Ke Alaka'i New Student Issue Fall 2021

HOPE Pacific Islander students share BYU–Hawaii prepares students to serve their country and the world

BY GREG TIVLES

P

acific Islander students shared they chose BYU–Hawaii because of the gospel and its resources, but the school’s diversity has expanded their perspectives. They added what they have gained from BYUH will help them better serve in their home countries.

Pritus Luitolo, a sophomore from the Solomon Islands studying elementary education, emphasized she could never think of any wiser words than Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s words, “Education is not merely a good idea. It is a commandment.”

“To graduate from an American university will almost be everything to me and my family,” she stated.

Luitolo explained there are three girls from the Solomon Islands currently studying at

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BYUH, and to her family, her community and her country, it is already a great achievement.

“We were confident at the very beginning to study hard,” and with her parents’ support, she said she was able to attend BYUH. She chose BYUH because the facilities and resources BYUH has, she said, would help her be successful. “I cannot think of any learning resources that are lacking [on campus] like it was back home in the Solomon Islands. All I need to do is to work hard for the A grade,” she said. She emphasized the diversity of students at BYUH also allowed her to view the world from a bigger perspective.

Adriannah Metta, a senior from Papua New Guinea majoring in anthropology, Pacific Island studies, and peacebuilding, similarly said at home, in Papua New Guinea, she was

only exposed to her family and people from other provinces. Coming to BYUH has been an eye-opener, and the diversity here allows her a greater perspective on life.

“You have to look at people as human beings and not objects. I am a peacebuilding major, and I’m grateful BYU–Hawaii offers an excellent program I believe will help me become an agent for change and peace in my country,” Metta expressed.

“I feel like the mission of BYU–Hawaii has helped me become an advocate for peace, and that is how the university enables us to see the potential in ourselves and what we can do for the world,” she emphasized.

Luitolo shared a similar sentiment, saying she can see the Lord preparing her to serve in