley COPY EDITOR
Rahel Meyer COPY EDITOR
Anna Stephenson MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
Paige Peterson MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
Marlee Palmer GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sugarmaa Bataa CONTENT CREATOR/ PHOTOGRAPHER
Mark Daeson Tabbilos PHOTOGRAPHY &VIDEO
Abbie Putnam MANAGING EDITOR
Nichole Whiteley MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
Xyron Levi Corpuz MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
Uurtsaikh Nyamdeleg PHOTOGRAPHY &VIDEO 2 KE AL AKA‘I 2022
Amanda Penrod CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Munkhbayar Magvandorj PHOTOGRAPHER
Marwin Jay Villegas PHOTOGRAPHY &VIDEO
Emily Hendrickson ART DIRECTOR
Kylee Denison MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
Mahana Tepa MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
Emarie Majors PHOTOGRAPHER
Leung Yui PHOTOGRAPHY &VIDEO
LE T T E R FRO M A WR I TER With Hawaii being the extinction capital of the world more species are becoming endangered or extinct here than anywhere else on the globe - it’s especially important for us to be aware of the impact we have on the environment. In order to be aware of our impact, we have to be aware of what our environment is. When you look around you, what do you see? I see a beautiful yet imperiled ecosystem, filled with life that must be protected. I see animals, big and small - especially the small - the habitats in which they live, and the interactions between living creatures and the forces of nature. The best thing we can do for the environment is learn. Check out the fun facts about chickens (page 12) to learn more about the birds you’ve seen around campus, or my own creature feature about whales (page 24), the largest animals on Earth. Learn about the impact that humans are having on our world. This month we have an important story about plastics in our oceans (page 26). After you read that, you can learn how you personally can help keep plastics out of the ocean by switching to reusable products (page 10). Saving nature may seem daunting but remember you don’t have to do it all on your own. Preventing extinction is as simple as taking one small step - because when a lot of people take small steps together, it all adds up to some very big steps. I hope you enjoy this issue and learn something important from it. Don’t forget to look around,
Anna Stephenson NEWS CENTER: Box 1920 BYUH Laie, HI 96762 Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquires: kealakai@byuh.edu To view additional articles go to kealakai.byuh.edu
CONTACT: Email: kealakai@byuh.edu Phone: (808) 675-3694 Office: BYU–Hawaii Aloha Center 134 ON THE COVER: Photo of the Ko’olau Mountain Range on Oahu looking across Kahana Bay towards Crouching Lion. Photo by Emarie Majors.
ABOUT The Ke Alaka‘i began publishing the same year the University, then called Church College of Hawaii, opened. It has continued printing for more than 60 years. The name means “the leader” in Hawaiian.What began as a monthly newsletter, evolved into a weekly newspaper, then a weekly magazine and is now a monthly news magazine with a website and a social media presence.Today, a staff of about 25 students work to provide information for BYU–Hawaii’s campus ohana and Laie’s community.
© 2022 Ke Alaka‘i BYU–Hawaii All Rights Reserved A PRIL 2022 3
Table of
CONT ENTS Mālama I Ka ‘Āina
6 Art submission 8 Mālama I Ka ‘Āina care of the land
10 Reusable products 12 Fun facts about chickens 14 Fast fashion 16 Bringing green into the home 18 Tips for reducing waste
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Campus & Community 20 Transformation through service 24 Creature Feature: Whales 26 Love your ocean
29 Cannon uncharted 32 How to prevent senioritis 34 Treasures on the seashore
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C R E AT I V E W R I T I N G/ AR T/ PHOTO S UBM I S S I ON
“Peace Within Commotion ” by Truman Albot, a freshman from California majoring in accounting Share your art, photos or creative writing with us to print in our next issue. E-mail us your high-resolution photo or work with a caption at kealakai@byuh.edu
FOL L OW US A ROUND T HE W EB
K E A L A K A I . BY UH . E D U
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Graphics by Marlee Palmer.
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MĀLAMA I KA ‘ĀINA
A Hawaiian phrase, it means caring for the land and so much more, and students say they are embracing the call to respect the island BY KYLEE DENISON
T
he literal translation for malama i ka ‘aina, according to the Hawaiian Dictionary, is “caring for the land.” In fact, it is even the name of the science curriculum for K-12 students in Hawaii, according to the Malama I Ka ‘Aina website. But for BYU–Hawaii students with Hawaiian heritage, they said it means so much more than that. Kalani Jensen, a sophomore from Huntington Beach, California, majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said malama i ka ‘aina means “not only to care for but to respect the land that your ancestors made and built up for you.” Kiana Serrao, a junior from Stansbury Park, Utah, majoring in biology, said malama i ka ‘aina means “taking care of the culture and the people who live there. It is being respectful to everyone who is here, not just the people, but the animals and the trees.”
A call to action While visiting the island when he was younger, Jensen said his dad would encourage him to pick up trash whenever they saw it. “When we would go surfing, we pick up at least five pieces of trash out in the water.” He said he feels this concept is something instilled in most Hawaiians. Jensen said local Hawaiians “respect the kapu, or the sacred land. They try to push to keep that land sacred … they fight really hard for what they believe and they fight really hard for their land.” Listening to the locals is also important, Jensen said. If locals do not go on certain a hike, don’t go, he explained. People educating themselves about the island and leaving a place cleaner than it was found, are examples of malama i ka ‘aina, he added.
Being respectful Serrao said when visiting the island in 2016, she and her family were walking along Bikini Beach when they ran into a local woman carrying a bag she said she fills up with trash on her morning walk every single day. “Just the little things like that,” she added, are ways to take care of the land. “It is our responsibility, especially here in Hawaii as guests on this island, that we take care of everything. We don’t come in and disturb the ecosystem,” Serrao said, and students should be respectful of sacred lands. Although it might make for a good photo, Serrao said it is important to give wild animals space. “It is disrespectful to the locals and to the animals,” she explained. In fact, “endangered, threatened and indigenous species, including humpback whales, false killer whales, Hawaiian monk seals, the yellow-bellied sea snake, numerous species of dolphins and all species of turtles are protected” under Hawaii state laws, says the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources website. Madison Richter, a junior from Ohio majoring in intercultural peacebuilding, said she is trying to be more environmentally conscious about what she consumes. “Right now I am trying to learn the Hawaiian culture for how to take care of the land.” Richter shared she has been vegan for a long time, but after moving to Hawaii, she decided to take a break from being vegan in an effort to be more fully immersed in the Hawaiian culture. “It is important for me to respect the culture by living it,” she continued. Richter said she is respecting the culture by incorporating more Hawaiian foods and by going out and being in nature. •
Photos by Emarie Majors. Graphics by Emily Hendrickson. A PRIL 2022 9
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REUSABLE PRODUCTS
Alternate options to decrease plastic waste BY KATIE MOWER Plastic straws Paper towels/napkins Plastic cutlery Disposable razors Plastic bottles Bottled body wash Disposable tea bags Plastic/paper grocery bags Plastic sandwich bags Plastic lunch container Cotton swabs
Graphics by Katie Mower.
Metal straws Linen cloths Wooden cutlery Stainless steel razors Glass bottles Handmade soap bars Reusable tea bags Reusable grocery bags Reusable sandwich bags Metal lunchbox Resuable cotton swabs
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Your friendly local chickens’ deepest secrets. Do you know these chicken fun facts? BY XYRON LEVI CORPUZ 1. Did you know there are more chickens on the earth than people? There are more than 20 billion chickens and only 8 billion humans. – chickensandmore.com 2. Did you know chickens are the Tyrannosaurus Rex’s closest living relatives? If you don’t want to get hurt by its relatives, be careful around chickens. – fourpawsusa.org 3. Did you know chickens can see in full color? Don’t underestimate what chickens can do. – peta.org 4. Did you know chickens dream while they sleep? Chickens are more like humans than you think. – carolinacoops.com
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5. Did you know chickens can learn the sound of their names as well as the names of the other chickens in their flock? – cacklehatchery.com 6. Did you know the chickens’ earlobes determine the color of an eggshell? – facts.net 7. Did you know chickens can’t taste sweet flavors but can taste salty ones? – thefactsite.com 8. Did you know on Christmas Eve in Japan, people often eat fried chicken? – easyscienceforkids.com 9. Did you know chickens can remember and recognize faces? – mamateaches.com 10. Did you know hens communicate to their unhatched eggs through clucks and humming? – treehugger.com
Capturing a wild chicken in its natural habitat on the grounds of Kualoa Beach Park. Photo by Emarie Majors.
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Quick consumption of on-trend clothes causes environmental concern, says a New York Times article. Fast fashion is the selling of the latest styles “at breakneck speed to meet consumer demand,” writes goodonyou.eco. According to the New York Times, these clothes are made to last no more than 10 wearings. 1 4 KE AL A K A‘I 2022
The U.S. average is
75 pounds of tex t i l e waste per perso n every yer according to a 20
19 New York Times
article
s t c a p m i n o i h s a f t s a “F o h w s r e k r o w t n e m r a g s u o r e g n a d n i work r o f , s t n e m n o r i env d n a , s e g a w w lo l a t n e m a d n u f t u o h t i w ” , s t h g i r n a m u h
ou.eco
ny says goodo
apparel and footwear produce more th an 8 percent of the global greenhou se gas emissions says the New York Times Graphics by Emily Hendrickson A PRIL 2022 15
BRINGING GREEN INTO THE HOME Indoor plants boost your home’s air quality, lowers stress, say experts, and improves mood BY PAIGE PETERSEN
P
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lants do not only provide good company, they also offer benefits for mental and physical health, says the Swanson Nursery website. The site says taking care of plants can be intimidating as most require extensive care, however, many plant options only require low maintenance but offer high benefits.
Improves skin health Swanson’s website says plants’ ability to improve air quality “can help improve respiratory and skin health.” The site says this occurs because levels of humidity are increased through the release of the plant’s water vapor, which is beneficial to respiratory and skin health.
Mood and focus booster According to the nursery’s website, “indoor plants keep you healthier and happier, offering both psychological and physical health benefits.” These include lowering stress levels, improving moods, reducing fatigue, providing better air quality and improving focus. Hannah Bahner, a freshman from Utah majoring in English, said she has personally seen the benefits from being surrounded by plants. Having plants around had a direct impact on her mood, she said. “Having greenery around … automatically makes me feel better.”
Natural air purifiers The NASA website says certain houseplants are exceptional at cleansing air. NASA recommends “having 15-18 houseplants for a 1,800 square-foot house.” “Plants also increase oxygen levels in the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis,” shares the NASA website. As oxygen levels increase, so does improvement of focus, mood and energy, the site explains. Find your fit Mattie Day, a freshman from Utah majoring in social work, said when picking out
Collage of different plants found growing at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Farm. Photos by Leung Yui.
a plant, finding the perfect fit can be hard. “A plant with minimal care is perfect for me … because sometimes I forget to water. And then I think I need to water a lot more, but I don’t want to kill it,” she shared. According to the Air Plant Supply Company website, air plants are the way to go if looking for a plant that doesn’t requires soil. “Air plants are unique in that their root system is not how they absorb the bulk of their water,” says the Habitat website. “Instead, the roots are used to attach the plant to various surfaces [like drift wood, tree bark, lava rock or even sea shells]. When it comes time to water, it is recommended to mist your air plants thoroughly with rainwater once a week” and once a month soak for 10 minutes. Easy house plants According to bloomscape’s website, these are some of the easiest houseplants “that almost anyone can grow.” Monstera • Despite its name, this tropical plant isn’t a monster to take care of because it is adaptable to most light conditions and “somewhat drought tolerant.” Sansevieria • This “hardy” houseplant doesn’t need much water, does well in most temperatures
and light conditions, and is “highly-sought after” for its “air-purifying properties.” ZZ Plant • These are “virtually indestructible” plants requiring very little water because they thrive being “on the dry side.” General plant care Over watering is “one of the most common causes of houseplant death(s),” the Better Homes & Garden site states. It suggests keeping a “set calendar schedule” for keeping track of watering. As your plant grows, so do its roots, shares the site, and repotting can be an important step to letting the plant flourish. “If the plant has outgrown its pot, you can transplant it into a slightly larger container.” The Better Homes and Gardens website shares, “If you’d like to keep it in the same pot, trim off some of the roots with a sharp knife and replant it into the container using fresh potting soil.” Propagation can be a beneficial process for different plants. “It helps to rejuvenate an overgrown plant and encourage fresh growth. Plus, it’s an inexpensive way to get more plants out of the ones you already have,” explains the site.•
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REDUCING WASTE Reducing waste means being aware of how our actions will affect the natural environment, says Kumuwaiwai Center for Sustainability Student Supervisor Leslie Harper. He shared different ways students affect their carbon output including the amount of food, gas and electricity they use. “The goal is to reduce our carbon footprint,” he added, which is the amount of carbon output necessary for a person to function.
BY LEVI FUAGA
REDUCING FOOD WASTE
•● Grow your own food at the Kumuwaiwai Center for Sustainability farm (bring your own seeds to plant)
•● When you’re at the cafeteria, don’t serve yourself any more than you can eat
•● Kimberly Aromata, a senior from Kiribati majoring in political science and sustainability worker, said leftover or discarded food can be used to feed the pigs and chickens at the Kumuwaiwai Center for Sustainability’s farm
REDUCING ●
TRASH WA
• Collect plastic, cardboard and drink bottles ●
●
STE
• Aromata said you can separate recyclables and place them in the recycle bins outside of the hales
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●
C E L E G N I C REDU ●
●
E G A S U S A TRICAL & G • Use air conditioning only when you need to
• Turn off lights in your dormitory when you aren’t using them ●
• Instead of driving, bike, take the bus or walk
•● Ezek Dollete, a BYU–Hawaii alumni from the Philippines, said instead of throwing away old bikes, you can donate them to the sustainability farm to be fixed in exchange for service
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
•● “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” added Aromata • Sell unused items on Facebook Marketplace or BYU–Hawaii’s Buy N Sell Facebook Page
Determine your carbon footprint using the website footprintcalculator.org. The website has users answer multiple questions regarding their energy use (food, gas, electricity) to determine a person’s carbon output or the amount of energy they use. •
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service
TRANSFORMATION THROUGH
.
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Entire landscaping of BYUH campus was completed on a $10 budget, says the first labor missionary yearbook published in 1958 BY NICHOLE WHITELEY
W
ith only sugar cane fields as a canvas, labor missionaries turned BYU–Hawaii into the thriving ecosystem that it is today. Labor missionaries needed to plant more than 27,000 plants, according to the first labor missionary yearbook published in 1958, which included importing plant species that were not available in Hawaii. As a solution, Brother Harry Hing, a labor missionary and the first landscape foreman for campus, created a nursery to raise the thousands of seedlings that now make up the vegetation on campus. They also relied heavily on donations of trees, fulfilling the sevenyear landscaping project while only making one purchase of $10 on two yellow Samoan coconut palms placed at the front entrance for the dedication, the yearbook explains. The yearbook adds, “What is being accomplished is more than man-made plans. As Brother Hing says, ‘I know that the Lord has His hand in what we are doing. Things that are happening couldn’t just happen by chance.’”
Left: A page out of the first labor missionary yearbook depicting nursery workers. Below: Pictures of the original courtyard trees. Photos provided by Mark James.
Donations of trees and service
According to the yearbook, Church members as well as nonmembers donated fully grown trees. Mark James, a retired TESOL and linguistics professor at BYUH, is the Hawaii Regional Church History adviser for the Church History Department in Salt Lake City. He said many of these mature trees, especially the coconut trees, were donated by local families. The yearbook says the palm trees shading the swimming pool were donated by the J. Kaya store in Punaluu and the bamboo palms by the library and cafeteria were donated straight out of Brother Arthur Parker’s yard in Honolulu. The yearbook says, “Brother Hing feels that the way valuable trees are being donated so generously is a definite manifestation of divine aid.” The donated coconut palms and lauhalas represent major savings, the yearbook says, because the full-grown trees would have cost about $125 each, which would be about $1,200 per tree in today’s currency, according to the USD Inflation website.
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According to James, two of the original lauhala can be found on the “south side of the McKay complex near the old cafeteria entrance.”
courtyard in the McKay complex. It has become an icon due to it being the “last of the giants’ and one of the few remaining original courtyard trees from the early days of CCH [Church College of Hawaii],” he said.
BYUH’s iconic trees
Personal connections
The original faculty of BYUH also participated in gathering trees for campus. James said Wylie Swapp, one of the first professors in the Faculty of Art, “coordinated the round-up and planting of hundreds of very young coconut trees in the late ‘50s. These can be seen all over campus today.” However, many of the other faculty’s contributions are not seen today, as James explained some trees have been removed since the opening of campus. James noted one of these contributions no longer standing. Patrick Dalton, one of the original professors in what was then called the Faculty of Agriculture, planted exotic trees on campus with nameplates installed as the base of each, said James. Some of the removed exotic trees were the Chinaberry trees, James added, which were located by the art classrooms, as well as the paperbark tree in the science courtyard. The new cafeteria took the place of the famous Banyan tree, which was known as the “broccoli tree” before it was removed. James said the most important, iconic tree still standing today is the massive shower tree that faces the motherhood statue in the art
Then. Then: Old photos of the McKay Foyer and a 1963 aerial shot that shows the trees brought in by Wylie Swapp in the 1950s. Photos provided by Mark James. Now: Current photos of campus. Photos by Marwin Jay Villegas.
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Yahneli Garcia, a freshman from Utah majoring in business, said she is particularly fond of the campus courtyards that hold a special place for her. Whenever she is in need of peace throughout the day, Garcia said she escapes to one of the courtyards because there “you can have your own privacy and … be in your own head space.” James said his favorite part of landscaping has been removed. He said when he was a student at BYUH there were two strawberry guava trees next to the Museum of Natural History. “I always enjoyed eating a handful on the way to class and eating a handful on the way back.” One of the most recent changes to the landscaping has occurred over the past few years with the focus on upgrading the turf on campus, James said. “The installation of El Toro grass and the hiring of outside contractors has made a huge difference in the lush look of the campus in recent years.” Julia Rigby, a freshman from Texas whose major is elementary education, said she personally benefited from the recent changes since she discovered the newly built turf field as her favorite spot on campus. “I love to play sports, and it’s a way for me to connect with people and have fun and meet new people,” she said.•
Now.
Then.
Now.
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HUMPBACK WHALES
CREATURE FEATURE
By Anna Stephenson
According to Whale and Conservation USA, one of the longest migrations on Earth belongs to the humpback whales. Humpback whales can travel up to 7,000 miles annually, swimming between the Arctic waters where they feed and sites near the Equator where they breed. One of these breeding sites is the Hawaiian Islands. When humpback whales come to Oahu in the winter and spring, they are looking to find mates and reproduce. Many whales are born in Hawaiian waters. According to the Maui Ocean Center, the humpback whale population that breeds in Hawaii every year consists of roughly 10,000 individual whales. According to Animal Corner’s website, an adult humpback whale can reach sizes between 39 to 52 feet long, and weigh up to 33 tons. The largest whale ever recorded was an 89-foot-long, almost 90-ton female killed and recorded by whalers in the Caribbean. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation website says Humpback whales are mammals, meaning that they have hair and nurse their young with females producing milk. Like other whales, their distant ancestors once lived on land, 50 million years ago.• A humpback whale swimming through the ocean accompanied by one of its young. Photos by Tanner Barnes
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GET RID OF PLASTIC WASTE!
“Love Your Ocean” written in the sand. Trash alongside Pounder’s Beach. Sand crab caught at the beach. Photos by Marwin Jay Villegas. 2 6 KE AL A K A‘I 2022
SAVE OUR HOME! According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, there is a great possibility by 2050 there will be more plastic weight in the ocean than fish
BY PAIGE PETERSON
T
he Marine Stewardship Council’s website says the ocean covers over 70 percent of the earth’s surface and has major effects on the survival of humans. The World Wildlife website states, “there are plenty of actions you can take that will make a big difference for the ocean.”
Why oceans matter
Ways to reduce waste
The Marine Stewardship Council website says, “The ocean is essential to life on Earth. ... It regulates the climate, and supplies the oxygen we need to survive.” The National Ocean Service web page says the ocean “produces over half of the world’s oxygen and absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere.” As the ocean covers over 70 percent of the earth’s surface, it plays a major role in our climate and its regulation. The National Ocean Service site states, “The ocean transports heat from the equator to the poles, regulating our climate and weather patterns.” Another important aspect the ocean provides, according to the website, is medicine. “Many medicinal products come from the ocean, including ingredients that help fight cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease.”
The World Wildlife website says if “every American sipped out of just five fewer straws per year, we could keep more than 1.5 billion straws out of landfills—and our ocean,” The Oceanic Society’s web page suggests using reusable products instead of using single-use plastics. These products include, “reusable grocery bags, produce bags, bottles, utensils, coffee cups, and dry cleaning garment bags.” The Oceanic Society’s site also says to be cautious of micro beads, which can be found in toothpaste, body wash and cosmetics. “They readily enter our oceans and waterways through our sewer systems, and affect hundreds of marine species,” Oceanic Society’s website states. “...Avoid products containing plastic micro beads by looking for ‘polyethylene’
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love your ocean save the ocean and ‘polypropylene’ on the ingredient labels of your cosmetic products.” Adderly Baur, a freshman from Utah said as a biology major, she has become more aware of the waste around her since being in Hawaii. “I think about waste a lot. We learned a lot about it, and it’s important to be aware of your surroundings … like ocean life and our coral reefs.” Waterway and beach cleanups are also effective actions to reduce plastic waste, according to the Oceanic Society’s website. “This is one of the most direct and rewarding ways to fight ocean plastic pollution.” The Oceanic Society’s website says being aware of and supporting organizations that focus on reducing plastic waste is also a great way to help protect the ocean. “These organizations rely on donations from people like you to continue their important work. Even small donations can make a big difference.”
Plastic: A silent killer The World Wildlife website says, “With 8 million tons of plastic dumped into the ocean each year, there could be a pound of plastic for every three pounds of fish in the ocean within the next decade alone.”
The site says the rising levels of plastics in the ocean can lead to the destruction of ecosystems and further endanger marine life. Arianna Lambert, a freshman from Utah majoring in exercise and sport science, said she never thought about the effect consumerism can have on the ocean. “I didn’t realize how much plastic was dumped into the ocean each year and how dangerous the plastic can be to the ocean and the animal life inside.” The As You Sow website explains some of the major ways plastic affects marine animals. “[Plastic can] become lodged in the digestive systems of animals, leading to impairment or death.” As You Sow shares, “a recent study found that a quarter of fish at markets in California and Indonesia contain plastic in their guts, mostly in the form of plastic microfibers.” Toxins within the water can be absorbed by plastic particles that can trickle through the marine food web, possibly leading to humans through consumption, the site states. According to the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s website, items such as plastic shopping bags, cutlery, disposable plastic cups, plates and bowls are some of
the most common and dangerous forms of plastic that affect our oceans. “With safer, non-toxic and earth friendly alternatives available, it’s time to ditch these dangerous plastic products. You have the power to create healthy oceans, full of life,” the site states.
Other ways to help The World Wildlife website says to help curb the increasing temperatures of the earth that negatively affect the ocean, people can: turn off lights, unplug electronics and walk or ride a bike to work. The Impact Travel Alliance website recommends choosing a reef-safe sunscreen an not taking anything from beaches. “Anything at the beach should stay there, as it plays a role. Just because you find something on the shore doesn’t mean it’s not alive.” It has been illegal in Hawaii since Jan. 1, 2021 to use sunscreens “containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, ushering in a new era of reef safe sunscreen.” says Hawaii.com. “According to the National Park Service, 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reefs every year.” • Photos by Marwin Jay Villegas. Graphics by Katie Mower.
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n
Originally from California, freshman Grace Cannon says she started her photography business “Cannon Uncharted” taking picture of friends. Photo provided by Grace Cannon.
‘Cannon Uncharted’ BYUH student says overcome your fears and work now on creating the business of your dreams
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BY PAIGE PETERSEN
G
race Cannon, a freshman majoring in communication & media studies from Southern California, said despite the anxiety she felt when first starting her business, she was able to pull through and make her business a success with the help of the people around her. “If I hadn’t taken my mom’s advice years back, I would not be where I am today,” she said.
From pressure to passion Cannon said her mom was responsible for developing her interest in photography. “I remember I was in the car with my mom, and she told me that I needed to take pictures of my friends so I could build a portfolio for scholarships,” she explained. Cannon’s mother, Ronelle Cannon, said when her daughter started to show interest in learning more about photography as a young teenager, she was happy to encourage and support her along the way. “From driving to find unique locations, giving her a loan to upgrade her camera so she could officially go from hobbyist to pro, or carrying props as her assistant on her first paid shoot, it’s been a joy to be along for the ride,” said Ronelle Cannon. Grace Cannon said she started out by taking pictures of her friends to build her Instagram account to start her portfolio. As her follower count grew, so did her client list. “I had a lot of people asking me to take pictures of them,” Cannon said. “It quickly became a popular thing to do because it was during COVID-19. There was nothing to do, so it would be the date night thing to go get your couples pictures done.” As her experience increased over time, so did her dedication to her work, Cannon said. “I started getting a passion for photo shoots, … by getting to meet new people through it.” Cannon shared. “So that’s what kind of started ‘Cannon Uncharted’.”
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Creating an uplifting environment Cannon said her business is unique because she does non-traditional and creative photo shoots where she is not afraid to try new things. “I have so many fun ideas and locations. I’m just dying for the right person to come to me and use them,” she explained. Preston Carlson, a freshman from Utah majoring in exercise science, said he would recommend Cannon to anyone. “Grace is so fun to shoot with. She’s your biggest hype man. She knows exactly what you want and how to capture it.” Carlson said Cannon knows what she is doing and is good at creating an uplifting environment. “She knows how to pose you and makes it fun ... [She] makes you feel so good about yourself.”
Future Plans: Take on the world Cannon said moving to Hawaii inspired her desire for more mobility within her work. Originally based in California and now based on Oahu, her work consists of balancing California and Hawaii, she said. However, she said she wants to expand that. “I want to travel and be a travel photographer,” Cannon said. “I think it would be super awesome to be able to expand my talents, not only in my local areas but also just all around the world and mainland.”
Advice for aspiring business owners Cannon said for anyone else with a desire to start their own business, start now. “If you have an idea to start something, it doesn’t hurt to start it.” She said she when she began her business, she was worried people would tell her she was not good enough. Despite the anxiety she experienced, Cannon said she decided to give it her best shot and encouraged others to do the same.
Another piece of advice she offered was to study under people who are doing the same practice as you. “If you want to start a photography business, go shoot with other photographers. If you’re trying to start a nail business, go do nails with other artists. “Just go and meet other people in the community and learn from them hands on. It’s the best way to learn.” Cannon said some of her favorite kinds of photos to capture are individual shoots, couples and sometimes families. She said she loves to capture “raw” moments. “I just love the movement, and just the interactions between people. And I absolutely love meeting new people to shoot with.”
“I started getting a passion for photo shoots, … by getting to meet new people through it.... So that’s what kind of started
For more information visit @cannonuncharted on Instagram. •
Photos provided by Grace Cannon. One of her photo techniques includes motion blur
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HOW TO:
PREVENT
SENIORITIS noun [ seen-yuh-rahy-tis ]
“Supposed affliction of students in their final year of high school or college, characterized by a decline in motivation or performance.”
From avoiding self-doubts and making time to enjoy hobbies to focusing on goals and plans, three BYUH students, alumni and faculty offer tips to overcome senioritis BY LEVI FUAGA
Academic Advisor Gail Kailee-Tropia shared four ways to deal with senioritis, including creating an academic plan, taking capstone classes, being involved in a career and internships and incorporating self-care. CREATING AN ACADEMIC PLAN Upon coming to BYU–Hawaii, students are asked to meet with their advisor to create an academic plan, said Tropia, explaining students can become anxious about their post-college plans. “Not having a plan or some idea of what [they’re] wanting to do after [college] adds to that sluggish feeling during the senior year.”
CAPSTONE CLASSES Tropia said capstone classes are a culminating experience that challenge everything students learned within their major. She said students should spread their capstone classes out instead of trying to complete them early on. By doing so, she said students avoid becoming overwhelmed, complacent and less invested with their studies during senior year.
SELF-CARE Tropia said self-care is important and is always emphasized for students. Attending clubs and other activities can help students stay mentally and physically active, she said. Another form of self-care, she said, could be taking on a personal project.
CAREER AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Attending career fairs and seeking out career internship opportunities help students determine their goals after graduation, said Tropia. “It doesn’t have to be a five-year plan. It can just be what’s going to happen next and then [they] can go from there.” 3 2 KE AL A K A‘I 2022
Elijah Lemusuifeauali’i, a 2021 alumnus from Australia, shared three ways to deal with senioritis. KNOWING THE FOCUS
REMEMBERING THE ‘WHY’ Remembering the reason why a person came to BYUH can help a person determine the goal they want to achieve, Lemusuifeauali’i explained.
Being a senior is a stage between why someone came to BYUH and their end goal, he shared. He said reflecting on these two things can “provide some motivation.”
HAVING GRIT Having grit, Lemusuifeauali’i shared, is the drive to push through despite any challenges that must be faced. He added, “Grit is the physical manifestation of the why,” but the why requires being mentally focused.
Zayne Williams, a senior from Florida majoring in communications, shared two tips for seniors to deal with senioritis.
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HAVE FUN
DON’T DOUBT
Williams said she’s tried to do the things she’s always wanted to do but has sometimes felt hindered. For example, she said she enjoys hiking, however, she only went three times while in school due to friends who didn’t want to hike with her. She advised students to not let anyone stop them from doing what they love. “Don’t wait for anybody.”
Williams advised students to avoid thoughts of self-doubt and to remember everything they have accomplished during their time in college. She said doing so comforts her and helps her to “finish strong.”
[ONE’S] FRUITS, REWARDS AND GAINS ARE ALL DEPENDENT ON THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT COME [IN THEIR] PATH. … THERE ARE SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES HERE ON CAMPUS PROFESSIONALLY, ACADEMICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY. ELIJAH LEMUSUIFEAUAALI’I
Graphics by Marlee Palmer.
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TREASURES ON THE SEASHORE BYUH alumna explains how a hobby of collecting sea glass became her jewelry business BY XYRON LEVI CORPUZ
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orn and raised in Laie, BYU–Hawaii alumna Anne McCarrey Tobon, said she sees a connection between the sea glass she uses for her jewelry business “Wrap the Sea” and the gospel of Jesus Christ. “If you think about us, we’re kind of like broken glass. We’re sharp. We can hurt people. We’re not that pretty, just like broken [glass],” explained Tobon. Through friction with the sand and passage of time, sea glass is made, and similarly, she shared, “We become smooth and really beautiful through the atonement of Jesus Christ.”
Collector to jeweler Eve McCarrey, a freshman from Laie majoring in political science, said she enjoyed seeing her sister’s collections “turn into jewelry.” Having grown up in Hawaii, Tobon said she loves going to the beach almost every day. Around five years ago, she said she started collecting sea glass and seashells. Previously, she hadn’t seen them because she often went to beaches that didn’t have them. “But I started going to these beaches that had more shells and more sea glass. Most of the North Shore is actually pretty good, [such as] Ke Iki Beach.” She said her favorite place to collect these items is Goat Island. McCarrey said she sometimes goes with her sister to collect sea glass and seashells on Goat Island. “We have this little secret spot called ‘the Sea Glass Cave.’ So, we go there sometimes if the weather’s just right.” Tobon said she didn’t know what sea glass was when she first saw them. “I just saw it, and I thought it was pretty. So, I started collecting it. And then it turns out it’s a really big community [sea glass collecting] all around the world, even in Japan [and] England.” Sea glass is sharp broken glass that has been smoothed out after being in the ocean for 50 years or more, Tobon explained. For seashells, 3 4 KE AL A K A‘I 2022
Tobon added, it is illegal to collect shells with animals inside, so she only collects empty shells. When her husband saw she collected an incredible amount of sea glass and seashells, he told her to do something with it, Tobon shared. On her birthday two years ago, she said her husband gifted her a jewelry [making] kit, and that’s how it all began.
Trash to treasure Tobon said she started playing around with the kit using her sea glass. She was able to make necklaces and earrings. One day, Lindsay Hadley, an adjunct faculty in Business & Government, saw Tobon on campus wearing one of her homemade necklaces. Tobon said Hadley, who loves sea glass, was amazed and asked Tobon to make her jewelry for Christmas presents. Tobon said at the time, she had only been using cheap materials to make her jewelry, but when Hadley said she would buy more than 20 necklaces, Tobon explained, she went out and bought nicer materials, such as 14 karat gold. “That helped me get started because I knew that someone wanted to buy it,” she shared. Tobon’s jewelry consists of wrapped pieces of sea glass as the center pendant on either gold or silver chains. Tobon said she named her business “Wrap the Sea” because she wraps the treasures she finds in the ocean. “It’s also eco-friendly jewelry because sea glass is pretty much trash. When I think of ‘Wrap the Sea,’ I also think of wrapping the sea in a hug. [It is] our responsibility to help clean the ocean and help the ocean be in its best state.” McCarrey said knowing her sister’s business is an environmentally conscious company makes her even prouder. “Trash on the beach is definitely a huge problem, especially here in Hawaii. It’s good that she
can make a difference by clearing up the beach and having people wear her creations.” These days, Tobon said, packaging centers mainly use plastic, such as sandwich wrappings and plastic bottles. “Fifty years ago, there wasn’t a lot of plastic. It was just glass pretty much and that’s what they’ve been using for food and a lot of other things.” She added people used to dump their garbage into the ocean, such as glass bottles and various containers. Tobon said she even found pieces of an old-school T.V. screen. She explained sea glass comes in various colors because manufacturers already gave artificial coloring to the glasses, and some remain that same color. She added, “Some glass, it starts off white, but over time it turns purple, or it turns blue.”
Branching out When she started, Tobon said, her main customers were her family and friends. “They’ve been really impressed with how [the business] has been doing. … We’re all just kind of surprised because I didn’t know that I was good at making jewelry. It’s just something that I learned through trying.” McCarrey said she’s proud of her sister and is especially thrilled when she sees people wearing her sister’s creations. She added the quality of Tobon’s products has improved, specifically the necklace itself. “Before, it was recycled chain, so they weren’t super good. But now she switched to sterling silver and then [14-karat] gold. Then she also just started her Instagram page too.” Alexa Springer, a junior from Laie majoring in communications, said she saw Tobon’s jewelry through a mutual friend’s repost on her Instagram account. “The same day, I ran into her husband, Sam, who also told me about it, and he was so passionate and excited for Anne [Tobon].”
The first item Springer said she purchased was a honey goldencolored sea glass on a gold chain. “It’s eye-catching with the wrapped style Anne [Tobon] has for her pieces,” she said. During a sale on Valentine’s Day, Springer bought a “multiple stacked white puka shells necklace,” which she said was exactly what she was looking for in terms of “length and style.” •
FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM: @WRAPTHESEA
Above: Anne McCarrey Tobon showing some of her handmade jewelry. Photo by Uurtsaikh Nyamdeleg
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