Ke Alaka'i- November 2018

N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8 · Vo l u m e 1 2 1 : I s s u e 3

THE LEADER

55th ANNIVERSARY OF PCC

Pa g e 1 8 For H o ’o m a n a D ay stude nts cl ea n u p t h e North Shore

Page 22 The P CC c elebrates its 55th annivers ary

Page 42 Jeff & Co rtney Given o v erco me trials w ith happi n ess

NOVEMBER 2018 • VOLUME 121 • ISSUE 3

ADVISOR Le e A n n Lam ber t MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS Mackenzie Beaver Tomson Cheang Mason Cole Shannon Crowley Geena De Maio Elijah Hadley

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Antoniette Yee COPY EDITORS Anuhea Chen Dani Castro Brooklyn Redd VIDEOGRAPHERS Viv i an Ai dukai t i s Kel sy Si m m ons

Esther Insigne

ART & GRAPHICS

Bruno Maynez

Lynne Hardy

Noah Shoaf Jemesa Snuka Haeley van der Werf PHOTOGRAPHERS C ame ro n Gardner

M cKenna Locken ART DIRECTOR Wesl ey Ng MANAGING EDITOR Em i ly Hal l s

C had Hsi eh Ho Yi n Li

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

CONTACT

Email: keal akai @by u h. edu 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 1 3 4

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 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

ON THE COVER: Old and new photos of the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The PCC celebrated its 55th anniversary during the month of October. Photos by the PCC and Wesley Ng

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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P H OTO SU BMISSIO N A drone shot of the bluegreen water and fine sand at Keikis Beach. Photo by Hagen Given from California

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 Facebook: KE ALAKA‘I YouTube: KE ALAKA‘I NEWS

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NOVEMBER 2018 • VOLUME 121 • ISSUE 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Campus Comment: What are your favorite things about fall in Hawaii?

CAMPUS LIFE

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Day in the life of anthropology major Adriannah Metta

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The Center for Academic Success strives to create a refuge on campus for students

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Thursday Night Specials at the Seasider

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Family donates Hawaiian shells that are now on display at the Library

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Students volunteer on the North Shore for Ho’omana Service Day

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COMMUNITY

22 The PCC celebrates its 55th anniversary 26

Family, friends, and community remember the life of David Hannemann BYU-Hawaii student aims to help the

28 homeless of Oahu through organization FEATURE

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Financial Aid Counselor Jocelyn Lopez treats her students and employees like family

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C A L E N D A R

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Sabina Imangaziyeva shares her story as the only student from Kazakhstan

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International Language Program helps students to live abroad, teach English

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Jeff and Courtney Given find happiness amidst trials

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Alumna and Professor Christina Akanoa strives to help BYUH students accomplish their goals

THANKSGIVING

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Take the 30-Day Thanksgiving Challenge

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Students share their Thanksgiving traditions

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The untold history of Thanksgiving

NOVEMBER 13

TUESDAY Devotional with Elder Marlin K. Jensen at 11 a.m. in the CAC

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WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY Great Ideas Competition

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SATURDAY Makahiki Games from 9 a.m. to noon in the Little Circle

20 TUESDAY Devotional with Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Twelve Apostles at 11 a.m. in the CAC

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Thanksgiving coloring page

TUESDAY Turkey Bowl Tournament from 6 to 9 p.m. at the HUB

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What to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers

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THURSDAY - FRIDAY No classes- Thanksgiving holiday

25 SUNDAY Christ in Christmas devotional and tree lighting at 6 p.m. in the McKay Auditorium

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TUESDAY Devotional with Olivia Christy at 11 a.m. in the CAC

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FRIDAY Throwback Dance from 8 to 11:45 p.m. in the CAC

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Campus Comment:

What are your favorite things about fall in Hawaii? In general?

by Mackenzie Beaver / Photos by Chad Hsieh

SATOSHI ITO, a freshman from Japan studying psychology

“It is weird being here during fall. It doesn’t really feel like fall because it is super hot. In Japan around this time it starts to get colder, but here it doesn’t feel any different. This is my first semester here so I don’t know what to expect from a ‘Hawaii’ fall.”

HIDDEN GARNET CANITE, a sophomore from Germany studying biomedicine

“I love the weather here in the fall. I enjoy the sunlight and cloudy mix that we get here in Hawaii. I also love the fall energy here. I think that because it is the beginning of a new semester, students are all upbeat and joyful. The fall energy is more fun, whereas when we get into the winter months, I feel the energy die down.”

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DUGAN LING-THIEM, a freshman from Tahiti studying psychology

“I have actually never experienced a fall, but I would have to say all the sports in the fall is what I like the most about this season. I am from Bora Bora, and now I live in Hawaii, so I have never really experienced a fall before.”

KENDALL PRYOR, a senior from Utah studying human resources

“When I think of fall, I am reminded of my mission. I served in upstate New York and I love the color change of the leaves and the change of weather. This is super cliche but I love the smell of fall.

It has a particular smell to it and I love the fall air. I really enjoy fall in Hawaii, it is sort of like a Twilight Zone here-the weather isn’t too hot, and we haven’t hit the rainy season yet. ”

GENEVE ASHWORTH, a senior from Washington studying hospitality and tourism management

“I haven’t experienced a ‘real’ fall since coming to school in Hawaii, but I really enjoy the falls here. I love watching the strawberry-guava plants bloom and the waves get bigger. Everything is just so luscious here in the fall.”

ANNA SHEFFIELD, an undeclared junior from Iowa

“My favorite thing about fall is the change in the weather, the leaves changing colors, and my birthday is in the fall. It is actually the day before Halloween, so I look forward to fall every year because of that. Fall is sort of a kick-off to the other hoildays for me, and it starts with my birthday on October 30th.”

campus life

in this section Day in the life of anthropology major Adriannah Metta

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Senior missionaries share their love for the Center for Academic Success

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Weekly Thursday night events at the Seasider

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Hawaiian shell exhibit at the Library

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Student clean up the North Shore during the Ho’omana Service Day

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CA M P US LIFE

Adriannah Metta Anthropology major B Y N OA H S HOA F

Adriannah Metta said there are more than 860 different languages and tribes in Papua New Guinea. Photo by Cameron Gardner

Adriannah Metta, a junior majoring in anthropology, said she hopes to take her educational experience back to her home in Papua New Guinea where she wants to work in cultural preservation and urban planning.

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What made you decide to study this major?

Describe a typical day.

Metta responded, “I come from a very diverse country, Papua New Guinea. There are over 860 different languages and tribes.

I am very interested in culture and how culture plays part of our lives, whether we live in our home country or whether we stay in the U.S.”

Metta said, “I wake up at 6 a.m. and do the normal prayer and scripture study.” Metta then goes to her various classes and she said she especially enjoys her anthropology classes. “It is something so different and it rejuvenates me. I just love it.

Sometimes it is hard, especially writing heaps of papers, but if you love what you do, it will be fun and easy for you.”

What makes your major unique?

Pros

Metta said anthropology is related to science because people hypothesize and test, but it differs and expands past formulas and experiments. Anthropology deals with the feelings of people, which she said is not something common in most majors.

“I like analyzing behaviors and relationships in every situation I am in. My mind bridges out to many possibilities.” Metta also explained how her major encompasses many careers. “Some people just see anthropology and ask, ‘What are you going to do with it?’ But there is so much to do within the scope of anthropology. It has to do with behavior analysis and culture, which connects to urban planning, social work, and psychology.

They are all related.You just have to have an eye for it.”

What do you want to do with it?

Cons

“I am actually doing three majors at the moment: anthropology, Pacific Island studies, and intercultural peacebuilding. They all overlap. With anthropology, I want to do cultural preservation and urban planning back home at Papua New Guinea, because I think it is more needed there than most places. I want to help with the conserving of culture, lands, and artifacts that belong specifically to the Melanesia area where I am from.”

“You become too analytical, that you try to analyze everything.”

Metta said it would sometimes annoys her sister because her sister felt she could not enjoy the moment.“Sometimes it ruins a certain experience because I think about how something should be.”

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CA M P US LIF E

The Center for Academic Success creates a student refuge Senior missionaries, guided by the Spirit, help students achieve success in all aspects of education and their lives B Y GE E N A D E M AI O

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The CAS is located near the Library. Photos by Chad Hsieh

THE CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

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

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

Sister King, a missionary from Utah explained, “We have students who transition from another university or a new country to this university. There is a lot expected and challenging ....We can help them transition into university life.”

The senior missionaries said they welcome all students to stop by the CAS, from incoming freshman to graduates. They also all agreed they serve as a bridge from home to university and provide students with tools to succeed. Elder King, a senior missionary from Utah, said he helps students position themselves for success and provides support for students to reach their academic pursuits.

Welina Fetner, a senior from Hauula, Hawaii, studying music, shared her perspective changed as she spent time at the CAS. When Fetner came to BYUH a freshman, she said she was enthralled with friends and a life full of freedom. She recalled, “I stopped going to classes and I didn’t want to listen to teachers or anybody else. Then something happened in my life that traumatized me a lot, so I dropped out of school all together.”

Because of low grades and leaving school, Fetner could not return unless she went to the CAS. She explained Admissions employees wanted to make sure she was going to be reliable and responsible.

When Fetner went to the CAS, she remembered feeling like they were open, kind and didn’t seem to judge at all. Rather than

critiquing her, she said the missionaries helped with time management, organization, and did grade checks to make sure she was doing what was needed to become successful.

Fetner emphasized her growth from her freshman to senior year at the CAS with the support of the senior missionaries. She said, “I didn’t have very high confidence, but they were beside me.” She added the CAS is a welcoming place where students should feel secure.

Now an employee of the CAS, Fetner said she works with students who were in the same boat as she was. Thoughtfully, Fetner said she greets the new students with a smile and introduces them to the missionaries because it can be scary to come if they are unfamiliar with the center. “I think that’s one of the main things everyone here has been trying to do - to build up a community. That way students will feel comfortable coming in to receive help.”

In reflection of her five years at the CAS, Fetner said, “I didn’t realize everything I did back then would affect me so much in the future.You never realize how much your choices to not go to class and not get help will affect you. Coming in to the CAS is just one of the simplest and happiest choices.”

Sister Rickey from Nevada, said, “The students and their desire are amazing. We are just trying to take their desire and turn it into reality. Sometimes your desires, what you want to do, what you dream about, life gets in the way and you get a little off track. We want to see them succeed and finish. We’ve been called

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CA M P US LIF E

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

and set apart and our main jobs is to make connections with the students. We love everyone who comes through that door.”

Elder King said he works with a diverse group of students, from those who struggle and those who need another set of eyes. He said, “The upperclassmen were coming here and saying, ‘Oh I wish that I would’ve known this as a freshman!’ We want the freshman to stop by.”

DIVER SI TY

When students enter the ASC, the senior missionaries ask the student to write their name and country on a board behind them and eagerly take their photo. Last semester, Elder King remembered there were 32 countries listed on the board.

“Many of our students have not been away from home. We encourage them to use their time in an organized manner. They are working, going to church, have callings, school, social life and the beach. We show them there are ways they can do what they want, and we but also show them the things they need to do,” explained Sister Rickey.

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Sister King said the needs vary from each student and include language for international students, homesickness, or cultural interaction and the assimilation into a new diversity.

“We truly get to be right on the front line to interact with students,” said Elder Rawley from Utah. “It’s exciting as we get to teach each student that comes in to find out their name, what country they are from, see whether they have served a mission, and if they are first, second, or third generation members of the church.”

O H A NA FEEL

An early graduate from high school, Danielle Sheridan, explained college can be scary for a 17 year-old.

“I feel very new to everything, but [the senior missionaries] just made me feel very comfortable,” Sheridan said.

“I am a challenged student so the first week of school I had to come here and meet them. At first it was annoying because it was a hassle, but when you come in here you really feel the Spirit because they just love you so much.”

Sheridan said when her paper was due, Elder King reviewed her work. She said, “He helped edit my thesis and helped me look up articles that I needed. They really take their time. Just to know that they care about you. If you miss your parents, come in here. It’s all the senior missionaries in here.”

Sister Rickey said, “We all have a lot of children.Young adult children.” Elder King added, “We are called to be academic grandparents.”

“It’s our blessing, I have learned more from the students. They are blessing to us every day,” Sister King said. “We don’t want any of our kids to go home. It doesn’t matter if they are our students or not, they are ours. I am sure there are many teachers on this campus that feel the same way. We don’t want to see them go home, we will do everything we can.”

“A lot of students come in here because they just want to see them or because they need somebody to talk to,” explained Fetner.

In response, Kathleen Laceste, a sophomore in art education from Laie encouraged, “Don’t be afraid to come in and talk.”

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

BUILDI N G T HE K I NG D O M

“Most of us here feel there isn’t a student here by accident. They are here because they are at the right place at the right time. We don’t feel that we are here by accident either. We are here at the right place at the right time where the Lord would have us here too,” Elder Baker from Utah said.

He continued, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to realize we are here to help serve the students. The idea is that the Lord wants them to receive their education and we are going to help them in the best way we can.”

Sister King from Utah fondly recalled her mission assignment, “When we first got our mission call we knew we would have students from over 70 different countries. We knew the students here would be leaders in their countries, so our vision is to help build the kingdom.”

Elder Baker said as missionaries they strive to touch the hearts and lives of students not only academically but spiritually.

“We encourage them to not forget to seek the Spirit in their studies, learning and tests. We

do prepare these classes with skills, but we do invite the Spirit to be with us in our preparations and in our presentations and that the Spirit will be with the students. It’s not only to strengthen them academically but it’s to uplift them, and the Spirit uplifts.”

He emphasized the students need to be buoyed up by the Spirit and by their relationship with their Heavenly Father and Savior.

Elder King added, “We could never tell anyone else to make the Holy Ghost your study buddy.”

The senior missionaries also teach student development classes. Sheridan explained good habits are taught, and one of the classes helped her know what to do to help herself study in different ways to accomplish tasks for classes and teachers.

“I liked the talk given by President Nelson describing that education is our responsibility, because we are all about education and academics. But we know there is nothing done without being spiritual in its core. Being a full-time missionary in academics is kind of the marriage of those two between those two points,” Elder King said.

Elder Rickey summarized a promise from Doctrine & Covenants 19, “As missionaries we are promised that as we serve not only our lives will be blessed, but our family’s lives will be blessed. We take that seriously, like a covenant.

As we sacrifice to serve, the blessings are promised and we receive the blessings because we are serving.”

Sister Rickey explained the word sacrifice in Latin means “to make holy” and does not mean to give something up. She said sacrifice is the action to make something holy. From the sacrifices of the senior missionaries, students, and families to come to BYUH, Sister Rickey said it means to become holy.

“We are all making this sacrifice so we can take it to our hearts and minds and offer it to the next person, whether it’s these students that go back to their countries, or us as we go back to our families,” said Sister Rickey. •

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Weekly Seasider events The Seasider is hosting events and live music on Thursday nights to promote its late hours B Y SH AN N O N CRO W L E Y

George Kaka performs during the first Thursday Night Special at Seasider. Photo by Wesley Ng 14

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“We’ll have either open mic, live music, salsa night ... We’ll have more artists coming out, and bands too.”

- President Galea‘i

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n an effort to involve students and the community, the Seasider mamagement has invited all to consider auditioning for a set at the Seasider Grill for its Thursday Night Specials.

The Seasider staff plans on having live music performances and other fun events every week starting at 5:30 p.m.

WHAT ’S SPE C I A L A BO U T TH U R SDAY N I G HT ?

President Galea‘i, manager of the Seasider, said it began “Thursday Night Specials” this semester in order to promote its late hours and to get students and others in the community to come in for a fun time.

He clarified the hours as he said, “We’re trying to do [performances] every Thursday night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.”

Alisa Chen, a sophomore in elementary education from Taiwan, works at the Seasider.

When asked about the new hours, she said, “We’re open late nights right now- till 9 p.m.

The grill used to close at 6 p.m., but were open until 8 p.m. now.”

Addressing the turnout seen on the first Thursday Night Special, Chen commented, “This is really great because usually, we’re dead, totally dead during the evening around 5 or 6 [p.m.]. But today, we’ve got a lot of people coming in here. If people come in, then post it on Facebook or Instagram, we’d get more people, and that would be great,” said Chen.

Galeai emphasized the reason behind Thursday Night Specials as he said, “We want people to come in, hang out, kick back and re-

Graphic by Anuhea Chen

lax, and to have at least one night a week where you feel like you’re in town or somewhere else.”

TY P E S OF EV ENT S/O P EN AU DI T I O NS

According to Chen, the Thursday Night Specials will vary in themes from week to week. She said, “We have different activities each week...so we can have more people come in... We’re trying to give the students better experiences.”

Speaking on what different themes will be held on Thursday Night Specials, Galeai said, “We’ll have either open mic, live music, salsa night…We’ll have more artists coming out, and bands too.”

Galeai said the invitation is open to all who desire to audition. “We’ll get [anyone] who is ready to go for a two or one-hour set.

If you want to perform or have a set you want to share, then let me know. Come over to the [Seasider], check it out, and I’ll put you on the list.”

He added, “We can also arrange the menu according to whatever [the performers] are doing. When we do a salsa night, we’ll have nachos or some kind of tacos that night.”

P E O P LE’ S R EACT IO NS/ T H O U GH T S

John Elkington, a 1975 alumnus and previous director of BYU–Hawaii Housing, said he thinks the events should be put on almost every night of the week. “I think they should have an

event every night- except Monday, which is Family Home Evening. But every night, Tuesday through Friday, they should have a special event. More students will probably come.”

Nikki Holbrook, a freshman business major from California, said she found out about Thursday Night Specials through social media.

“I saw it on Facebook. I brought some friends, the music was very good, got some ice cream, and sampled some delicious smoothies.”

Holbrook said she thinks there should be more of these kinds of events. “They should advertise it more though,” she added.

Elkington asked whether students are aware of these activities and who puts them on. He then immediately suggested to promote the Thursday Night Specials “on the screens throughout the school.”

Holbrook said she’d like to see more students come to the Thursday Night Specials but was worried about the time the events were scheduled. She explained how the night specials happen during student work hours, and shared how it should be advertised, especially to students, and community members as well.

Elkington expressed his desire to have the community involved more. “Although this is for the students, it’d be nice to have a family night.

“This is something that we never had in our time. But this is nice. People have got to be aware, the students, especially, and the community, that you’re putting up these kinds of shows and entertainment for the kids.” •

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Pūpū ‘O Hawai’i Hawaiian shell collection at BYU–Hawaii features more than 300 shells collected around the islands by a donor B Y H AE L E Y VAN D E R W E RF

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The shells on display were donated to archives by a family. Photos by Cameron Gardner

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tudents and staff in the Archives Department of the Joseph F. Smith Library recently put together an exhibit of more than 300 shells now on display near the Pacific Islands room in the library.

According to Associate Archivist Gailyn Bopp, “All of these shells were donated to the archives by a family. The family wishes to remain anonymous. The husband travelled all over Hawaii collecting all of these shells. He was a scientist, so he has named each shell with their scientific name and where he found them.

[This collection] spans all the islands of Hawaii.”

The shells are divided into four cases.

Each case highlights different aspects of the shells.

The first case focuses on the wide variety of shells found in Hawaii. According to a sign posted above the case, “Despite Hawai’i’s isolation, it is home to a remarkable number of unique tropical marine shell species found nowhere else in the world.”

Bopp described how “what’s really interesting about this particular collection is some of these shells are extinct.You can’t find them anymore. All of these [shells] are Hawaiian shells.

Sometimes because of the isolation of Hawaii, some of our shells grow to be particularly larger than the same shell somewhere else.”

The second case focuses on the use of shells as traditional tools. The sign above this case says, “In addition to the popular large triton or helmet shell pū used as a calling horn or trumpet, shells were also used in traditional practices such as fishing, food-preparation, and textile making.”

The third case focuses on the study and science involved with the shells. In this case, there is a Tahitian fan made out of a mother of pearl shell. Bopp explained how, “Part of the reason there’s a Tahitian fan in there, is when you’re reading about the study of shells, how shells are used similarly in different cultures can be indicative of certain things about those cultures.”

The fourth case focuses on shell leis the donor acquired on the privately-owned island of Ni’ihau. Bopp explained, “Ni’ihau is the northernmost island [of Hawai’i], and it’s a privately-owned island, so people can’t visit [except by invitation]. It was purchased by an

individual who wanted to preserve the Hawaiian culture.

“Because it was purchased by an individual, there hasn’t been as much development as what has happened on the other islands. The other islands have plantation history, so the runoff from the development into the shore affected shells that were close to the shore.

On Ni’ihau, they don’t have that. So they have all these shells that are still abundant on their shores, but aren’t on other shores. They are hard to find, and they’re super rare.

“This particular island is known for their craftsmanship of these leis. They take these shells and sew them together to look like flower leis like the other islands have. They don’t have those, but they have shells. You can imagine how much of a gift it is to ever be given one of these leis. The person who collected these shells went there, and he was given these leis as he was collecting shells.”

Bopp described how a collection like this, along with other collections found in the archives, could be helpful to students. “Something like this collection could be of great use to people studying sciences, anthropology, or environmental effects to see how different shells get affected by climate change and pollution in the water.”

Bopp reminded, “The main thing we want students to know is we have really interesting things up in the Archives, not just your typical manuscripts and infographics. We actually have a really big artifact collection that not a lot of people know… Come visit us, and see what we have that might help with student studies because we have a ton of stuff up there.” •

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Service on the North Shore The Student Service Center says Ho’omana is organized every semester with the purpose of inviting others to serve the community B Y M ACK E N ZI E B E AV E R

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The Student Service Center holds Ho’omana Day once a semester, offering students with different service opportunities. Photos by Chad Hsieh

o’omana Day provides students with an opportunity to be a part of something bigger and more meaningful, said BYU– Hawaii students. As they dedicated a day to service, volunteers said they felt the desire to do more to help those around them.

Thomas Johnson, a junior from Laie studying biochemistry and SSC supervisor said, “We, the Student Service Center, hold a Ho’omana Day once a semester. We try to have a service activity every month, but nothing is as big as Ho’omana Day just because on this day we have three large service activities going on, rather than just one.” Held on Oct. 20, the service day began at 8 a.m. and went until noon

and was held along the North Shore at the following three different locations: • James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge students cleared debris and cleaned up around the area, making room for a new albatross habitat; • Boy Scouts of America Camp Pupukea - students cleared campsites and repaired them for next summer; • Waimea Valley - students cleared walk paths and picked up trash around the trail for hikers and visitors.

Johnson said, “We tend to have a lot of contacts up on the North Shore. We reach out to our contacts to find places and areas we

can do service projects that can handle up to around 50 people at each location. We also find areas around the North Shore because a lot of students don’t really get out much, because they don’t have the time or transportation. So this gives them an opportunity to get out more and see a little bit more of the island.”

H O W T H E ST UDENT SERV ICE CO UNCIL H ELPS

Johnson said the SSC has eight project managers who are each assigned a project. Its whole purpose is to make sure its projects are running smoothly, while the student supervisor and assistant supervisor keep tabs on all

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Volunteers said Ho’omana not only gives them service opportunities, but also a chance to have an adventure. Photos by Cameron Gardner

three projects to make sure there are no problems.

Ruth Phyu, a freshman from Myanmar studying finance and SSC project manager, said, “The service project is not only an opportunity to go out and be in nature and have an adventure, but it is also an opportunity for students to meet new people and see the rest of the island.” Student can “doing something meaningful and giving back to the community- not just Laie and BYUH, but also the North Shore and other areas.” Phyu was the project manager at BSA Camp Pupukea.

TH E RE A SO N F OR S E RV I NG

Ashley Walker, a freshman from Washington studying communications, said, “I am part of the Hip-Hop Club so that’s why I am here today. But aside from that, I love service. It is so inspiring because I believe that if you do good and put good into this world, then good will

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come back, even with spending my Saturday morning cleaning up a Boy Scout camp.” Walker added she feels any little service helps and is meaningful. It doesn’t have to be something big to make a difference.

Eden Brown, a freshman from the Cook Islands majoring in exercise science and political science, said, “I volunteer because it is a good way to give back, and I feel more productive when I am doing service for others rather than doing things for myself. My cousins are actually here today. So I was able to spend time with them and meet new people.”

Brown said he enjoyed serving with other students because they were all there for the same reasons and all working on the same thing together.

“It made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than just myself and my friend group, ” he said. Brown volunteered at the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge.

Kayla Kaimarama, a junior studying political science from the Cook Islands. said, “I volunteer because I want to give back, and it makes me feel good to know that I am spending my Saturday morning doing something good, helping others out rather than sleeping in. Plus it gives me a good workout.

“I am part of the Cook Islands Club, so these service projects give us a chance to bond as a club as well as meet new people and bond as students at BYUH.” Kaimarama said when she is doing service, she always recites Mosiah 2:17 from the Book of Mormon in her head: “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

To find out what services opportunities are available locally, contact the SSC at serve@byuh.edu or download the JustServe app for mobile phones.•

community

in this section The PCC celebrates 55 years since its opening

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Former PCC employee David Hannemann passes away at the age of 92

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Student-led group aims to help the homeless of Oahu

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This 1963 aerial photo shows the PCC almost ready to open. Photo provided by PCC

A celebration of past and future As the Polynesian Cultural Center celebrated its 55th anniversary, PCC leaders and employees o reflecton its history, legacy and potential for the future B Y E L I JAH H AD L E Y

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Left: Tongan village.

Top right: Hawaiian canoe, decorated for Hawaiian culture day. Bottom right: John Elkkington in the Maori village. Photos provided by PCC

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or 55 years, the Polynesian Cultural Center has offered its guests an experience of cultures from across the Pacific Islands.

Originally prophesied by President David O. McKay that thousansds would come to Laie, it has also provided employment opportunities for students and since its beginning has become a fixture in the community of Laie.

PCC President Alfred Grace was interviewed and asked how the center had changed the community of Laie for the better.

He said, “I think that the PCC has provided a home, an opportunity for many people from the South Pacific to make Laie their home. In the old days, there was an emphasis for these families to come from the islands that far preceded both the PCC and BYU-Hawaii, and that of course, was to come to the temple.”

Grace continued, “Since those days, the PCC has provided an opportunity to make Laie their home. In the early days, they come to work and then second, they come to attend BYU-Hawaii and pay for their school. Many have gone on to make Hawaii their home, myself being one of them.”

W H AT DO T H E NEXT 55 YEA R S H O L D IN STO R E?

“I see us bringing much more authentic and rich perspectives that move beyond performances and demonstrations, to life-sustaining programs based on agriculture and self-reliance,” Grace answered. “It allows a guest to see a more complete picture of Polynesian life than they might in the past. I’m really excited to see the launch of the student development

program. It will help students improve their skill sets and improve their employability.”

DO ES T H E P CC H AV E GRE ATER IMP O RTA NCE TO DAY THAN IN T H E PA ST ?

Grace said, “I think the PCC has great significance, perhaps more so today than 55 years ago because it promotes values that are less common than they used to be: A sense of sharing, of brotherhood, of self-reliance, of working together. Our motto is one ohana sharing aloha, and in today’s society it tends to be less of a significance, people worrying all about themselves and how they will get ahead in life.”

He continued, “Looking out for your neighbor or respect for your elders is not a

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Top left: Pres. Spencer W. Kimball and his wife, Camila. Top right: PCC night show cast with Pres. Faust. Bottom left: Dancers at the night show. Bottom right: PCC Tongan village “chief” Tevita Taumoepeau gets the dancers ready to perform for HRH King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV. Photos provided by PCC

commonly held belief among young people outside of this community. Many guests have complemented how kind and gracious the BYUH students are.”

Delsa Moe, the director of cultural presentations at the PCC, reflected on some of her favorite memories of the center.

“There are just too many to count. I think so many miracles have happened. They show how the Lord watches over this place. When we had the opening of the Tongan village, the weather was suspect that week. The entire grand opening was being held outdoors, and we just couldn’t afford to have it rain. We had the King and Queen of Tonga coming.

“I asked Uncle David Hannemann to pray for us. I asked him, ‘Uncle David, I have an assignment for you.’ I said, ‘I need to be sure

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it does not rain for the grand opening. And he asked if that was all. It happened exactly the way I had asked for it.”

“There was a time when the PCC was not making enough money to pay all the employees,” Moe said, “and it looked like we might have to shut down. But all the chiefs from the island came to our aid.”

Moe continued, “My favorite memories are meeting the prophets of the church who come here. Starting with President Benson, I have met every single prophet who has traveled here. The joy they show is beautiful to see. Also, seeing all the alumni come back and visit the PCC warms my heart. The PCC has been able to touch so many lives in just 55 years.”

Moe also said she has met guests who ask where the center gets so many professional

dancers. She said she tells them, “The dances are all done by students. One of the things I love to tell people when they come and are amazed by the night show is that this is the most professional group of amateurs anywhere.

Our entire light crew, all students. All the training is done by the students.”

She finished, “I know in the next 55 years I’ll be long retired, but the prophets had a vision for this place, and we are only beginning to see the PCC reach its full potential.”

Grace added, “One of the greatest blessings is to recognize the love that Heavenly Father has for this part of his vineyard.

“Through comments and discussion and counsel that I have received from church leaders, it’s been a wonderful experience. I love to see the growth and development of the stu-

Top: Island representatives at the flag raising ceremony in 2013. Bottom left: Presidents Monson and Eyring participate in the Tongan drumming show.

Bottom right: Guests travel by canoe to the opening ceremony of the renovated Hawaii village in 2013. Photos by Mike Foley

dents: To see a student start off as a dishwasher and then graduate as a leader overseeing 45 other students in a restaurant. The PCC serves and will continue to serve this community for far more than another 55 years.”

Moe, when asked about what the PCC would do in the future, said, “ I know PCC will continue to influence the lives of the visitors who walk these grounds and feel something they cannot quite describe. They say it gives them a warm feeling.”

“I know that in the past there have been several presidents who said that PCC will play a major role in missionary work in China, and it has already started and is far from being finished.” Moe concluded by saying, “ There are still so many missionary opportunities to be found.”

During a cultural demonstration in the Samoa village, Kap Tafiti, originally from Samoa and the PCC’s senior ambassador, said, “The center is a great help for all of the students here at the university. I love to demonstrate aspects of my culture here in the PCC for all the world to see. It is important to remember the past 55 years, so that the future of this special place may be in good hands.”

Reni Brulton, a freshman employee from New Zealand majoring in marketing, said the PCC had changed her in just two months of working there.

“I have only been here for two months, and in that time I think I have really gotten a better grasp of who I am in regards to my culture. I am proud to be Polynesian. In New Zealand, many of my culture face a lot of issues

like poverty and neglect. Working here made me remember who I am, and what it is I really believe in.”

Brulton continued, “Even though I am not in church or the temple when I’m here, I can really feel the spirit, which makes working here more than a job.”

When asked what the next 55 years would bring, she responded, “Ideally, PCC will continue to bless the lives of those who visit and work here. I can tell I am part of a very long legacy that will only grow greater. Since the gospel is why the PCC exists, I feel we all have a divine mission in serving here.” •

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A

David Hannemann was the first paid employee of PCC. Photo provided by PCC

Memorializing Uncle

David Hannemann Family and friends share aloha for first official PCC employee, former Laie Hawaii Temple president, and father of 11 children B Y E LI JA H HA DLEY

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former Laie Hawaii Temple president, longtime Polynesian Cultural Center employee and historian, and a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Tausilinu’u David Hannemann, known to many as “Uncle David,” was honored at his funeral services on Oct. 20 held in the Laie Hawaii Stake Center.

The chapel and cultural hall were filled with attendees. He passed away on Oct. 9, 2018 at the age of 92.

His wife and eternal companion, Carolyn, a well-known organist, played the opening hymn, “I Stand All Amazed,” at his service and several of their 11 children shared memories of their father both spiritual and humorous.

His daughter, Vi Fardig, remarked, “My father lived by three L’s: Labor, love, and letters. He worked harder than any man I’ve ever known in my life. He loved the gospel and the people in it. He always bore his testimony of Jesus Christ to me, and he would always express his trust that he had in me, and his gratitude for the choices I was making in my life.

“My father would shower me with love and many kisses and embraces. I’m grateful for always being able to live by his three L’s. Labor, love and letters. He’d often share letters with me, and I am forever grateful for those.”

His son, Howard Hannemann, shared a letter his father had written to him when he was serving his mission in Argentina. It read, “My dearest beloved missionary son, Elder Howard B. Hannemann. Son, I like to address you as my dearest beloved. It reminds me of how our Father in Heaven introduced our elder brother and Savior to the boy prophet-to-be, Joseph Smith. Every time I write that phrase, it seems to strengthen our relationship of father and son, patterned after that first relationship of father and son originated by God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ.”

Howard then told a story from when he was young. He said his father woke him up and asked him to come collect cans and newspapers. “In the morning,” Howard said, “we were in a dumpster, and I found a $50 bill. Do you know how many cans and newspapers that is? I heard Dad say, ‘Great! Let’s bring it to the front desk and tell them we found a $50 bill!’”

One of Hannemann’s favorite poems, “I’d Rather See a Sermon”

by Edward A. Guest, reads,

“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear, Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear; And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds, For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done; I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do; For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give, But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.”

David Hannemann and his wife, Carolyn. Photo provided by PCC

They took it to the front desk and asked them to contact them if anyone ever claimed it. He said about three weeks later, he received a letter in the mail from a couple who were on their honeymoon and had lost a $50 bill. They sent him $10 as a reward.

Other family members also spoke including Uncle David’s nephew, Muliufi Hannemann, the former major of Honolulu. He presented the family with a framed document from the Honolulu City Council and signed by all the council members. He said it honored Uncle David for all he did during his lifetime.

Longtime friend and former PCC President Lester Moore also spoke at Hannemann’s service. He said David had asked him to speak at his funeral years ago and renewed that request over the years. Moore told stories of racing against Hannemann in their PCC carts.

Hannemann beat him one time after getting the PCC maintenance crew to rev up his cart.

Moore said he found out about it and got the crew to increase his cart’s power and decrease Hannemann’s cart, and Moore said David didn’t beat him again.

Moore also talked about traveling with Hannemann to China on PCC business and how impressed he was with the friendship

Hannemann had built with Chinese officials.

Moore added one of the most spiritual experiences of his life happened with Hannemann in Tiananman Square in Beijing. He said the two of them found themselves in a grove of trees in the complex, which Moore said was the same place Elders David O. McKay and Hugh J. Cannon had dedicated the nation in 1921 for the preaching of the gospel and then 58 years later Elder James E. Faust rededicated it in that same place.

Hannemann was born in Western Samoa in 1926 and was the youngest of 10 siblings.

He left Samoa in 1946 to travel to Hawaii, later serving a mission in the islands on Molokai, becoming the first Samoan to serve outside his native land.

He was married Carolyn in 1957 in the Los Angeles Temple and together they raised their family. Hannemann was notable as the first-paid employee of the PCC, and speakers at his funeral said he was well-loved and respected by all who knew him.

While reminiscing about miracles that happened at the PCC over the years, Delsa Moe, the vice president of Cultural Presentations, said, “When we had the opening of the Tongan village, the forecast was calling for it to

rain. The entire grand opening was being held outdoors, and we just couldn’t afford to have it rain. We had the King and Queen of Tonga coming. If it showered, we would be ruined.”

She continued, “So naturally, I asked Uncle David and said, ‘Uncle David, I have an assignment for you.’ I said, ‘I need to be sure it does not rain for the grand opening.’ All he asked was if that was all. No hesitation at all.

He would get it done. Uncle David always kept his word.

“I asked, ‘Can you make sure that it’s overcast? Could you ask the Lord to please hold the rain and make it overcast?’ Well, it happened exactly the way I had asked for it, because when Uncle David said something would happen, it happened.”

Moore said Hannemann had his own private place, his own sacred grove, on the grounds of the PCC where he would go to pray. Moe joked Hannemann was the center’s weatherman.

Hannemann’s funeral program included the passage from Moroni 7:46-47. “Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all. Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.” •

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Everyone is ohana Homeless should be seen as normal humans instead of being judged, according to student volunteers B Y TO M SO N CH E AN G 28

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

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

HELP I N ST E A D OF J U D G E

The State of Hawaii has the highest homeless population per capita in the United States, according to federal statistics. Coleman said their organization strives to change others’ perspectives for the homeless. “People don’t see homeless as people,” Coleman explained, “People judge them, even members of the Church.”

Coleman shared some comments that people may say when they are judging the homeless such as “They’re homeless because they’re lazy,” or “They did it to themselves.”

Coleman counseled people instead should be aware of the difficulties victims of hopelessness go through.

Drug addiction, physical illness, and especially mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can all be reasons why people are homeless, according to Coleman.

He shared an example of PTSD, “Oftentimes the homeless we encounter have PTSD from the rough conditions of living on the street. They often get in a cycle that is hard for them to break on their own. They need a job to afford a house, and they need an address or at least a phone to get a job. Employers are not

very willing to employ the homeless, or work with them as they overcome their challenges.

In Sydney, a study showed “79 percent of [a homeless] sample had a lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress. In 59 percent of cases, the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder preceded the age of the first reported homeless episode,” according to the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.

The environment of the street makes it even more difficult for homeless people to recover from their mental illness because they feel unsafe, Coleman explained. “The mentality of being on the streets really affects people negatively.You take the safety you have at home or on campus for granted, but the homeless are always on the street. They can never sleep well without worrying if the police will kick them off the beach, or about if someone is going to steal their things.”

Therefore, Coleman said people should stop judging the homeless without knowing the reasons why they are homeless in the first place. “There are so many factors. I would encourage others to take time to learn about the homeless before they judge them. Many of them have had very rough pasts but are still very friendly people.”

H O W DO ES EV ERYO NE IS O H A N A H EL P ?

Coleman and his fellow volunteers started the group because they realized how much help homeless people need, he said. They named

their organization Everyone is Ohana because they help homeless people through a family-like relationship.

“If I don’t have money, I have family that I can fall back on. I can go back home to Arizona if I fail or ask my dad for help, but homeless people don’t have that kind of support. They are [at] rock bottom, and all the people around them are in the same or worse state than themselves.

“There aren’t many good influences in their lives. We want to provide that good influence for them by building a family-like relationship,” explained Coleman.

Tanner Smith, a volunteer of Everyone is Ohana, said compared with acting charitably from a pedestal, humanizing homeless people is more helpful to them. “It isn’t an issue of ‘us’ and ‘them.’ We are all the same humanity here together.

“There is also a lot we can learn from the homeless. Many of our homeless brothers and sisters understand the evils of materialism better than us more privileged individuals ever could,” said Smith, a junior from Oregon majoring biology and English.

What Everyone is Ohana does is very simple, commented Coleman, which is to simply provide students the opportunity to get to know the homeless on a personal level and use their influence to motivate them to improve their lives.

“It’s like home teaching,” Coleman shared, “When we visit them, we talk to them and see

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

what we can help them with. Sometimes we give them a haircut. Sometimes [when] they haven’t had a shower for a while, we get them a place for a shower.”

“They’re like investigators. We find out why they’re homeless.” Coleman said depending on what the problem is, they refer homeless people to organizations that help fight drug addiction, provide career training, or to social workers that help them apply for housing.

Coleman added it’s important to understand homeless people’s problems and help each individual specifically. He shared a quote from President Ezra Taft Benson, “The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ would take the slums out of people, and then they would take themselves out of the slums.”

TH E VI C I O U S CYC L E OF TH E HOM E L E SS

“There are multiple programs that work on helping the homeless get temporary or transitional shelter,” said Coleman. “However, a large percentage of the homeless that get put in these shelters end up back on the street within a year. They need help overcoming their own

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individual challenges and problems to be able to rejoin society.

“Each homeless person has their own needs and reasons for being homeless. Trying to use blanket solutions to fix their needs isn’t very effective. That’s why we focus on using personal relationships to motivate them to overcome their own problems.”

However, the challenge of helping the homeless get off of the street is full of difficulties. Coleman said its similar to serving a mission; there are progressing and non-progressing homeless people. “It is hard for people to change. Especially homeless who have been on the streets for more than a few months. They forget what it was like to be part of society.

They get in a routine and their mentality changes.”

Coleman explained on the North Shore there aren’t many places the homeless can legally stay. They often receive tickets from the police and sometimes even get imprisoned.

Coleman recalled an individual telling him, “‘I get free food and a bed. I don’t mind it.’”

It’s also hard for “progressing homeless people” to get employed because they usually don’t have a phone, Coleman explained. “They need a phone to get a job. Every time someone

donates us an old phone, I give it to them, but their phones always get stolen because they don’t have a safe place to keep their phones.

“Theft is one of the main reasons that prevent them from progressing. The homeless who work the most are the biggest targets of theft.”

Lacey Magee, a volunteer of Everyone is Ohana and a senior studying social work from Maryland, said it’s unique to see Everyone is Ohana grow as an organization. “I remember attending a meeting last year with about seven people and now it has become a campus-wide effort even including community members.”

Magee said the group not only helps people in need, but also builds a relationship between the community and the students.

Coleman said initially it can be uncomfortable and scary to help homeless people but it’s still worth it. “Think about what Jesus would do if He were here in Hawaii. Would He be in inside campus all the time or would He go out visiting the homeless?”

The Enactus program is helping Everyone is Ohana to fund their projects to eventually become a non-profit organization. Everyone is Ohana is grateful for the support. To find out how to get involved with the group, follow them on Facebook at Everyone is Ohana. •

feature

in this section Jocelyn Lopez shares her love for her family and students

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Sabina Imangaziyeva tells how she came from Kazakhstan to Hawaii

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ILP provides students with opportunities to live abroad

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Jeff and Courtney Given share their story of happiness despite affliction

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Christina Akanoa balanced her life while obtaining a doctorate

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Financial Aid counselor assists students and learns from them too Students say they consider Jocelyn Lopez a second mother B Y E STH E R I N SI GN E

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Lopez met her husband as a student working at the PCC. They have been married for 23 years and have four children. Photo provided by Jocelyn Lopez

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reating the students as if they were her own children, Jocelyn Lopez, a Financial Aid counselor, is able to share her light and love to those around her through her dedication and service to the community and students.

Lopez said she was born on the tiny Pacific Island of Niue. At the age of 7, together with her family, she moved to New Zealand so her father could get the medical care he needed that Niue, back then, could not provide.

She served a mission in Sydney, Australia wherein she soon considered getting a higher education at BYU–Hawaii, just like most of her fellow missionaries.

Shortly after her mission, she landed a job in the government of New Zealand and slowly lost interest in pursuing a higher education. She recalled, “Then my cousin came up here for the

winter in 1992, and she called me up in February and said I had to come to school.”

Her cousin then remarked how Lopez said back on her mission that she was so excited to come to BYUH. However, Lopez explained that she was happy with her current job and lost the desire to do so. Still, her cousin encouraged her to apply and Lopez followed her counsel.

She was accepted in May and found herself on a plane to Hawaii in July.

M E E TI NG H ER H USBA ND

Lopez shared the story of how she first met her husband with a chuckle. “We both started working at the luau in the Polynesian Cultural Center... My husband at the time was hired to be a pantry worker, but they mixed up his paperwork, so he ended up coming as a waiter.”

It was not until a year and a half later that he approached Lopez to ask her out on a date.

However, she declined his offer because she had other plans. This did not crush her husband’s spirit though, she said, and he diligently tried to pursue her. After three months, she finally agreed to go out on a date.

They decided to have a date at the Visitor’s Center on a Wednesday. Lopez said she was with her friend in the temple on a Saturday morning when she knew that he would be the one she would be sealed to for eternity. “We haven’t even gone on a date, I knew already he was my husband. So when I saw him for our date, it was already confirmed to me that he was my husband, but he didn’t know it yet.”

Lopez shared that after getting married, it was not always easy for the couple. She said

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Jocelyn Lopez works with students in her office. Photos by Wesley Ng

there were things that they did not always see eye to eye about. Even after being married for 23 years, there are things they still struggle with, such as problems with raising their children.

However, she said she and her husband work together everyday to help one another with their problems. “Just because we’ve been married longer, it doesn’t automatically remove all the challenges that comes from being a couple.”

LEARN I N G F R O M OTH E RS

Lopez worked for BYUH’s Human Resources Department for two years when Rebecca Harrison, her childrens’ Seminary teacher, encouraged her to apply for the Financial Aid counselor position. “I came here, and I was like, ‘Man, if I had known that this was a career path, I would have studied something along the lines of being a Financial Aid counselor.’”

She expressed her appreciation for the things she learned and the people she has met throughout her time as a Financial Aid counselor. “All the time the students come in and they have problems, we try and work things out, but

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above all, I feel like it’s a reciprocal help. Not only am I helping the students but also the students are helping me. It’s a good place to be.”

Besides working at BYUH, Lopez also works as a supervisor in Food Services at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Francis Rasing, a junior from the Philippines studying hospitality and tourism management, expressed he feels blessed to work with Lopez. “As a mentor she is incredibly awesome.

She will teach you everything you need to learn as a new worker in the luau… She accepts opinions and suggestions from other people and she is fun at work and most importantly, she has the Aloha Spirit.”

Lopez said, “You’re constantly learning and that’s one of the joys of working here.You feel like you’re part of a team and at the same time you’re still growing - there’s a lot to learn…

“Every beginning of the week, you always feel like every day you have new challenges. But you know you always have the support of your team.

They’re very helpful and you’re not stagnant.”

T H EIR SECO ND MO M

Over the years, students have called Lopez their second mom while at school. They’ve shared that despite having her own family, Lopez treats her students and workers as if they were her own children.

Atita Obena, a BYUH alumna from Kiribati, said, “She’s always encouraging me to do my best in everything that I do, and she tries to look for learning opportunities from everyone. Sometimes we are prideful when others are trying to tell us what to do, but she always reminds me that it’s important to be openminded and to be willing to listen because we never know what we can learn from them.”

Rasing shared, “Just like my mother, she would remind me of the things that I need to do at work, and she has been very detailed and organized. She would give me motherlyinspired advice and I felt her love and concern through that. She comforts me when I feel down and disappointed. She supports and commends me for the things I accomplish not only at work but also in school.”

Her students and employees consider Lopez a second mother and mentor. Photos by Wesley Ng

When asked about her thoughts being called students’ second mom, Lopez said, “I treat these students as my children because they are.

I can help them, and in the long run they will benefit and help other people on their way.”

Aotearoa Au, a sophomore from Samoa studying HTM shared one of her experiences with Lopez. “I remember one time, I forgot to do my checklist, but she messaged me and reminded me to do it before the due date. She is someone who can help you in time of need…

“I love her, and she is someone I will always remember when I go back home. [She is] someone I would recommend everyone to go to if they need help.”

A PIEC E O F A DVI C E

People try to connect with Lopez to ask for advice whether it be for school or life in general. She shared, “Some of the counsels that I like to give, you know, just remember after you finish school, you’re not going to be making your millions straightaway.You’re going to be a broke student or a broke graduate.”

She explained students should open an account where they could deposit $20 every payday so that they could have some savings before going back home. The students should not touch the money in that account so that after four years, they can have more than $500 as they prepare to come back to their home country.

Lopez was not the only one giving advice though. Her students and fellow counselors have contributed to Lopez educational learning while she has served at BYUH for eight years.

Students have taught her how to manage her loans and cards, and how to use certain formulas in Excel.

“Some of the students taught me how to navigate it… I learned how to do things like mail merge or VLOOKUP.”

From all her years of constant learning, Lopez wanted to impart a piece of advice that she wishes students will always remember. “Be wise in the way you use your money and don’t forget why fell you in love with your sweetheart.” •

“Be wise in the way you use your money and don’t forget why fell you in love with your sweetheart.”

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Representing Kazakhstan on her own The only student from Kazakhstan shares how the gospel and her peers ultimately brought her to BYU–Hawaii B Y E STH E R I N SI GN E

Imangaziyeva said her family, who were originally Muslims, joined the Church after her brother did. Photos by Wesley Ng

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ollowing the footsteps of her brother, who graduated seven years ago from BYU–Hawaii, Sabina Imangaziyeva, born in Almatinskaya, Oblast, Kazakhstan, said she packed up her bags and came to Hawaii to gain her education.

Imangaziyeva, a freshman majoring in accounting, said, “It’s an honor for me, being the only (one) from my country. I feel unique and I feel free.”

She also said it might be difficult for her fellow Kazakhs to come and study here. “I can’t imagine others coming to BYU–Hawaii. I don’t think they have knowledge about this island and basically all the members, they already graduated back home.”

Imangaziyeva explained she and her family were originally Muslims but were converted after her brother found discovered the church.

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“One thing that was attractive about the…

Church was they focus on families and family is important. Everything, from how they teach, the culture, it really was the same with Islam, not just Islam but the same with our family traditions…

“So, my brother got baptized first when he was 14. Because he received his own testimony he said he wanted to get baptized and got permission...The following year, all my family got baptized as well.”

She said her family tried to share the gospel to her relatives but it was hard. Her relatives noticed a change in her family and how they were different from the others. “They were like, ‘I feel like you have a special spirit.

You have something that’s special in you, in your eyes like, they’re shining.You have the light!’”

Despite the conversion of her family to the Restored Church, her relatives still stayed faithful to Islam but respected her family as they continued following the teachings of the Church.

She said during her mission to Temple Square, Utah, some of the missionaries she was serving with took a break from studying at BYUH to serve their missions. “They encouraged me to come because it’s so ‘international’ and they help us grow and study here. They taught and they shared their experiences and their [testimonies] and it inspired me to think about it.”

When she was serving in the mission field, she decided to start her applications to all the BYU schools. However, she did not finish her applications, as her No. 1 concern was to help her family first.

Imangaziyeva said she was encouraged by others to attend BYU-Hawaii due to it’s diversity. Photos by Wesley Ng

“(They) were my first priority after my mission. To sponsor them, I went back home after my mission and I found a job. I worked five jobs that time to support my family.”

Imangaziyeva said she made sacrifices since she did not have a sponsor before coming to BYUH. “I came to BYUH with no savings. I had a little bit to cover a couple semesters, but I’m so grateful that I got some scholarships that will help me. My merit scholarships and the job I found in the PCC is also helping me to cover my tuition.”

Roberta Szoka, Imangaziyeva’s host mom from Utah, recalled, “She worked for years, trying to save her money for college, but she contributed most of her earnings to her family, which significantly increased the time she had to work before being able to come [to BYUH].

[In Texas], she took two weeks off her child care

work in order to help out, after Hurricane Harvey did so much damage to the Houston area.

She went with her brother and helped remove ruined drywall from neighborhood home.”

Szoka said she couldn’t wrap her mind around the idea of “little Sabina” swinging a sledgehammer to walls and pulling down drywall.

Kathleen Reyes, a sophomore from the Philippines studying social work and a coworker of Imagaziyeva’s, shared how thoughtful Imangaziyeva was whenever they were at work.

“Even if she is tired from work, she will ask you how you are doing and [will] make you smile…

“She always smiles [at us] and it is contagious. It feels great when you see someone smiling at you especially when you are so tired.”

Imangaziyeva said she does not regret coming here. “When I was back home, I thought, ‘I’m not growing more. I’m not pro-

gressing.’ I got stuck home and (was) just opening the same doors every day, not progressing.”

She remembered her brother calling her back home to help her get through difficult times.

“My brother was a great example for me. He became my mentor and like a father. He encouraged me to apply to BYU-Hawaii while I was visiting him.” She remembers her brother saying, “Once you know how to play the game, you will succeed.” Imangaziyeva followed his counsel and example and learned how to play the game and how to live in a foreign country.

“So, I decided to apply to one of the schools, BYU-Hawaii… no matter if it was expensive or not. I just can’t believe that I made it and I am so grateful that I was admitted to BYU-Hawaii. Now I’m here and I’m working hard to pursue my degree...I don’t want to leave BYU-Hawaii.” • NOVEMB ER 2018

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ILP volunteers with their students in China. Photos provided by ILP

Teaching abroad The International Language Program (ILP) provides students with opportunities to live internationally B Y H AE L E Y VAN D E R W E RF

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ith programs in 13 countries across four continents, the International Language Program (ILP) allows people to live in a foreign country and make a difference in the lives of children around the world. Students shared their experiences with the program and expressed interest in doing one of the programs following an informational meeting, which takes place every semester.

Having been on three trips with ILP, Alysha Gurr, a senior from Canada majoring in social work, explained how the experience works. “You can apply up to a year and a half in advance.You can put your preference of where you want to go and they take that into consideration. All volunteers have to bring supplies...

They usually bring two suitcases, one with their own stuff and one with supplies… There’s not a lot of preparation on your end between acceptance and going because ILP does all that.”

Gurr continued, “They would try to have us land at the same time even though we aren’t on the same flight. When you land, the school coordinators are there to meet you. They either bring you to the school or to your host families.

You usually have a couple of days to go to the school and get things set up, organize the supply room, decide who’s teaching what, have training with a head teacher, orient yourself around the city, learn how to get to and from the school, and then you’ll start teaching. The teaching system is [set up so] you teach no more than 20 hours per week.You have a lot of free time to visit the city and make friends.”

Elise Miller, a freshman from Oregon majoring in biology, said she would love to go and experience a new culture firsthand. She said the biggest advantage of going would be “living in another country and learning how to deal with people in other countries, because

you would be actually working over there.You would really dive into the culture because you would be teaching.You would get to experience working in another country and seeing how the system is.”

Gurr explained how the only thing a person needs in order to be eligible to go is the ability to speak English. She elaborated by saying, “Most of the schools are particular about you being a native English speaker. There are some case-by-case [situations], so when people ask me, I tell them to apply.”

People who volunteer with ILP have the opportunity to spend several months in a foreign country teaching English in an immersionstyle program.

Lauren Gunnell, a freshman from Washington majoring in hospitality and tourism management, expressed interest in the program. She said she believes the biggest blessing

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Past ILP volunteers say the experience was well worth the money they paid.

Photos provided

by ILP

would be “serving the kids and helping them become more interconnected to the world through learning English.”

Gurr shared similar feelings when she said the best thing about the program is building relationships with the children and watching them improve. “There was one time when I went on a home visit. It was to a kid who was always interacting in class, but he wasn’t our most vocal child. When we [visited his] home, he did a lot of the translating. We had no idea how much he could comprehend… and so seeing the change in the students from the beginning to the end was really significant.”

One of the biggest perks to potential volunteers was the low cost of the program, according to Lindsay Schow, a freshman from Utah majoring in exercise science. “I think it would be fun. It’s for a couple months, not just for a week.”

According to the ILP website, ILP was started by a group of students at BYU in Provo working with the late Dr. Trevor McKee, professor of human development and psycho linguistics at BYU. McKee developed the Duolingual Education methodology, which was implemented by the students during their

semester abroad in Russia. “It’s like organized play.You play games, do arts and crafts, make food and other fun stuff kids are engaged in.

It’s not a lot of sitting at a desk and reciting words,” explained Gurr.

Speaking about the cost of the program, Gurr said, “The cost is $2,520 [for exchange programs and $3,720-$5,470 for the humanitarian]. That covers flight, housing, visa, food, and transport within the country.

In Ukraine we got a metro pass to get to and from the school… You’re fed three meals a

day, or if you live in an apartment, they give you some money for groceries. If you go with a friend, there is a discount. If you’re married, it [can be] two for the price of one [only in China]. If you go once as a volunteer, you can apply to go as a head teacher. They pay your way completely and give you a stipend so you can go on vacation with your group.”

For more information on the different volunteer opportunities, or to learn more about ILP, visit ilp.org.•

ILP volunteers have time to explore the cities they live in. Photos provided by ILP 40

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CHINA

COSTA RICA

DOMINICAN REP

HAITI

LITHUANIA

MEXICO

NICARAGUA

POLAND

ROMANIA

RUSSIA

THAILAND ILP has programs in 13 countries across four continents. Photos provided

by ILP

UGANDA

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Handling what they’ve been Given Jeff and Cortney Given share how they create their own happiness despite unfortunate circumstances B Y H AE L E Y VAN D E R W E RF 42

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few years after getting married and after having their first child, Grey, Jeff and Cortney Given came to BYU– Hawaii only to learn a few months later they needed to move back to the mainland to save their unborn daughter Zola’s life.

Despite having a child with a congenital heart disease, they said they have maintained a positive view on the world through prayer and faith, and do everything they can to share that light with others.

“She has half a heart, and she’ll never have a whole heart, even with the surgeries.

They just make half the heart do the whole job,” explained Zola’s dad Jeff Given, a senior from California majoring in accounting.

“In the short term, it means she is going to have to have three surgeries in her first three years. When she was 1 day old, she had her first open-heart surgery. She was in the hospital for nine weeks recovering and had lots of ups and downs. Technically, she died for 33 minutes and they saved her life. She had her second surgery at 6 months old.”

EARLY STRUGGLES

Cortney Given, a junior from California majoring in exercise science, said her personal struggles started much earlier life. She said she grew up in an unstable and dysfunctional family environment. She is the only member

Zola had to receive immediate medical care once she was born. Photos provided by the Givens

of the Church in her family and was baptized when she was 12.

In her teenage years, she said she moved in with her grandma to find stability, but due to financial issues, she ended up moving around and living with different people. “I lived with two different people in my ward for a year, and then someone else offered to let me live with them. The second counselor in my bishopric, who I used to babysit for, said I could live with them permanently if I wanted.

I lived with them for a year and a half. Then I moved in with my bishop… and his wife for two years before I moved out.”

After a few years of marriage, Jeff and Cortney said they followed promptings to come to BYUH. Cortney said moving to Hawaii helped them simplify their lives and realize all they needed was each other.

FINDING OUT ABOUT ZOLA

Cortney became pregnant with Zola soon after moving to Hawaii. She said, “I knew really strongly when we were supposed to have Zola. We got pregnant quickly, and I was happy, but [Jeff] was super stoked and ready for another kid. We were excited because we knew [Grey] needed a sibling.”

She then described the day they found out Zola had a heart defect. “I had just come from the mainland. [Jeff] picked me up from the airport, and we went straight to the

hospital. I had scheduled the appointment to go to the anatomy scan where they check the organs and the gender. We were both super exhausted and he had a basketball game to go to. [Grey] was super cranky from being on the plane. I was 18 weeks pregnant.”

Cortney said, “They were super far behind, so by the time we were seen we were super annoyed and frustrated. We got back there and it was taking way longer than normal. We just kept looking at each other and eye rolling. Cortney said Grey was screaming when a nurse came in and told them that she had found something on the heart and needed to check with the doctor.

“Then four doctors came in and sat right beside us ....They started to tell us it was hypoplastic left heart syndrome, but as soon as they said, ‘The left side of your baby’s heart’ I was like, ‘It’s hypoplastic left heart syndrome.’

The second counselor I used to babysit for, their son has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which is super rare.”

Jeff added, “1 out of 5,000 babies has that heart condition, and that’s the same family she lived with in high school whose son had it.”

Cortney continued, “I [said], ‘Oh my gosh,’ and I was bawling. Jeff was bawling because he didn’t know what was going on… I knew the basics of it. [The doctors] said, ‘So you know the baby is going to need immediate surgery and possibly a heart transplant?’ I was like,

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Left: Zola Given, after her heart surgery. Right: Cortney pauses to look at newborn Zola. Photos provided by the Givens

‘Yeah,’ and Jeff was like, ‘Is our baby going to live? I’m so confused.’ I felt so bad for him because they just ignored him completely and were focused on me.

“They talked... Then they left, and we cried… I immediately called Natalie (a family friend), whose son has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and we called our family. We drove home really confused and sad.”

Jeff said they were told they would have to move back to the mainland to have Zola, as the surgeries necessary to save her life were not available in Hawaii.

“We had only been here a couple months at that point, and then they said we had to move by the end of February or the beginning of March… It worked out well because it was trimesters then, so the semester ended at the end of February. We left right after that and [Zola] was born in April. As far as bad situations go, the timing worked out really well.”

THE TRUTH ABOUT PRAYER

Jeff said the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints changed their view on their situation. “We had an interesting perspective because we would pray and pray

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and pray. Especially for the first part when it was a struggle, we felt like we had to accept God has a plan for us.

“It really strengthened our testimony in a sense that we understand that not everything is going to be perfect. Even if we did lose her, it doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us or the Church isn’t true; it just means that’s how it was supposed to be.”

Cortney elaborated, saying, “We felt like our prayers weren’t being answered, so we were so frustrated. We feel like, ‘We want to save our kid’s life, and this is a righteous desire. So why isn’t God blessing us with the things we’re praying for?”

“It was really humbling because we realized praying isn’t a wish granting machine.

It’s a way to communicate with God and align our wills, even when our desires aren’t the same. We just had to accept what was going to happen was going to happen.

“Our reaction mattered, and our attitude mattered more than anything. It was more about faith and humility and just accepting whatever God handed us.”

SUPPORT AND SEPARATION

Cortney said having someone who understood what they were experiencing was a huge blessing. “Sometimes when you talk to people when you have a sick kid, you get some crazy responses. We got some that were like, ‘You just need to pray for a miracle. God’s going to heal her heart. Nothing is wrong with her. Ultrasounds are wrong all the time.’ That was the worst thing to hear. I was like, ‘No, we’re just going to accept this and move on.’

“It’s hard enough to hear she has a heart defect. I know God still loves me whether or not my kid has a heart defect. Being able to have Natalie around to talk about all the problems [was a blessing]. She flew out for [Zola’s] first surgery.”

Following Zola’s birth and first surgery, Cortney said Jeff had to return to school in Hawaii while she had to stay in California. “We realized he had to go back to school because we were already behind… and he couldn’t postpone any more.

“He had to come back for sure, and [Zola] couldn’t fly, so we were like, ‘What’s the best thing?’ So, we split the kids up. I stayed with Zola in California with family,

Jeff and Cortney Given with their two children, Grey and Zola. Photos provided by the Givens

and he came out here with [Grey]. We were apart for three months. They flew out for her surgery for a week, and then they flew back.”

Jeff described, “Her second surgery went a lot better than the first one. She was in and out of the hospital in less than a week... She’ll have a third surgery when she’s 3. It’s not a long-term solution. They call it a long-term temporary fix. They’ve only been doing this surgery [successfully] for about 35 years so that’s the sample size they have. They know with this heart she’ll make it about 40 years, and after that she’ll probably need a transplant.”

THEIR THIRD PREGNANCY

Jeff and Cortney are currently expecting their third daughter. Explaining their decision to have another child, Cortney said, “We both were scared, and I decided at one point if we were going to have more kids, or not have more kids, I just wanted to be at peace with either decision. I worked really hard at being okay with not having more children and then also being okay if we did. I didn’t want to make a decision out of fear, either fear of not having another child or fear of having another heart defect.”

Jeff also explained how their decision was based partly on Zola’s needs. “We also had to factor in the timing of the third kid because [Zola] is going to have a surgery when she’s 3. We didn’t want to have a newborn because being in the hospital was not an option or being super pregnant. We would either have to have one soon or wait until after.”

THE FUTURE FOR THEIR FAMILY

Jeff added, “We have a passion now for entrepreneurship and being able to work for ourselves.

“I’ve started two businesses this year that are growing and doing well. The goal is to be able to work from home and have our own businesses and be able to travel and show our kids the world. That’s our long-term goal.”

Cortney explained, “I love health, which is why I went into exercise science.

But, because of Zola, I’ve also been really passionate about sharing her story and sharing that… whatever is going to happen in life is going to happen regardless, so our reaction to it matters more than anything. We think circumstances determine our happiness, when circumstances are going to be circumstances.

How we react to them is what bases our happiness.

“That experience changed my perspective on life a lot, and I realized I have more power to be happy than I thought. If I can be pretty positive and happy through the worst experiences of my life, then I don’t have any excuses for when I have a bad day, or when I’m sitting in traffic. So, I would really love to be a motivational speaker and help other people realize that.

“Having Zola made us realize how not just her life is precious, but nobody is promised a certain amount of time on earth, so we were like, ‘We don’t need to waste time saving our trips for retirement, or for when our kids are older and can remember,’ and I was like, ‘I want to see the world now because what if I die next week.’ We try to prioritize those things because experiences matter and life is precious, so we want to take advantage of it.” •

You can follow the Given’s story on their Facebook page The Given Family, their Instagram account @given_today, or on their website giventoday.net. •

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Christina Akanoa takes students to the United Nations every year to gain political science experience. Photos by Chad Hsieh

A professor & a role model Akanoa balances being a busy wife, mother, volleyball mom, professor, internship advisor, all while getting a doctorate B Y M ACK E N ZI E B E AV E R

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olitical Science Professor Christina Akanoa shared her desire to empower students and her love for humanity while balancing her career and home life. Along with being the Human Rights Club advisor and founder, Akanoa is also the Political Science internship advisor, United Nations professor and advisor here on campus.

GETTI N G TO KN OW PROFE SSO R A KA N OA

Ever since high school graduation, Akanoa has been on Oahu. She said she left Western Samoa and came to BYU–Hawaii in Fall 1996. Arriving as an undeclared major with a competitive kick in her step, she said she knew she had more to offer in this world than besides being a wife and a mother in Samoa. She said her competitive spirit helped her sail through her bachelor’s degree, two master’s programs, a master’s certificate, and now is taking her through her doctorate degree in international relations.

Akanoa was born and raised in Samoa, and she explained her roots hit close to home and inspired her to work closely with Pacific Island students here at BYUH. A large majority of the students she takes to the United Nations are from the Pacific. She said, “I was born and raised in Samoa and growing up I saw a lot of things happening around me that I didn’t agree with. Getting involved with politics is a way to help change things that are happening in your home country and can help you make a difference.”

After Akanoa received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from BYUH in 2000, she took a year off to study for the GRE and was accepted into the University of Hawaii-Moana and received her master’s degree in Pacific Island studies and a master’s degree in political science.

Before graduate school, Akanoa was an intern at American Samoa’s at-large congressional district, which inspired her to return to school. Akanoa said, “I realized

Graphic by Lynne Hardy

I was constantly looking for more and trying to figure out my career - and then I took a step and realized I needed to be here. Something was always drawing me back to BYU–Hawaii. I have started my family here, and my husband and I were fortunate enough to buy a house here. I love my job and I love teaching. I hope to make an impact on every student I teach, but even making an impact on one or two students is enough for me.”

Along with teaching political science classes, she is the advisor for the Human Rights Club. She decided to start a Human Rights Club in 2012 instead of having the students travel to UH-Moana’s club. In the Human Rights Club, they follow the United Nations calendar and hold awareness booths and raise awareness about these issues. Per semester, the Human Rights Club have four-to-five booths and highlight some important issues going on in the United States and all over the world. In October 2018, the Human Rights Club had a refugee awareness booth outside the Aloha Center. At the end each semester, the Human Rights Club also does a service project either on campus or in the Laie community.

H O W DID YO U G ET IN VOLVE D IN T H E UNIT ED NAT IONS ?

Akanoa had a friend who was taking his students to the United Nations and she felt this would be a great opportunity to students here at BYUH. In 2013, with a little research on how to get involved in the United Nations, Akanoa submitted a proposal through the U.N. forum on indigenous issues. She wrote about how this relates well to students at BYUH and why it is important for the students to be able to be involved. Akanoa said, “I submitted the proposal and I received a confirmation that we were going to be able to participate. Now we can participate every year.

Once we got our foot in the door, we were in. We are building up our relationship with the forum and they remember us and recognize us every year.”

McKayla Caress, a senior from Nevada studying political science. is one of the students interning at the United Nations for the United States in New York.

Caress said, “When originally deciding what I wanted my focus to be, in terms of a career with my degree in political science, I was led to human rights and work

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One of Akanoa’s goals is to empower her students to get more than just a degree. Photos by Chad Hsieh

done at the United Nations. I come to find out that there is a class held at BYUH on the U.N. and there is an amazing Human Rights Club.

“When I told Sister Akanoa of my interest, she helped me get involved and took me under her wing. She met with me, answered my questions and shared her love for human rights and the U.N. with me. She has been so dedicated in expanding the opportunities for BYUH and its students in this area. With my own internship and experiences at the U.N., she has been very excited and supportive of me. She gives me great advice and encourages me to enjoy this time here in New York and to take advantage of what I am surrounded by daily. I am so grateful for Professor Akanoa.”

Before going to the United Nations every year, Akanoa contacts it and schedules times where students can talk to the representatives working in the United Nations. from their home country. Doing this allows students to be aware of what these representatives are doing for their country and how they are helping out with issues concerning their countries. “A lot of my students write papers on how nothing is being done in their country. Then they go to the U.N. and see these people are actually dealing with hard issues and are actually

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helping their country a lot more than they realized.”

Akanoa said when students see this happening, they gain a sense of pride and patriotism for their home country. She said it inspires them to want to go back to their home country and do whatever they can to help out. They realize what they can do to stop corruption and push for good governance.

Akanoa said she believes in empowering students. Her belief in her students has allowed several of her past students to succeed in top tier internships. Aporosa Babakobau, a 2017 BYUH alumnus, is currently working for the Embassy of Fiji in Washington, D.C.

Babakobau said, “Prior to working in DC, I was an intern here, which Sister Akanoa helped me get. Sister Akanoa has helped me tremendously throughout my years at BYUH.” Babakobau was one of the seven students who were able to go to the United Nations with Akanoa in 2015. “Going to the U.N. in New York really opened up my perspective to the international relations area. Sister Akanoa is a great professor and mentor who always inspires us to excel beyond our limits.”

One of professor Akanoa’s main goals she said is to empower her students to do more than just get a degree and

go back and work. She said she thinks a degree is great—but she is a firm believer in empowering her students to do more and go above and beyond. Akanoa said taking these classes and gaining hands-on experience at BYUH allows the students to really know what is happening around them and hopefully spark a desire to make a difference. Whether her students end up working in a little cubicle or office, or they are out in the field, she said, these issues happening around them are going to affect them either way.

CH O O SING TO BE A MOM FI RST

When she isn’t teaching at BYUH, helping students get internships, traveling to the United Nations and working on her doctorate degree, Akanoa is doing the one thing she loves more than anything, and that is being a mom. “I am proud to be a mom. I absolutely love it. I choose to be a mom above all. I know that it is my responsibility, and I do not mind it whatsoever. I love doing the cleaning and supporting my daughters at their volleyball games. I love helping them with their homework and just being a mom in general.”

Akanoa is the mother of five. She said she thrives when a lot of things are happening and she always has something to do. •

Thanksgiving

in this section Take the 30-Day Thanksgiving Challenge

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Students share their favorite Thanksgiving traditions

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The darker side of the Thanksgiving story

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Coloring page

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New recipes for your Thanksgiving leftovers

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30 days of thankfulness Being grateful brings people closer to Christ, says Elder Uchtdorf B Y GE E N A D E M AI O

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he 30 Days of Thankfulness Challenge is sharing gratitude for 30 days particularly through social media posts, to keep accountable, and to encourage others to participate. Often messages are brief, and meaningful with a photo and short, personal description.

Dustin Bradshaw, a BYU-Hawaii alumnus, said he has shared gratitude posts on social media for the past eight years and remarked on how the positive response goes a long way.

“I started one year when my little cousin was challenged by her sixth grade class to do it. Since then, I have lived all over the world, and during November, I have friends and family from all walks of life who do the challenge too.”

Bradshaw said, “First and foremost, I am thankful for my wife, Lady Hiva. She is the most generous and compassionate person I know. I am a far better person because of the person she is. Next would be our children.

They bring so much joy to our lives. Tied closely to that is the knowledge the gospel brings that we can live together as a family if we strive to utilize the Atonement to become better each day.”

Hannah Smock, a sophomore studying graphic design from New York, shared, “Gratitude is the catalyst for all other Christlike attributes. When we are grateful, we are closer to heaven and we become more like our Savior.”

Reflecting on gratitude as a catalyst to develop to be more like Jesus Christ, Bradshaw said, “I believe it helps me to see more how we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father.

“When I am striving to be grateful, I can see how although we all have weaknesses. We are inherently good, and by pointing it out, we promote growth and ultimately help each other reach our full potential.”

Smock referenced an April 2014 General Conference talk from Elder Dieter F.

Uchtdorf, “Grateful in Any Circumstances,” as he expressed the importance of incorporating gratitude daily.

“How blessed we are if we recognize God’s handiwork in the marvelous tapestry of life. Gratitude to our Father in Heaven broadens our perception and clears our vision. It inspires humility and fosters empathy toward our fellowmen and all of God’s creations. Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike attributes. A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues,” said Elder Uchtdorf.

In response to this quote, Everett Tracy, a freshman majoring in graphic design from Mililani, Hawaii, explained how to have gratitude is to develop the Christlike attribute of humility.

“It causes you to be humble, once you realize everything you have.”

Elder Utchdorf contiued, “May we live in thanksgiving daily, especially during the seemingly unexplainable endings that are part of mortality. May we allow our souls to expand in thankfulness toward our merciful Heavenly Father. May we ever and constantly raise our voices and show by word and deed our gratitude to our Father in Heaven and to His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.”

Smock expressed, “I feel like we can forget our gratitude when we don’t express it as much. When you take the time to think about what you are grateful for and record it, then you realize how many more blessings you have.”

Tracy added, “It’s important to express gratitude so you know what you have. It gives you an opportunity to appreciate it and to give your thanks to God for all the blessings you have.”

Bradshaw shared how gratitude is one of the easiest ways for others to show appreciation. “For me, it often goes beyond what a gift can provide. A small note or mention of grati-

tude helps others know I am thankful for their efforts and love on my behalf. It also helps me remember how all I have is the result of others helping me.”

Ayumu Mizuno, a freshman majoring in information systems from Japan, committed to sharing his gratitude daily in the 30 Day Thankfulness Challenge and said he looks forward to sharing that which he is thankful for in a way that gives back.

Of all the things Mizuno could express gratitude for, he said it would be his parents. In retrospect, he chose to honor them by showing them gratitude in any way possible.

Mizuno shared, “I wouldn’t be here at this school if it weren’t for my parents. They have done everything for me. Why not show gratitude?”

Tracy expressed how he is most thankful for his family from the constant support they give him. When Tracy began to attend BYUH, he said he realized how grateful he felt to have grown up in Oahu.

Smock also expressed, “One way I can express my gratitude is by being kind to others, I feel like that is one of the biggest ways to show how I am grateful.”

Reflecting on what makes Smock most grateful, she said it is her friends and family.

Having origins in Laie, her mother is from Oahu, but she has family living in Ewa and Kaneohe as well. Being able to attend BYUH with her brother is another way Smock feels gratitude. She said her brother is a freshman this semester.

Smock said in high school she participated in the 30 Days of Thankfulness by using social media and posting a photo, but most of the time she would reflect and write in her journal.•

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A different take on showing thanks

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Hiking and running 5K’s are central to some Thanksgiving celebrations B Y N OAH SH OAF

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orget the turkey and football, Thanksgiving is more than a dinner according to students at BYU-Hawaii. Although the national holiday, Thanksgiving, is synonymous with feasting, Pyper Schmutz, a freshman from Utah studying marine biology, explained she has a different tradition that focuses nature rather than food.

“Every year for Thanksgiving instead of having a big dinner, my family and I go hiking all day. Then we come home and eat pie for dinner because we all know that is the best part of Thanksgiving dinner.”

Schmutz said she has always hiked with her family on Thanksgiving and it has become a huge tradition. Now she is here in Laie, and she expressed how she still wants to keep her family’s tradition alive.

“We have gone all over the place from the Grand Canyon to Zion National Park. My favorite hike was at the Grand Canyon. My family and I hiked down the South Rim, and it was so cool to go all the way down the rim and to the river.”

Hiking is not necessarily what makes Thanksgiving meaningful according to Schumtz. She said it’s the way nature makes her feel. “It feels so good because being in nature already feels good.You are around all of God’s creations, and it is so much easier to give thanks to Him because you are disconnected from your daily distractions.”

She said she thinks hiking and appreciating nature can be a part of everyone’s Thanksgiving traditions. “It is easier to give thanks to nature when you are hiking because you are surrounded by everything you are supposed to be thankful for.”

Kaiden Hinds, a freshman from Michigan studying psychology, said he has a family tradition for Thanksgiving that takes more dedication than watching football or eating traditional foods like turkey and pumpkin pie.

“Every year my family goes down to visit my grandparents in Indiana.

On the day of Thanksgiving, we all get up early and run a 5K.”

Hinds’ Thanksgiving tradition was started by his grandmother. He shared how she enjoyed running, and her hometown of Salem, Indiana had a Thanksgiving run. Hinds explained how his family tradition makes Thanksgiving more impactful. “You realize the importance of being thankful through doing something hard like running.”

Hinds said he does not think it necessarily matters what the specific tradition is, but the most significant part of the day is traveling six hours to see his extended family.

Drew Martin, a freshman from Utah studying marketing, shared a similar message as Hinds did. This year Martin is not following a specific tradition, instead, he is trying to spend more time with his grandfather by going to a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game over the Thanksgiving holiday.

“It doesn’t matter what the specific tradition is. What matters is how it brings your family together. Only recently have I had contact with my grandpa so just being with him on Thanksgiving is everything.” •

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The history of Thanksgiving The common story has a darker history than some may believe B Y E STH E R I N SI GN E

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urkeys, cranberry sauce, casseroles, pecans, and a lot of pies – that’s a few of the things that come into mind when Thanksgiving is brought up. Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November of every year, according to timeanddate.com. During this time, families and friends unite to spend time with each other and indulge in the feast they have prepared. Together, they give thanks for the blessings they have received throughout the year.

T HA N K SG I VING : TH E H A LF TRU T H

According to Time and Business Insider, the “first Thanksgiving” happened in 1621. The Wampanoag tribe helped the Pilgrims survive by teaching them how to farm and grow their crops, after the Pilgrims failed to do so during the previous year, which led to half of the Pilgrims’ deaths.

To celebrate the success of the Pilgrims’ harvest after being helped by the Native Americans, the Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag tribe to a feast that lasted for three days. They wanted to give thanks for the help they received from the tribe, and so the feast was their way of sharing the blessings from the harvest.

This was the story that people commonly referred to when talking about the history of Thanksgiving. However, the story didn’t end there.

T HE DA R K H I STO RY

According to americanindiansource.com, before the Pilgrims came, the Native Americans met Europeans who wanted to look for land in the New World. This introduced smallpox, measles and other diseases that the Europeans brought over due to their expeditions. Soon, Native Americans were captured, enslaved and sold to people in Spain. The tribes who remained in their villages were wiped out because they were more vulnerable to European diseases as it was new to them.

According to National Geographic,when the Pilgrims arrived at Cape Cod, they robbed corn from Wampanoag graves because it was a few weeks before winter and they did not have the food or provisions to help them survive.

The Pilgrims came to the New World on a ship called the Mayflower in 1620. During their first winter, many of the

Pilgrims did not survive while aboard the ship. After some time, the survivors went ashore, hungry, and sought help.

There, they met Tisquantum, also known as “Squanto,” of the Pokanoket tribe of the Wampanoag nation, and Samoset of the Wabanake tribe, who both spoke English. Squanto was captured in 1605 and sold as a slave in England, and then later sold to the Spaniards in 1614. He escaped, jumped ship and made his way back to his homeland, America, in 1619, only to discover that his entire tribe died from a disease the English slavers left behind, according to wakingtimes.com and manataka.org.

According to manataka.org, Samoset and Squanto stayed near the village of the Wampanoag tribe and were hunting when they discovered the Pilgrims near Patuxet. Seeing their condition, Squanto decided to stay with the Pilgrims and teach them how to survive. He taught them how to farm and plant vegetables and skills necessary to survive.

When fall came, the captain of the Pilgrims at the time, Miles Standish, invited Squanto, Samoset, and their leader, Massasoit, to join them in a celebratory feast with their families that lasted for three days.

However, the peace did not last long. More Pilgrims came to America, and they were not like the earlier Pilgrims who needed help. They looked down upon the natives for their religious beliefs. The newly arrived Pilgrims perceived themselves to be the “Chosen Elect” and anyone who did not believe their teachings were the enemy, says manataka.org information. They tortured, deceived, incited wars and caused genocide to achieve their goals, it says. Killings happened more often as settlers tried to take over villages. Generations of tribes were wiped out in the process.

EXP L A INING FURT H ER

James Tueller, a history professor at BYU–Hawaii, explained, “When people ask me about the real history, I usually talk about many different perspectives about it. George Washington, the first president of the United States, actually celebrated a Thanksgiving that wasn’t in November, but most societies have some sort of holiday to express gratitude, to give thanks.”

He said President Abraham Lincoln was the one who declared Thanksgiving to be an official holiday that was to be

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celebrated on the last Thursday of November. Tueller also shared, “The foods we eat have a history that is very much a part of Thanksgiving.

“Many of the foods are actually, in origin, American foods.

Europeans, Africans, Asians would never have eaten corn. Corn was an American product before the Columbus exchange, potatoes as well.

“So, most Americans on Thanksgiving will eat turkey.

Turkey’s definitely a bird that came from the Americas. Although, in English, we gave it a strange name turkey because we thought it was from the country Turkey, but it wasn’t, so it’s a historical mistake. So, all those foods, and the way we celebrate is often tied to a history of food, which is always interesting.”

W HAT T HA N K S G I V I N G M E A N S TO STUDENT S

Families and individuals around the globe have their own ways of celebrating Thanksgiving, and others have different reasons why they celebrate the holiday. Students shared their traditions and experiences as they prepare for Thanksgiving this year.

Mark Valdez, a senior from Ohio studying psychology, shared he celebrates the holiday with his family. “It’s a big deal in my house. All our extended families get together, all my cousins, aunts and uncles. When you come into our house, we have a huge table, and we just eat, watch sports and really enjoy family time.”

Haydn Klein, a freshman from Nevada studying biomedical science, said, “We make lots of food and eat it. We have a lot of

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pie. Turkey would always be the main thing we eat. Before the meal, we’d meet with family and friends and play football and some other games.”

He explained, “It has significance because it symbolizes a gathering with family – being thankful for what you have. It just means you’re acknowledging what you have from Heavenly Father.”

Tueller also shared how he and his family want to make sure they’re giving thanks during the holiday. “Before we eat, of course, we say a prayer. We also go around the room, and we have to say one thing that we’re thankful for, to remember that there are a lot of blessings we have.”

Sam Capitan, a sophomore from Utah studying marketing said, “Personally, it’s a day to just be grateful for those who are in your lives, especially family. For me personally, I don’t really take it as [the] only day to be thankful for your family. That should be on a daily basis thing. But overall, it’s just a time of the year to just take a break and remember your family.”

Valdez shared, “I feel like Thanksgiving is a really good time to step back and appreciate life.You think about what you’re grateful for.”

When asked if it’s important to know about the history of Thanksgiving, Capitan shared, “I think so; they should know where all the roots began because it gives them the chance to just explore the true meaning behind it…

“We have family, and they were those who were here before us. We got to be grateful for them because without them, we wouldn’t be here ourselves.” •

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Don’t let extra Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste From Turkey fricassee to scalloped turkey, students share their favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipes B Y SH AN N O N CRO W L E Y

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KE ALAK A ’I Graphic by Lynne Hardy

Turkey Fricassee Maura Bott, a freshman from Michigan majoring in painting.

“I know back home, whenever we would make turkey, we would mix the turkey and gravy together. We’d make turkey fricassee.

There’s a bit of other stuff to make it a bit thicker and creamier. I think you might add some starch, milk, and cream. we usually have tons of potatoes that we keep in cans as well.”

Scalloped Turkey Alpha Harper, an alumnus of BYU-Hawaii from Canada.

“It’s my mother’s recipe, and it’s where you take your leftovers and the turkey goes on the bottom, and then add the dressing, potatoes, and vegetables. Then you beat up an egg mixture that you mix with some of the gravy. It goes overtop and it kind of sits on there… it’s so good and you add a little salt and pepper, but my mom always puts some type of a sausage meat in her dressing and stuffs the turkey with stove top stuffing. I can always remember the tradition of my mom and my grandma standing there, and they would sew the turkey back up after stuffing it. What we have learned, [from] having raised turkeys, is that for supper we actually cook them breast side down. The reason they’re presented breast side up is there used to be turkey on a spit and so they were golden brown all over.”

Soup and Sandwiches Cameron Mairs, a sophomore from New York majoring i n computer science.

“After Thanksgiving, we kind of just eat turkey with everything. We have turkey sandwiches, turkey soup. anything that we have, all of our lunches and dinners just turn into Thanksgiving again, until we run out of food, which takes a few days. We mostly have a lot of turkey sandwiches.”

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Graphic by McKenna Locken