Media Writing class Fall 2021

BYU–Hawaii

Fall 2021 Semester

MEDIA WRITING

M E D I A W R I T I NG FA LL 2021 1

Contents 4

Backpack treasures

8

President Kauwe's inauguration

31

Positive lessons learned from COVID-19

33

Thanksgiving travel food and friends

14

Reviving Ragtime

16

Acing academics

35

18

Indian student shares culture

Big Island quake felt on Oahu

36

20

Eve Koller devotional

Audience helps soloist soar at his senior recital

38

Dealing with wet cellphones

40

First Food Fest since the pandemic

41

Food Fest is fun but also hard work

42

Teaching beginners how to surf

22

Marketing lessons learned around the globe

24

Temple architect shares life story

26

Great Ideas: Lumi business wins first place

28

Great Ideas for children: Local sisters lilikoi butter gets award

43

Volleyball intramural championship game

44

Halloween party

Children motivate student parents

46

Transferring colleges is challenging, good

30

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Contributors Mckenzie Alvarez-Barnes Holland Barker Malia Blackmun Karly Brown Aiyarat Buachaiya Baasansuren Chimedbaatar Byambasuren Chimedbaatar Viviana Chuah Manhattan Ethington Megan Gamil Jennifer Elivera Hachuela

NEWS CENTER: Box 1920 BYUH Laie, HI 96762 Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquires: kealakai@byuh.edu To view additional articles go to kealakai.byuh.edu

Bethany Horner Charlotte Kelsey LeeAnn Lambert Elle Rose Larson Menorah Lock Madison Nader Brady Smith Crystal Tania Adrijana Toronto Hadley Wurtz Kefei Yu

CONTACT: Email: kealakai@byuh.edu Phone: (808) 675-3694 Office: BYU–Hawaii Aloha Center 134 ON THE COVER: Students in the Fall 2021 media writing class pose with their backpacks in the Aloha Center Mall.

BACK COVER: Poeher Richmond holds a hair flower she had in her backpack.

She says it is part of her culture to wear one. Photos by Emaire Majors and Uurtsaikh Nyamdeleg.

ABOUT The Ke Alaka‘i began publishing the same year the University, then called Church College of Hawaii, opened. It has continued printing for more than 60 years.

The name means “the leader” in Hawaiian.What began as a monthly newsletter, evolved into a weekly newspaper, then a weekly magazine and is now a monthly news magazine with a website and a social media presence.Today, a staff of about 25 students work to provide information for BYU–Hawaii’s campus ohana and Laie’s community.

The media writing class has one issue printed of the students work when possible.

© 2021 Ke Alaka‘i BYU–Hawaii All Rights Reserved

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Backpack treasures Students share what they carry around with them everyday

that means something to them or reminds them of loved ones

Charinalu Jornacion-Busania holds items from her backpack she says she uses all the time. Right top to bottom: Alicia Liri displays her cell phone; Alex Mortensen shows a toy truck she bought at the grocery store; Elena Hyde holds a keychain from her mission; and Aiden Waller, holds a ring he got as a gift from a friend.

Photos by Emarie Majors and Uurtsaikh Nyamdeleg.

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BY LEEANN LAMBERT AND STUDENTS IN THE FALL 2021 MEDIA WRITING CLASS

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mptying out the contents of her entire backpack, Lesieli Ohuafi, a senior from Tonga majoring hopitality and tourism management, shared what she carries around campus every day. In it she had ear phones, lip gloss, a T-shirt for the Tongan Club, cash, notebooks, snacks and chips, a handkerchief, and her iPad. Ohuafi said her notebooks are the most essential to her because she is always taking notes. Her iPad, she added, is easy to access and useful while she studies.

The things people choose to keep are a form of self-expression, says a psychologist Christian Jarrett. “More than mere tools, luxuries or junk, our possessions become extensions of the self. We use them to signal to ourselves, and others, who we want to be and where we want to belong. And long after we’re gone, they become our legacy. Some might even say our essence lives on in what once we made or owned,” he says in an article on the website thepsychologist.bps.org.uk.

To find out what people had in their backpacks or bags that brought them joy, have significance to them, or they feel are unique, BYU–Hawaii students in the Comm 211 Media Writing class interviewed more than 20 members of the BYUH ohana on the second day of Fall Semester classes. They talked to people in the Aloha Center Mall during lunchtime.

iPhone is his way to “stay connected to the rest of the world,” and he is grateful for modern technology that makes it so easy to do.

For Kunjoo Cho, a senior marketing and supply chain major from Korea, he said he didn’t think anything in his bag was unique but then remembered his electronics.

“Maybe my laptop and iPad are unique,” he shared. “They are pretty old.” Cho said he got his iPad in 2013 and his laptop in 2014.

Holding the two items tightly, he shared he has been taking excellent care of his devices, which is why he hasn't replaced them yet. He added even though Apple is launching a new product in a week, Cho said he isn’t planning to upgrade them.

Brian Vildam, a senior from the Solomon Islands majoring in political science, took a brand new laptop out of his bag. “This laptop is like my ‘book.’ I carry it to class, take notes, use it for homework. It's everything!”

Ami Tsujimoto, a freshman from Japan with an undeclared major, took out a small, electronic dictionary from her bag. She said she has had it for a long time­—since high school. It helped give her hope that one day she would be able to achieve her dream to study abroad. “I can’t imagine learning English without it,” Tsujimoto said. “This tool has become an important part of my life.”

Electronics

A few items students took out of their backpacks were mementos that reminded them of their missions, like a key chain from where they served or a CTR ring.

Elena Hyde, a freshman from Hauula majoring in exercise sports science, pulled out a circle key chain she received while serving as a missionary in the California Ventura Mission.

It had the name and a symbol of her mission on it.

Hyde said she was sent home from the Missionary Training Center due to COVID-19 but then after some time at home, she was able to go back out to serve in her mission.

She added the key chain “reminds me of my mission and the importance of what I did there and what it taught me.”

Some of the items that emerged from student’s backpacks were things people might expect such as electronics like cellphones and laptop computers that students said contained information they cared about or needed and allowed them to stay connected with others.

For Jason Vaka, the most important and unique thing in his backpack is his cellphone.

“Everything good is stored inside,” he said such as pictures of his family, class notes and schedules that he finds invaluable. Vaka is a junior from Fiji studying biomedical science.

Agreeing with Vaka that his cellphone is the most personal and unique item he carries with him is Jackson Reeves, a freshman from Florida majoring in business. He said his

Mission mementos

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Left,LesieliOhuafiwasinterviewedby,right, Byambasuren Chimedbaatar about what was in her backpack on the second day of Fall Semester 2021. Photos by Emarie Majors and Uurtsaikh Nyamdeleg.

Left,Yulin Wang pulled out of her backpack a bag of cookies she eats on the go because she doesn't have time to eat lunch. Right: Ami Tsujimoto says she has had this electronic dictionary since high school and it has helped her to learn English.

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Left to right: Sister Luana Romney holds her extra name tag, Poehere Richmond a hair flower and Kaleinani Fitzgerald's sunglasses remind her of home.

On the ring is another key chain in the form of a beaded lizard that she said she made while serving in California.

Paul Taukeiu, junior from Fiji majoring in exercise sport science, took out of his bag a CTR [Choose the Right] ring he on his mission that has taken on an even greater meaning to him. “It was given to me by my mission president’s wife. When I went home, my brother wanted it from me.” But the his brother passed away, and now it is his again.

Taking an extra missionary badge out of her bag, Sister Luana Romney held up her name tag and said, “Sometimes I forget to put my badge on so I have an extra one in my purse.” Sister Romney has been serving on campus since May. She is from Springville, Utah and serves in the Office of Honor. She said she loves her mission, serving the Lord, the school and all the students here.

Culture

Books

Pulling out a spare face mask from her bag was Frances Sharma, a sophomore from Fiji majoring in political science. She said she walked into a class the day before without a mask on, and a fellow classmate gave one to her. That’s why she has an extra one in her bag.

Aiden Waller, a freshman from Southern California majoring in business, said an item he had that was special to him was a ring his friend gave him. It was made out of a spoon, and he said he wears it every day. It helps him to remember his friends from home since he’s just moved to Hawaii, Waller said.

Two items people shared were books.

Adjunct instructor Elaine McArthur, who has taught Spanish on campus since 1995, said in her bag was President Russell M. Nelson’s book, “Daily Joy,” she said she was sending in a care package to her daughter and son-in-law.

She said she thought they would appreciate the book, which contains words of wisdom for every day.

“We just need to lift our daily sights,” McArthur said. “They [her daughter and sonin-law] are young parents, and we all need the prophet’s words.”

Brooke Christenson, a junior from Salt Lake City, Utah, majoring in biology, said she had a guitar music book. It is an anthology of North Shore recording artist Jack Johnson.

She said for her the guitar is one of her latest passions.

“Playing guitar is one of my passions in life. ... Jack Johnson - I eat, sleep, breath him.”

Among the items students shared were things they said connect them with their cultures.

Poehere Richmond, a sophomore from Tahiti majoring in hospitality and tourism management, had a hair flower in her bag. “It is a part of my identity,” she said. “Some people will wear a shirt to represent, but the flower is my way of representing Tahiti.”

Josephine Hasu, a freshman from Papua New Guinea majoring in communications, shared in her bag what is most valuable to her is a pouch given to her by her grandma. The print is of a “tahu,” or a shell necklace, which she said was used in her tribe when a woman marries. Hasu said her tribe believes instead of the men offering a dowry, women pay the husband.

Gifts

Miscellaneous: From toy trucks to cologne to chocolate chip cookies Famous for helping people clean out and organize their homes, Japan’s Marie Kondo says people should only keep items that spark their joy. She says the “key is pick up each object one at a time, and ask yourself quietly, ‘Does this spark joy?’ Pay attention to

how your body responds. Joy is personal, so everyone will experience it differently.” Kondo describes it as “a little thrill, as if the cells in your body are slowly rising.”

Students shared a variety of items they said add to their lives. Alex Mortensen, a sophomore from Logan, Utah, majoring in hospitality and tourism management, has a baby toy truck in her bag. She said she got it at Foodland, and she loves it. When Mortensen gets bored in class, she said she likes to play with it on her desk, and it is a fun way to pass the time.

The most unusual thing Keoni Fatanum, a sophomore biology major from California, said he carries in his bag is his cologne. It is a small vial and he said his cologne has “a fresh, masculine, lavender scent.” He said he keeps it on hand “in case I need to freshen up during the day.” He said he typically spritzes himself once a day after lunch.

Kaleinani Fitzgerald, a freshman from Laie majoring in TESOL, said, of her item, “These sunglasses remind me of my brother and all the great memories we had before he left for his mission. It’s like our bond.”

Holding up her driver’s license, Emma Griffin, a freshman from Utah majoring in graphic design, said, “It is important to me because I like to drive. It is the most valuable thing I have in my bag now.”

Yulin Wang, a sophomore business management major from China, said she was carrying a bag of chocolate chip cookies in her backpack as she walked to her next class. She said because of her busy schedule, it is nearly impossible for her to eat lunch. She added while it is unusual for someone to eat cookies for lunch, they fill her up just fine.

“I live off-campus and I don’t have a meal plan,” Wang said. “I don’t really care what I have as long as I have something to eat.” •

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A NATIVE SON OF HAWAII inaugurated as president of BYU–Hawaii Newly inaugurated President of BYUH, John S.K. Kauwe III, says he loves Laie, BYUH and all the students

BY BELLA CHIMEDBAATAR

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ohn Sai Keong Kauwe III was officially installed as the 11th president of BYU–Hawaii on Oct. 19, the first native Hawaiian to lead the university.

Members of the BYUH ohana and other Church and community leaders gathered in the Cannon Activities Center for the official inauguration ceremony. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and chairman of the executive committee of the Board of Trustees, bestowed upon President Kauwe the authority to act as the university’s chief executive officer, spokesman, school’s chief moral, overseer, and spiritual officer.

President Kauwe said, “Monica and I are grateful for every minute that we have been given to serve in this capacity. We would happily spend the rest of our days serving the students of BYU–Hawaii. We love Laie, we love BYU–Hawaii, and we love our students.”

The first president of Hawaiian descent Elder Holland called President Kauwe “a native son” several times in his speech and emphasized the fact that a native son was being inaugurated as president for the first time in BYUH’s history.

“Today we install a son of Hawaii, and for me that may be the most significant indicator of the growth and maturity of this university of all the indicators that we are celebrating today,” Elder Holland said.

BYUH students and faculty said they are grateful to have a president who understands the Hawaiian culture, traditions, and environment better than anyone else.

As a native Hawaiian himself, Chad Yuen, an admissions officer, said he is proud to have President Kauwe as the first leader of the university of Hawaiian descent and to serve the BYUH ohana. “I love how he views things differently with new perspectives. There have been many changes made since he became president, and they are for the best for students and faculty.”

President John Kauwe and his wife Monica applaud one of the club presentations given during the parade that followed his official inauguration ceremony on Oct. 19. Photo by Mark Daeson Tabbilos.

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Top left: Elder Jeffrey Holland stands at the podium as Elder D. Todd Christofferson puts the inauguration medallion on President Kauwe. Lower left: Local kupuna sing as Church leaders leave after the ceremony. Above: Members of the New Zealand Club perform at the parade. Photos by Mark Daeson Tabbilos.

A prophetic role for the university During the inauguration, Elder Holland said more has been prophesied about BYUH than any other school. President Kauwe said of the university, “The highest aspirations of our prophetic founders, the very will of God, is that this university will be a true place of Zion, a refuge for our students, a defense for this community, and a missionary factor to influence millions of people; and thereby support the salvation of the children of men.”

An alumnus, Baska Purev-ochir, said he is grateful to be a part of such prophetic school. “I know President Kauwe does an amazing job in bringing the fulfillment of these prophecies as the head of the [school]. Everything he has done so far was for the benefit of each member of our campus ohana, the builders of Zion,” Purev-ochir said.

“I am excited for the future of BYU–Hawaii and its students.”

Elder Holland said in his closing remarks, “We have looked far and wide to find the best to lead out in this next chapter of the quest. … We have asked him to step forward with that nobility of character for which Kaleohano [President Kauwe's ancestor] was known and to build to maturity in a corner of the kingdom of heaven right here in Laie, the two tasks which the prophets have given us to do. We wish him God speed and every blessing necessary for success.”

In May 2020, when President Kauwe was first annonced as the next university president, he stated, “This University is and will continue to be a place where people from across the world gather to be one in Christ and educate and uplift each other. Diversity of

culture, experience, and thought is one of our greatest strengths. So too is our striving for unity as children of God bathed in the light of the restored gospel. Diversity and unity work together here at [BYUH] in remarkable ways.”

Elder Holland stated the essential target area will continue to be the Pacific and Asian areas of the Church. “We are in hopes that an ever-larger population of students and future leaders will come from these lands.” President Kauwe said, “We are blessed to be called to this work — to gather the children of Israel, unify them as covenant people of the Lord here in Laie, and to prepare them to build and lead the kingdom of God in the Pacific Islands and Asia.”

The president’s parade Following the inauguration ceremony, the BYUH ohana, Church leaders, and the community members joined the president's celebratory parade to show their love, gratitude, and respect for President Kauwe and his family.

Students wore traditional clothing from their countries to congratulate and officially welcome their new president. Some clubs including New Zealand, Samoa, Cambodia, Tonga, Fiji, and Hawaii performed their traditional dances and songs to honor President Kauwe.

“I am overwhelmed with love and support, and we just want to be equal to it. We want to lead in ways that warrant that kind of love and confidence,” said President Kauwe after the parade.• S P E CI A L ISSUE 2021 11

Top left: S inaugura perform t

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Students in the Philippines Club show their appreciation for President John Kauwe. Above: A close up of President and Sister Kauwe holding hands during the ation parade. Lower left: President Kauwe looks on watching one of the performances done during the parade. Lower right: Members of the New Zealand Club the haka. Photos by Mark Daeson Tabbilos.

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Reviving Ragtime Percussion professor spends years studying 100-year-old silent films to perfect timing of the sound effects

BY MANHATTAN ETHINGTON

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Above from left to right: Darren Duerden, Jennifer Duerden, Perry Christensen, and Alex Wolfersberger who all played in the Ragtime Band concert on Oct. 6. The concert included a ragtime music, live music and sound effects played alongside a silent movie. Left: Darren Duerden spend years perfecting all the sound effects for the film. Photos courtesy of Darren Duerden.

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he lights in the McKay Auditorium dimmed on a xylophone, piano, drum set, bass, and a circle of random objects, such as a yellow balloon and two small doors on a table. The Seaside Ragtime Band led by Dr. Darren Duerden walked out from behind blue curtains onto the stage, bowing to an audience dressed in a mix of 1920s and 2020s attire. Duerden began the concert by saying, “We are taking ourselves to a different time, a different era, a different place.” Then the piano keys tingled, the bass plucked out notes, and the xylophone rang as music known as ragtime filled the auditorium.

As instrumental music coordinator, music and theater program leader, and the percussion teacher for BYU–Hawaii, Duerden said he created the Oct. 8 and 9 “An Evening of Ragtime & Silent Film” program because he “thought it would be fun to do a whole program of ragtime music. I've never seen that done before.”

The show began with six different ragtime songs, each once composed between 1905 and 1938. Duerden played xylophone while his wife, Jennifer Duerden, played piano and his friend and colleague, Perry Christensen, played bass. Another BYUH professor, Mark Wolfersberger, was originally going to play the drum set, but he couldn’t attend the performance due to health issues. Luckily, his son, Alex Wolfersberger, was able to step in for him to add drumming and humor to the performance.

As Alex Wolfersberger came onto the stage, Duerden joked, “So you’re saying ragtime is in your genes?” Alex responded quickly, “Actually, I’m wearing my church pants.”

This comedic tone extended throughout the performance, and Christensen even joined in with a bit of dancing while playing “The Hula Blues,” a mix between Hawaiian music and ragtime composed in 1920.

“It’s unique.You don’t see this every day,” said Christensen, a BYUH EIL, TESOL, and religion professor, about the performance.

“We’re not a big city, so this is a cultural experience. … It’s easy to enjoy and nice to finally see performances live.”

Lilly Trent, a freshman majoring in elementary education from Pennsylvania, attended the performance and said while she doesn’t usually love listening to instrumental music, she loved watching Buster Keaton’s silent movie “The Playhouse” during the program. Duerden said he has been transcribing the music for the film through YouTube since 2009. He added he taught himself how to do the sound effects for the film, like slamming small doors to match the doors shutting in the movie, popping a balloon to replicate the sound of a gunshot, and shattering glass on the ground when the film showed glass breaking.

After watching the silent film with the added sound effects and music, Trent said, “The movie enhanced the music because it gave me something to focus on.” She added, “The music enhanced the movie because it replaced silence where we would have heard people’s breathing.”

Duerden said his preparation for the hour-long performance took him years of hard work to put it together. “This is the most extensive program of my career.” He said he watched “The Playhouse” many times, even using a movie editor so he could slow down

the video and line up each sound effect. Just the set-up of all the sound effect objects took so much space Duerden said he had to practice in the band room during the summer so he wouldn’t be disturbed by students.

The choice of “The Playhouse” was not coincidental. Duerden announced during the program the film was released on Oct. 6, 1921, just over 100 years before the date of the performance. He also discussed the importance of listening to ragtime now. “It’s funny how we pass judgments on different types of music. … Ragtime music was originally seen as a musical poison. So it’s interesting to see how perspectives change.”

Trent drew further parallels between the 1920s and the modern day when she said, “The ragtime music made [the film] seem more like a regular movie because there’s always background music in a movie. It brought a greater connection between the 20th and 21st century.”

Aside from working on the silent film, Duerden also had to find and orchestrate each of the ragtime pieces so they would fit the instruments his group played. Each of the pieces featured Duerden on the xylophone, which Trent said was intriguing. “The xylophone is not a common instrument… I didn’t even know they made musical pieces for xylophones.”

Duerden added, “It’s a piece of history,” he said about the xylophone, ragtime music, and silent movies. “It’s like going to see a ballet. It’s not that you’re going to listen to it all the time.You’re just going to see a snapshot of history.” •

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Students study together in the Aloha Center Mall. One senior says she studies better with other students, but another students says getting rid of all distractions, like her cellphone. helps her stay focused.

Ke Alaka'i file photo by Alvin Vincent Dy.

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Acing academics Seniors share what tactics they use to study for big tests

BY ADRIJANA TORONTO

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YU–Hawaii seniors said they have figured out what study methods work best for them to combat the negative emotions connected with taking tests and to help them excel in school.

“My first year of college is where I really figured out how to study and what worked for me and what did not,” says Jade Olsen in an online study at LDS business college. According to the Princeton Review, studies have shown students who are regularly rested learn more and retain information longer.

According to Jenni Huff, a junior from Arizona studying graphic design, she was terrible at studying when she first started at BYUH three years ago. She said she would go into the Testing Center and forget everything she studied. It was not until the beginning of her sophomore year she learned what worked best for her. For Huff, she said the easiest way for her to study is to use the mobile application called Quizlet. “Quizlet helps me memorize information by setting up flashcards and matching games for me to flip through throughout the day.”

Becca Hammond, a senior from Utah studying exercise sports science, said she goes the other route and uses human interaction to ace her tests.

According to Hammond, the best way for her to study is to quiz her classmates. Hammond said she likes to make a study guide on Google Docs with all of the material that will be on the test.

After making a study guide based on class material, Hammond prefers to pair up with a study buddy and proceed to ask them questions about the study guide, she said.

Hammond added, “I like to ask my partner if they know a definition, use of a term, or can explain something. This allows me to teach them if they don’t know which helps me understand the concepts better.”

The Princeton Review also suggests students try to think like a teacher. It suggests, “Your homework, assignments, quizzes, handouts, daily notes, and classwork are all indicators of what your teacher thinks is important about the information and what might appear on the test.”

Malia Blackmun, a senior from California studying communications, said she has to put her phone in another room in order to have a good study session. According to Blackmun, having a smartphone in the room removes her from the reality of studying and can distract her for hours.

“I learned this trick when I was a sophomore at BYUH. I had a big test and I couldn’t focus until a friend took my phone from me. Once I didn’t have my phone, I could put all of my energy into studying,” said Blackmun.

Similar to Blackmun, the Princeton Review reports, “Distractions make it difficult to pay attention to what you’re doing, which in turn makes it harder to commit facts to memory.” •

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Sharing his culture one curry bowl at a time Friends say Indian student and convert to the Church is all-around great guy

BY BRADY SMITH

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itting at a small table inside a cramped room is a man with a warm smile. He has a large spoon and is stirring some curry that emanates a sweet yet spicy smell. He is dishing up rice and curry to five students sitting with him around the small table.

Kodandarao Chellapilli, or “Vinny,” as his friends call him, is a student at BYU–Hawaii from India who studies computer science. Chellapilli said, “I am sharing part of my culture with my friends and one of the best parts of my culture is the food.”

Chellapilli said he has a unique story compared to other students who go to school at BYUH. “I joined the Church a couple years ago in India, and from there, went on to serve a mission in India. I am now a student at BYU–Hawaii and living a life I couldn’t picture years ago.”

Chellapilli said he is the middle of three children, and he was the first to join the Church in India.

“There are not a lot of church members in India, and the first time I met the missionaries, I blew them off. But eventually I met with them, and it helped that there was a cute girl there to keep me coming back,” Chellapilli explained.

Sitting in Chellapilli’s hale, he explained why he is having students over and sharing his culture with them.

“My mother is very sick and in the hospital, and I am trying to raise $3,700 for a plane ticket back home to visit her.”

Chellapilli explained he invites his friends over for dinner, and if they wanted to contribute to his plane ticket, that would be great. But if not, he said he is just fine to sit down and enjoy a meal with friends.

He said life is different in India and the children have a responsibility to look after their family and parents. Chellapilli emphasized the fact that his parents have never given him money, and in his culture, he is supposed to fund and help his parents. So with his mom in the hospital, he feels a responsibility to help her.

The more time people spend around Chellapilli, the more they recognize his happy and positive influence on the people around him.

The students sitting at the table shared stories of Vinny and laughed as they talked about Vinny’s first time driving, or Vinny trying to speak with an American accent.

Tai Gonzales, an intercultural peace building major, said, ” Vinny is just a great all-around guy and is one of the most giving people.” Gonzales added he really hopes Vinny can get home and visit his mom in India.

Chellapilli explained to get to his hometown of Yellamma, India, it takes two days of travel for him, which includes flying and driving. “I would love to visit my mom in person when the semester is over, but if not, I want to at least pay for her hospital bills,” he said. •

Kodandarao Chellapilli, or “Vinny,” joined the Church in India a few years ago and says he would have never dreamed he would be going to school at BYU–Hawaii.

Photo by Mark Daeson Tabbillos

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Professor Eve Koller says if people truly understand Christ's love for them, they will let it transform their love for others

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Devotional speaker encourages students to write down what the spirit teaches, not just the speaker

BY MALIA BLACKMUN

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he Savior has asked people to learn to love one another, said BYU–Hawaii Assistant Professor Eve Koller during her Oct. 12 devotional talk, and that it is one of the most important things they can learn in this life. She explained it is not someone's place to judge their brothers and sisters, but they are to love them and see them as the Savior sees them.

“All of the commandments God gives us are not arbitrary requirements of a cruel being who just wants to see how hard he can make a life for us. God is trying to teach us the nature of happiness, which is the nature of God,” said Koller. “My mother used to say, 'People say living the Gospel is hard. But it’s not the Gospel that’s hard. Life is hard.

Living the Gospel can make life easier.'

“It’s true—living the Gospel can be a challenge. But life can be hard. And life can be beautiful. Life can be viewed as a test. And life can be viewed as a gift and a miracle,” she said.

Koller shared stories of her own health challenges and the loss of a baby, and added, “So how does God love us? He loves us enough to allow us to experience life. He loves us enough to respect our agency, granting us the freedom to make our own choices. He lovingly guides, but never forces. He intervenes when we ask Him to. He sometimes doesn’t take away the painful trials we might beg and ask him to take away. He could have healed my back in that first moment it was injured and I prayed for healing, but he didn’t.

“He could have healed my son, but he didn’t. He has his purposes that we don’t always understand. Instead, he answered other smaller prayers, revealing his active hand in life through little miracles that let us know that he had not forgotten us.

“He lets us grow and gives us the eternal blessings he knows we want more in the long run, but that sometimes requires periods of trials and suffering. He loves us in ways we do not fully comprehend yet.”

She said people all have their personal stories they need to share with others.

A member of BYUH's Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, Koller talked about the Savior's teaching from John 13:34, “A new commandment I give until you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

Additionally, she encouraged those in attendance to write down and follow what the spirit directs them to do.

She shared a story from when she was a student at BYU in Provo where she attended a fireside given by Elder David A. Bednar. She said he instructed them to pay attention to what the Spirit was telling them and to take notes on that and not the talk itself.

Koller then instructed the BYUH audience to do the same during her devotional. She asked the audience to write down questions and ponder them with a prayer in their hearts. She explained she has been able to witness great miracles and answers to prayers this way.

She said people should not treat others unkindly or to judge them for their sins or wrongdoings. She said this concept is something people need to be actively trying to get better at because that is how they can become more like Christ.

Koller said it is such a simple teaching most people have heard growing up, but it is something important they need to implement in their lives. It is not only a teaching, but also it is a commandment people need to live.

Koller went into detail on how people are supposed to love one another with the same Christlike love he shows everyone. She told the audience if they really understand how much Christ loves them, then they need to replicate that love to others.

She invited the congregation to ponder on some phrases spoken by the Savior: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man laid down His life for His friends. Judge not, that ye be not judged. He who is without sin cast the first stone. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Ana Toronto, a BYUH senior said, “Sister Koller gave an amazing devotional. I felt that her talk gave me a new perspective and outlook that I am sincerely grateful for. I felt the spirit so strong in that meeting and was very glad I attended.” Toronto said she loved the way Koller implemented interesting stories into her devotional that made it easy to engage and relate to.

Chloe Romney, a BYUH sophomore said, “I have loved all the devotionals here at BYUH, but this one was by far my favorite. She sincerely spoke in a way that gave me such peace and comfort.” Romney said she will always implement writing notes on what the spirit speaks to her when she is at church or at a devotional or a fireside. • Assistant Professor Eve Koller speaks at devotional on Oct. 12 in the Cannon Activities Center. Photo by Munkhbayar Magvandorj.

S P E CI A L ISSUE 2021 21

Lessons learned from a global marketing career BYUH professor says traveling to 87 countries for work opened the world for him

BY JENNIFER ELIVERA HACHUELA

J

eff Christensen, assistant professor at BYU–Hawaii, said marketing and teaching taught him the importance of knowing how to market oneself.

“You need to understand what your unique qualities are and what you bring to the table that no one else has,” he said.

Christensen, who works for the Faculty of Business & Government, in the Center for Hospitality & Tourism, said he worked for companies such as Expedia, United Airlines, Royal Caribbean, InterContinental hotel groups and Netflix.

Realizing similarities through travel His love for traveling has taken him to 87 countries, he said. He was amazed with Australia’s landscapes, he added, and China’s art history.

“My career opened the world to me,” said Christensen. He added traveling to different countries led him to understand people’s many similarities. “ We all have similar worries, goals and natural desire to be happy. Cultural differences helped me appreciate cultures better and made me realized that my way of seeing things isn’t always the best way for other people,” Christensen shared.

Greater appreciation for family time Christensen said he spent several days at hotels during his career in sales and marketing.

Comparing the challenge of balancing time with family and work, he said he has a greater appreciation for the time he has for his family as a professor at BYUH.

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Jeff Christensen worked for Expedia, United Airlines, Royal Carribean and more. Photo provided by Jeff Christensen.

“Now it’s different since our house is closer to my workplace,” he said. “We are able to spend more time together and are more involved in the lives of each other.”

It’s all about the people Delphia Lloyd, a senior from Idaho, has Christensen as one of her professors. She said of Christensen, “One of my favorite lessons I remember being taught by him is his emphasis on creating connection with people.

“He would always emphasis that it’s about the people. It’s important what experience you have with your guest. That was impactful to me.”

Helping students think creatively Christensen’s former student and current teaching assistant, Olivia Hixon, said, “He is one of the best professors because he is so engaging and gives great feedback. I would say the biggest lesson I learned from him was how to think outside the box and be creative.”

Austin Forte is Christensen’s former teaching assistant and he shared he thinks Christensen is his favorite professor. “I have learned that knowledge is not power, but instead the application of knowledge is power.”

Forte added learning about economic systems and its application has opened his eyes.

Christensen began teaching in 2019 and said one of his favorite parts of teaching is “when I see the light go on in their [students'] heads. It is meaningful to me when they go out into the world and become successful.” •

Jeff Christensen tells his students understanding people and cultures helps them better understand themselves and learn that all people have similar worries, goals and desires to be happy. Photo illustration from Unsplash

by Christine Roy.

M E D I A W R I T I N G FA LL 2021 23

Temple architect shares his life story Elder Bleak says patriarchal blessings and seeking inspiration act as a guide for people's lives

BY BYAMBASUREN CHIMEDBAATAR

A

fter working for 40 years designing temples for the Church, Elder Scott Bleak shared with students he found his own path in life by following inspiration from the Holy Ghost and his patriarchal blessing. He encouraged students to do the same during his devotional address on Nov. 9, in the Cannon Activities Center.

“We should consider our individual patriarchal blessings as a guide on a path that we should take to fulfill his will regarding our lives. If I was faithful to my covenants, my blessing would be a guide to me showing the way that I could play part in the planning of temple of this church. But the path was not clearly defined for easy to follow.’’

Following inspiration, he said he decided to move from Utah to Arizona even though this was not his plan. After several years working there, he said he and his wife wanted to go back to Utah to be closer to their families. He said they prayed, fasted and went to temple to receive the guidance from the Spirit. The answer was to stay in Arizona.

After he worked for 17 years in Arizona as an architect, he was invited to work for the Church. Elder Bleak said it was a totally different experience working on building

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temples. So he asked the Lord again for help and said he received answers on the details and design of the first small temples the Church decided to build.

“I’ve learned that inspiration from the Lord typically comes only one line at a time.

I have to draw the first line before I receive inspiration on subsequent ideas. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little. This process leads to inspired architectural design. It is not a complete vision of a building. It is what we call an iterative process. Lots of ideas are tried and improved and changed. Some are even thrown away only to start new ones, again and again. I’ve also learned that you always do the best you can.

Don’t settle on the first idea or on mediocrity, the trite, or the trendy. It has to be the best we can do within the constraints given us by our priesthood leaders. We do grow and improve

our abilities if we ask Him to help us. The Lord will help us increase our talents little by little.

I also learned these are His houses, with His name on them. ‘Holiness to the Lord, House of the Lord.’”

Now Elder Bleak has worked on temples all over the world including Paris France and Rome Italy Temples, and the current revisions happening with the Salt Lake Temple.

Joe Samo Ifunaau, a senior student from Solomon Islands, majoring in information technology, said, “I have not gone to devotionals for two years. I felt the spirit because of his speech. I felt the feeling that I should go to devotional every week.’’

James Collins, the husband of a BYUH student, said if he has time, he loves to come to devotionals with his wife. While most of the time he has to work, he said he learned from this devotional that reading his patriarchal

blessing is very important to make sure he is on the path the Lord has prepared for him.

Elder Bleak said, “How important it is for you to make the choice to follow your patriarchal blessings in confidence and faith. It will not just happen without pursuing its fulfillment. It is very important for you to follow the path the Lord would have you follow now and each year. It will not be clear, but He will “lead thee by the hand,” and as Nephi said, “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. Nevertheless, I went forth…”

“You will not do better by going on your own path. Right now, you’re at the crux of defining the path you will go. Just make sure it’s His path and you will find greater happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction than you ever thought possible.”

Top left: Elder Scott Bleak speaks at devotional on Nov. 9. He is a missionary at the Polynesian Cultural Center. One of the temples he has worked on as a Church architect is the Salt Lake Temple that is being renovated now. Photos by Mark Daeson Tabbilos and Church Newsroom website.

M E D I A W R I T I N G FA LL 2021 25

Lumi lights up homes with 3D decor Student trio takes first place for their business idea at Great Ideas Competition

BY MENORAH LOCK

L

umi, a light décor 3D model printing business, took first place over hundreds of candidates in the BYU–Hawaii Great Ideas competition under the revenue category.

“I put my life on it,” said Ezra Dwayne, the founder of Lumi, who is a senior information technology major from the Philippines.

Besides passion for his business, he said having good mentors and team members made them stand out among other high-quality contestants.

Dwayne said he has been building the business for several months and has put a lot of effort into it. “I didn't sleep because I was busy creating the design and software,” he said.

He added this made him too tired for school,

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resulting in him receiving a failing grade for one of his classes in the previous semester.

Dwayne explained the idea of selling 3D models for a business developed due to the pandemic. Dwayne said he was certified in AutoCAD (computer-aided design) several years ago.

During COVID-19, Dwayne said he designed sacrament trays using 3D printing and gave them to Church members who couldn't take the sacrament at Church but did so at home. Members started to ask if he could build temples, so he said he began designing temples. Lights were added eventually, and a business idea, Lumi, slowly evolved, shared Dwayne.

Eager to win at the Great Ideas, this was the third time Dwayne joined the competition.

He said his business professors and mentors didn't want him to lose because of how many times he tried to win at the competition, so they introduced Alison Orton, a sophomore from Utah majoring in computer science, a finance expert, and Taffie Kwok, a senior from Hong Kong majoring in communication, who was good at marketing, to assist Dwayne's business.

“Our team works really well. We helped each other out and had good team responsibility. Someone's weakness is someone's strength,” Kwok said. “Oh, good mentors,” she added.

“They really help us a lot.”

Holding the check are Lumi team members left to right: Alison Orton, Ezra Dwayne and Taffie Kwok. Competing against other BYU–Hawaii students, the Lumi team won first place in their category. Photo by Sugarmaa Bataa.

David Wu, one of the judges of the Great Ideas, who is also the principal at Hawaiian Environmental Consulting, LLC, said, “Lumi is a well-organized team with distinctive role responsibilities.” He said good team responsibility was critical as a start-up, and it was what the judges were looking for in the contestants.

He said Lumi required software and 3D printing technology expertise. They need technical skills to build their business, which they have, Wu said. Other reasons why Wu and other judges chose Lumi as a winning team is they like its business idea, and it is a recurring based business, said Wu. “I like their idea of bringing light to the world. Their target customers are very clear

and defined,” he said. “People were purchasing Lumi's products, and they are making recurring revenue.”

Wu also pointed out that the judges were skeptical of business ideas focusing on hand-making. However, Wu said they could tell the judges of the idea of using ceramic printing and resin printing. The ability of mass production proved it was a sustainable business.

“I know they will have good success in the future,” said Wu. “It is just a matter of execution.” He said the Great Idea was just a competition; they needed to pursue their ideas, fulfill and execute their vision, and maintain their good teamwork. Lumi was a symbol of light in families and homes, and their beautiful 3D

printed products could be light home décor, sources of penetrating light, and reminders of hope and peace from our Savior Jesus Christ, said students from Lumi. Mission presidents and members of the Church were their primary targets, but they said there was a large market for this business because they were trying to reach out to different religions.

Great Ideas Competition is a business idea competition sponsored by the Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship.

Winners are chosen from four categories of the competition, including young entrepreneurs, social impact, pre-revenue, and revenue, according to the BYUH website. •

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Lilikoi butter L takes top spot Two sisters from Laie win first place in the Young Entrepreneurs category of Great Ideas

BY KARLY BROWN 2 8 MED IA WR ITING FALL 2 0 2 1

ocals 18 and younger competed in one out of the four categories of the annual BYU-Hawaii Great Ideas competition presenting their start-up business ideas that are also eco-friendly.

Zalea and Thea, ages 9 and 12, were representatives of their family's business, Laie Lilikoi Butter. The girls took first place in the competition, according to the Great Ideas Competition page. They make a unique lilikoi butter from home and have been selling it to friends and family, but they said they want to take the next step in their business.

“We have a lilikoi tree in our backyard and made our own butter one day and knew

Holding the check are children from a local Laie family who started a lilikoi butter business that is eco-friendly because when customers bring back their empty jars they get $1 of the price of a refill. Photo by Sugarmaa Bataa

we had to share,” said Zalea. The sisters explained Lilikoi is their favorite fruit but couldn't find what they wanted on the market so they made their own.

The younger sister, Thea, said her favorite family activity is when they all come together to make their butter. The little jars are $5 a jar, and when people bring the jar back empty, they can get a refill for one for just $4 because they want to reuse the glass jars to make an environmental impact.

Joel Stephens and Dax McCloy, both in 7th grade, also competed. Their start-up company is a service that provide high-quality beach products right at the beach, explained

Stephens. The stand includes waterproof phone cases, towels, reef-safe sunscreen and many other beach essentials that people might have forgotten. Their company is unique McCloy said, because “if customers bring back plastic waste they found on the beach, we will give them a 10 percent discount on their purchase.”

The young entrepreneurs explained their upbringing in Laie has taught them to care for the environment and has motivated the “why” to their business. However, Stephens and McCloy did not make it to the final round of the competition, says the Great Ideas website.

Olivia Moana who is 10 years old has created

beach plastic earrings from waste she finds on the beach. The little stud earrings are only $5 and come in a variety of colors and shapes that don't look like they were made from trash.

Moana said reusing plastic became important to her when she learned “out of all the plastic we've made, only 9 percent has been recycled.”

Just last week Moana said her father found a turtle dead on the beach with a plastic bag over his head. She said she hopes her jewelry can make a difference in cleaning up the environment. The Great Ideas Competition page stated Moana also did not place in the final round. • M E D I A W R I T I N G FA LL 2021 29

Children motivate student parents Student parents share how a family keeps them focused, helps them prioritize

BY VIVIANA CHUAH

M

arried students at BYU–Hawaii said being parents doesn’t stop them from attending school; rather it pushes them to finish strong. They said parenthood keeps them from putting off what they need to accomplish every day.

Role model Job Akau, a senior studying TESOL from Solomon Islands, said, “One thing that motivates me to keep going is my kids. I want to model my kids to continue their education beyond my level of achievement.” As a father of four and a Polynesian Cultural Center employee, he said he had to learn to balance spiritual study and family, education, work and his friends.

He said after his priorities, he uses any free time to focus on his assignments.

“I usually do my assignments after my kids go to bed. So, my wife, who is also a student, and I made sure that we have dinner as early as 6 or before 7 in the evening.”

Effectiveness Amaritra Chansriramee, a senior studying hospitality and tourism management from 3 0 MED IA WR ITING FALL 2 0 2 1

BYU-Hawaii married students say having a family and children helps them be more organized and productive. They say they learn to balance family, work, school and friends. Photo illustration from Unsplash by Ricardo Moura.

Thailand, said, “Being a mother is never easy.

However, the opportunity to study in a university doesn’t come to anyone, so I want to treasure this opportunity despite the challenges.”

Having to juggle all her responsibilities, Chansriramee emphasized the importance of time management. She said if she procrastinates, she won’t have other time to study because most of her time will be spent with her baby. “I had to be on top of things,” she added.

Productivity Keen Kathleen Melody Acain-Flores, a senior studying hospitality and tourism management from the Philippines, said her biggest

motivation is her family. She continued, “I’m thinking of my family’s future. So no matter the challenges, I still push myself to finish school.”

Flores said being a parent has helped her to be more organized and productive. She said she enrolled in classes that hold classes every other day. That way she said she will have time to do her assignments, be at home for her baby, and do house chores. She also said, “I tried to organize my schedule so I don’t waste my time on things that are not essential or not my day’s priority.” •

Workers at BYU-Hawaii's COVID-19 NOMA testing center prepare for students, staff and faculty to arrive for their weekly testing during the Spring and Summer of 2021.

Positive lessons learned

Students who got COVID-19 say the grew through their challenges

BY MEGAN GAMIL

B

YU–Hawaii students who tested positive with COVID-19 said there is a purpose for why this happened to them. They said their trials of faith were opportunities for them to grow. The pandemic also helped them realize how important relationships are in overcoming challenges in life, they said.

Julius Such, a sophomore who is from the Philippines, said he thought COVID-19 was just exaggerated news to scare people and make business.

“My wife and I got married two days before we came to Hawaii. Then I got COVID-19. I experienced all the symptoms. I had shortness of breath and it was scary. I have never been this sick before,” he explained.

Such said he couldn’t sleep because he coughed a lot. Such said his experience taught him to be extra careful. “It taught me how much my wife loves me. She was more trau-

matized than I did when I was sick,” he added.

Such said his relationship with his wife grew especially when they had to quarantine separately. Such added, “I needed to take care of myself more because someone cares a lot about me.”

After contracting COVID-19, Jennifer Hachuela Levine, a senior studying hospitality and tourism management, said, “COVID-19 was threatening because I felt uncertain.”

Levine said she didn’t know what to do and where to go when the school encouraged them to go back to their home countries.

Levine said COVID-19 changed her perspective. “There will always be opportunities along the way,” Levine said, adding the pandemic was and will never be a hindrance to developing more skills and talents.

Christine Chuah, a senior from Malaysia studying social work, said when the pandemic

started, the university administrators wanted students to go home or go to stay with family or friends. “My sister and I decided to stay with our friends in Utah because our borders in Malaysia were closed,” she explained.

Chuah said they stayed in Utah for two months and had to move again because the space wasn’t big enough for all of them.

However, Chuah said she thought COVID-19 was just the normal flu. “I never expected things would get this worse.”

Chuah said she tested positive for COVID-19 and is a witness to what the virus can do to the body.

“I realized that the pandemic was necessary to change me. I learned to appreciate the little things and treat my loved ones as if it’s my last day with them,” Chuah added. •

M E D I A W R I T I N G FA LL 2021 31

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

THANKSGIVING IN HAWAII NO COOKING REQUIRED

WHAT IT IS Gain a deeper understanding of the best places to go for Thanksgiving dinner on Oahu.

WHERE All the way from Honolulu to the North Shore of Hawaii.

TOP 2 RESTAURANTS

Duke's at Waikiki hosts an annual Thanksgiving buffet.

The buffet contains all of your Thanksgiving essentials. Malia Blackmun says "Going to the buffet with my family is a tradition we've had for a couple year now." Her favorite is the oven roasted veggies with creamy gravy.

Lei Lei's Bar and Grill at Turtle Bay offers a take out traditional meal that can be enjoyed picnic style.

Customers can pick up their meal and sit on the grass.

Becca Hammond says "For me, eating in nature brings a whole other element to a great Thanksgiving meal." Her favorite is the garlic mash potatoes.

WHAT ELSE? Other places to enjoy the holiday are the LDS church singles ward in Laie, The Sunset Christian Surfer Church, and Salvation Army. These places are a way to bond with the community. Caroline Santos, a member of Sunset Surfers, says "Community is everything to me, and being with them on my favorite holiday makes the holiday."

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Travel, food & friends Thanksgiving celebrations include YSA ward dinners, friends gathering together and a trip to an outer islands

BY MADISON NADER

T

hanksgiving is right around the corner, and BYU-Hawaii students said they are planning to spend the holiday by joining together for friendsgiving, island hopping, and gathering with their wards for a Thanksgiving meal.

According to the BYU–Hawaii website, the majority of students do not have family on the island, leaving the young adults with creative options to celebrate the holiday of gratitude. The university and Young Single Adult wards supply a Thanksgiving meal to everyone who signs up so no one will be left hungry on the fall harvest holiday. Students said they are grateful for the school’s service and inclusivity on Thanksgiving Day because students are left with no family on the island to go home to and celebrate with on the holiday.

Jackson Reeves, a freshman at BYUH, said he is planning to get together with his friends for a potluck-style dinner commonly known as friendsgiving. Reeves added he is curious to see what his friends will bring to share because most of them, including himself,

BYU-Hawaii teams up with Young Single Adult wards to provide Thanksgiving dinners for students. Some students say they also plan to get together with friends for 'friendsgivng' while others say they plan to go to a friend's home on Maui, Photo from Unsplash by Pro Church Media.

live in the hales on campus where kitchens are not available. Reeves said he is planning on bringing a store-bought pumpkin pie and a pot of macaroni he will make on his electric stove.

“Thanksgiving will definitely be unique for me this year. I think it will remind me of the true meaning of the holiday. It’s not about the food you’re eating. It’s about being surrounded by the people you love and showing gratitude to God for what you do have,” said Reeves.

Katelyn Strickland, a BYUH freshman studying psychology, said she plans to visit the island of Maui with her friends for Thanksgiving. Strickland said she wanted to take the opportunity of the time off from school to appreciate and learn more about the islands.

She added one of the friends she is traveling with, has family in Maui, and they are planning to stay with them over Thanksgiving. “This is my first Thanksgiving away from home, and I’m excited to spend it with my friends on an island I have never been to,” said Strickland.

She said she feels lucky she will be staying in a family home where a Thanksgiving meal will

be prepared. Strickland added Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday because it is a time she ponders and counts her blessings while being surrounded by the people and food she loves.

For those with no plans this Thanksgiving, or who usually don’t celebrate the holiday, the BYUH YSA wards are offering a Thanksgiving meal to anyone who signs up. The university has been spreading the word for the meal sign ups via the school bulletin and a link to sign up can be found there. A sign-up sheet can also be found on the university website. According to the website, the meals are offered to everyone in the YSA wards on Thanksgiving Day, although times and locations do vary.

To access the sign-up sheet, log onto the BYUH website and use the search tool to type “Thanksgiving Meal Sign Up,” and click on the link that pops up. Enter your personal information and select the YSA ward you attend to get a notification on the details of the dinner.

The sign-up sheet also offers specifications for individual dietary needs, so the dinner is inclusive for everyone. • M E D I A W R I T I N G FA LL 2021 33

Lava from the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island flows into the Pacific Ocean. There are earthquakes often on the Big Island because of increased seismic activity. Photo from Unsplash by Cedric Letsch.

Big Island 6.2 quake felt on Oahu Students said they were rocked by the tremor at church and home

BY BETHANY HORNER

A

6.2 earthquake hit the Big Island on Sunday, Oct. 10, but students said they felt it on the BYU–Hawaii campus. The earthquake happened just before noon. The earthquake on the Big island was big enough to “cause items to fall off the shelves,” according to USA Today online, but there were no accidents or injuries reported.

Kaleb Christensen, a freshman studying hospitality and tourism management, said he only felt a little shaking but nothing significant.

But Maya Johnson, an online student living near campus, said, “I didn't even notice the earthquake.”

Kinoa Kester, a junior at University of Hawaii at Manoa, said, “I could barely even tell that there was an earthquake, but I definitely felt shaking.”

Kester said he has lived here for most of his life, and he explained earthquakes aren’t very common on Oahu as much as the on the Big Island. If there is an earthquake, he added, they are usually really small ones.

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“I only remember one earthquake that actually had an effect and that was in 2006. It knocked out the power for a whole day,” he said.

Kim Christensen, a resident on Oahu for many years, said she has never felt an earthquake on Oahu. She said she lived here growing but moved back to Oahu within the last six years.

Both Kester and Kaleb Christensen said they were in their beds during the earthquake.

The earthquake was so minor on Oahu, it was reported most people only felt the earthquake while being on a bed or some type of surface that could absorb the shake.

Ben Jordan who teaches oceanography at BYUH in the Faculty of Sciences, said, “I have not felt any earthquakes myself here on Oahu, but I have twice felt them on the Big Island.”

He said the earthquakes he felt on the Big Island were from magma moving underneath the Kilauea volcano and breaking the rocks that surrounded it, which he said is different

from what caused the earthquake on Sunday.

He said Sunday’s earthquake was most likely caused by “the weight of the rocks that form the island of Hawaii.”

While there were reports of people who were concerned about a possible tsunami, one did not follow the earthquake, according to USA Today. Jordan said, “There wasn't any major movement of the seafloor itself. Tsunamis require the displacement of water to be generated. If the seafloor didn't move in a way to push or displace the water, there won't be a tsunami.” The earthquake was so deep beneath the earth’s surface, he said, it didn’t impact the earth's surface significantly.

Jordan also noted what to do during an earthquake. He said earthquakes are common in Hawaii but are more common on the Big Island. “Everyone should know what to do in an emergency. In the case of an earthquake, if you are indoors get outside as soon as possible until the shaking stops,” said Jordan. •

HOW TO AVOID SHARK ATTACKS The Dos and Don'ts

DON'T SWIM IN SHARK INVESTED WATER

7 tips on cross-cultural relationships Take things slow at first It's easy to get caught up too fast because of the feeling of going against all odds and but it's important to take a step back and learn about each other like you would when you're dating someone from the same culture or race.

Educate yourself about each other's culture and history

Pay attention to signs where it warns about sharks in the area. Also don't go into waters where people frequently fish.

Getting to know someone's culture and customs is essential in getting know them as a person on a deeper level.

Be willing to address & challenge your privilege Work hard to adjust your internal biases to understand their background, circumstances, and worldview.

SWIM IN GROUPS Sharks are less likely to attack groups of people vs an individual or lone swimmer.

Be willing to go on a distance

KNOW YOUR SHARKS There are over 300 species of sharks but only three of them make up for the majority of shark attacks. The Great White, Tiger, and Bull sharks are the most dangerous and you should exit the water if one is in the area.

DON'T SWIM AT NIGHT OR EARLY IN THE MORNING Sharks are more active during these times because this is when they do most of their hunting

HOW TO AVOID SHARK ATTACKS THE FLORIDA MUSEUM

Read more at How to Avoid Shark Attacks – Discover Fishes (ufl.edu)

As the dating progresses into a relationship, you're going to have to talk about the possibility of doing a long-distance relationship. It's going to be difficult but certainly worth it.

Pay attention to how you get along with their family How you get along with each other's family can either make or break your cross-cultural relationship. Be patient and don't force things.

Be prepared for pushback There's always going to be someone that's going to oppose no matter what relationship you're in, especially cross-cultural ones. Know that this is normal and do hold on to what matter most.

Put yourself first. ALWAYS! Anyone can get lost in a relationship, but when countries, cultures, and foreign languages are involved, it gets even more confusing. Remember to put yourself first. Don't let the boarders and culture get in the way of your chance at moving forward with the love you found.

Notes taken from mindfulmermaid.com

M E D I A W R I T I N G FA LL 2021 35

Awesome a amps up re says senior

BY HADLEY WRUTZ

Photo from Unspalsh by Bruno Emmanuelle

The energy and cheering from the crowd, says J.T. Stokes, helped him to 'leave everything on stage' and give it his all 3 6 KE AL A K A‘I 2021

audience ecital, soloist

A

fter months of practicing for two hours a day leading up to his senior vocal recital, J.T. Stokes said when he walked into the spotlight shining brightly on center stage, in the McKay Auditorium, he felt the audience's support for him. With the audience cheering in front of him it gave him the confidence to raise his level of performance.

"The audience had a lot of energy, and it felt like they were invested in the performance." Stokes emphasized how "awesome" that was for him and helped him to perform better. Because of this, he said, "I left everything on stage and gave it my all.” Stokes is a senior from New Jersey majoring in music with an emphasis in vocal performance.

Stokes’s lineup of songs consisted of what Eden Uyehara, a junior from La'ie studying music with an emphasis on piano performance, con-

sidered empowering pieces ranging from musical numbers to modern pop music. A commonality between all the songs he performed was the message to push past barriers, encouragement, and making it to the top. Some of the songs he sang were from the musicals “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Sweeny Todd”. He also sang the modern pop song “Animal” by Neon Trees.

Michel Pedron, a sophomore from Tahiti studying exercise sports science, shared the power he felt from Stoke's vocal performance. "Although I don't know him personally, I feel that all of the songs he sang were sharing a message about his life, what he has gone through, and his vision for the future.”

Stokes shared his recital performance was a surreal moment since he had never done a solo performance of such magnitude before. He said, "I am most proud of seeing how much I've grown as a vocalist and musician." Stokes continued to share that many of the songs he performed were very personal, and he's proud of the vulnerability he was able to share and display.

Uyehara shared she felt the message and vulnerability from his performance. She said the impact of Stokes's performance on her was a powerful one. "It was really touching to see his emotions come out so strong on stage.” Uyehara continued to share how inspiring it was for her to witness all a student could accomplish through their musical education at BYU—Hawaii and see Stokes as a product of the supportive music department.

Uyehara and Pedron both included their favorite parts of the event was the connection between Stokes and the audience. Uyehara shared she loved seeing a bunch of music, choir, and other students come together and support him.

Pedron said of the connection, "I got chills several times during the performance. For me, that happens only when there is a close connection between the singer and the audience." He continued to say he could feel Stoke's gratitude to the audience after each applause.

Stoke's shared how emotionally and physically draining recitals are. He said he put in over two hours of practice each day and was even learning some of this music before studying at BYUH. He expressed his gratitude to all who supported him, especially the music department and faculty.

Uyehara also recognized the music department's influence in the putting together of the recital. "I learned that there was a lot of support from the music program at the school, the students and faculty, who work together to make it happen." She said she could see, through this event, that the BYUH music department truly cares.

Because of Stoke's successful performance, Uyehara shared she is looking forward to all she can accomplish in her time at BYUH and in the future.

The recital ended with a standing ovation and the crowd flinging roses onto the stage toward Stokes. With the support he received and with his proud performance, Stokes said, "I feel like my hard work definitely paid off.” •

S P E CI A L ISSUE 2021 37

WET PHONE?

"WATER" DO WITH YOUR PHONE AFTER IT'S TAKEN A PLUNGE

The wet p

Don’t stick it in rice,

BY ELLE LARSON

STEP 1. DON'T PANIC

BY ELLE LARSON

Take your phone out of the water, take a deep breath and say a prayer.

It will be OK!

G

STEP 2. TURN IT OFF You want to eliminate any power going through you phone to avoid a short circuit. Don't push any buttons and remove the battery if you can.

STEP 3. DON'T PUT IT IN RICE Gazelle News studied 9 different wet smart phones and found rice dried significantly less water than plain old air.

STEP 4. LET IT SIT Apple says to let your phone sit in a dry place for at least 5 hours and optimally 24 hours before turning it back on.

The longer it sits, the better.

STEP 5. TURN IT ON By now, your phone should be OK. Check if everything works properly. If it doesn't, you can buy a new one!

REFERENCES About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207043 How to fix a water damaged phone https://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-fix-water-damaged-phone647461/ Gazelle’s Guide to Water Damage: The Truth About Rice, the Galaxy and Everything. https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2014/05/06/gazelles-guide-waterdamage-truth-rice-galaxy-everything/

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azelle News gave nine different smartphones a bath in some water and then used different popular methods for drying them out and discovered plain old air worked best.

They put five Samsung Galaxy S IIIs, three iPhone 4s and one iPhone 3GS in cat litter, a flour pasta called couscous, classic rolled oatmeal, instant oatmeal, instant rice, silica gel and uncooked rice respectively for 24 hours.

The website states the phones that were put in rice fared the worst out of all the methods, and the phone they left in the open air dried faster than any of the phones placed in drying agents.

The experiment concludes, “Don’t waste your time with conventional white rice. And if you don’t have silica gel or instant rice, don’t worry. Leaving your phone in open air, (perhaps with a fan for better air circulation) works just as well.”

Britni Hull, a marine biology junior from California, said her first semester at BYU–Hawaii, she accidentally dropped her iPhone SE in the toilet when, “Bloop! It fell out,” from her pants pocket.

From there, she said she put it in a bag of oatmeal for 24 hours to dry it out. “Most people say stick it in rice, but I had a friend that said, ‘That’s stupid. That won’t help. Use oatmeal instead,’” she recounted. She said after a day, her phone had dried and worked properly.

After a swimming trip to Mokoli’i island, however, the phone was not so lucky, Hull said. She said she placed the phone in two plastic bags and a pull-string backpack and took it for a swim. This reinforcement, she lamented, did little to stop the water from seeping into the device.

As she returned from the island, she said the phone was soaked. She put it in oatmeal for three days, and then “it went dead and it never turned on again.”

As students make the trip to Chinaman’s Hat at Kualoa Beach Park, swim around Hukilau Beach or jump off the rock at Waimea Bay, Hull said it’s helpful to know how to resuscitate their phones from a watery death.

Edgar Cervantes, from the Android Authority website, says to save a wet phone, people should take it immediately out of the water and turn it off. Avoid pressing any keys or moving the device around, Cervantes continues, because the more places in the phone the water reaches, the higher the chance the phone

phone conundrum

, says Gazelle News, let it air dry

gets damaged. He also recommends taking out the battery or any other part of the phone that is meant to be removed.

Apple’s support website says for Apple products, people should try draining water from the charging port, dry off any water on the outside of the phone, and then let it sit in a dry place for at least five hours.

The website recommends people to leave the SIM tray closed and avoid charging the phone until it is dry.

After a few days of drying, Cervantes says, plug the phone into a charger and try to turn it on. Check to see if everything works, and if it doesn’t, “Not to sound like a doctor, but after this point we have really done everything we could. Sometimes you just have to let the phone go,” he writes.

Hull said it was about a week before she got a replacement phone in the mail from her parents. She admitted that week was “pretty rough.” She said it was difficult for her to contact people, make plans and even wake up. Not having an alarm clock was tricky, she explained.

She said she would just pray the night before that she would wake up on time for class and work. •

After doing its own tests on various cellphones to figure out how to dry out a wet phone in the best way, the website Gazelle News says letting them air dry is the best method. Photo from Unsplash by Bannon Morrissy.

“Don’t waste your time with conventional white rice.

And if you don’t have silica gel or instant rice, don’t worry.

Leaving your phone in open air, (perhaps with a fan for better air circulation) works just as well.”

S P E CI A L ISSUE 2021 39

Students participate in Food Fest in November for the first time since COVID-19. Students from several culture clubs are pictured.

Photos by Christal Lee.

First Food Fest since the pandemic Sharing culture through food is a campus highlight

BY AIYARAT BUACHAIYA

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YU-Hawaii’s Food Fest was held for the first time in two years because of the pandemic. BYUH students who attended Food Fest said they learned cultures through food. More than 15 clubs sold unique cuisines that represent diverse cultures.

Lucia Laws, a freshman from Massachusetts studying psychology, said Food Fest was more than just eating delicious food but learning about diversity. “Food functions as a universal language, illustrating the history and culture of the place it represents while opening minds, raising awareness, and encouraging diversity.” She added, “I couldn’t choose which food I liked the most at the Food Fest because food from every culture is unique and distinctive.”

Laws continued, “Food leads our minds on a path of empathy and tolerance. I think to cook international food here takes much effort to find ingredients. Some of the dishes sold at Food Fest require specific ingredients that are not readily available here. They have to put in much effort to showcase their culture through food.”

Panina Strong, a sophomore from Utah studying accounting, said she has been waiting for this opportunity to try some international foods for a long time because she definitely can’t get that food where she comes from.

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She added, “I had the Fijian chicken curry rice for the first time, and it was phenomenal. It was richly flavored and delicious.”

Strong shared what she learned from attending the Food Fest, “I think Food Fest builds good connections among college students through food.”

She continued, “When I ordered food, I didn’t just want to try it, but I had the opportunity to chat with the students who made it to talk about how they cooked what they sold. I learned a lot about people through their food culture.”

Sirawit Kitwongpak, a sophomore from Thailand studying accounting, said he was looking forward to trying Japanese mochi. “I really like Japanese mochi. When I learned the Japanese Club sells mochi at Food Fest, I was excited to try the mochi made by our students.” He added, “The mochi they make tastes good, plus its sticky and stretchy texture makes it even better.”

Kitwongpak said he feels closer to Japanese culture through food.

“I’ve been a fan of Anime, Manga, and the Japanese culture since I was a kid. I love eating and enjoying food, especially Japanese food. Food made me feel closer to Japanese culture. The role food plays in helping us relate to other cultures

Students love Food Fest but say it is work to put it on

BY CRYSTAL TANIA

W

hile the annual Food Fest on the BYU–Hawaii campus is a major event students and the community look forward to because it unites people from diverse countries and cultures through food, the students in the culture clubs who make the food said it can be challenging and tiring to prepare and serve the food while working and going to school.

A group of freshman girls who went to Food Fest on Saturday, Nov. 6, for the first time said they really enjoyed the diversity, ambiance, and especially the food. In total, there were 23 clubs who participated such as Fiji, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Thailand, Vietnam, and more.

But Natasya Haridas, a senior from Singapore majoring in business marketing, said it was difficult for her to manage the stress of midterms and all the Food Fest preparations.

“I think it was very tiring. It was a time in a semester that was really hard. ... When I get extra stress and tired from it, I still have Food Fest at the end of the week.”

She said her club, the Singapore Malaysia Club, was so busy at Food Fest and even sold out of its food, she didn't get to try any other clubs’ food.

“The preparation for Food Fest also stressed me because we had a limited time to prepare the food and limited people in the kitchen. Since I am part of a smaller club of 40 people, it was hard to find people who are willing to volunteer for the booth.”

Haridas added she didn't think the timing of Food Fest was good because it was around the same time as midterms. “We didn’t have a very good schedule. Put the Food Fest on a better week next year,” she suggested, like the second week of November instead of the first week.

Having supervised and helped with the process of Food Fest, Malia Ah Mu, a senior from Utah majoring in elementary education, shared that she enjoyed Food Fest even though the preparation was rather hectic and complicated.

“Some of the clubs weren’t prepared even as we neared the day of Food Fest. For example the Kiribati Club. They bought bread fruit and a big fish from a sailor who sailed all the way from Kiribati. But instead of putting the fish in the freezer at the designated kitchen, they decided to cut the fish up and put it in Ziploc bags. We couldn’t accept that because it didn’t adhere to the health protocols. And it all happened just two days before the Food Fest.”

Luckily, they found a substitute for the fish the following day, according to Ah Mu. The Student Leadership team also faced difficulty with the ticket process, which Ah Mu felt was because the information was not portrayed clearly.

“Some students bought one ticket thinking they could get any food with it, when they actually had to buy as much as the price of each food they wanted to buy,” added Ah Mu, who wished Food Fest next year could improve in communications and cooperation.

Siripich Siriek, a junior from Thailand majoring in accounting, expressed a similar feeling with Haridas.

The Thailand Club sold chicken wings with various sauces, Siriek said they sold out in less than two hours. She shared that club members willing to participate had to take an exam revolving the food protocols in order to be able to handle the food, and only three students from her club passed.

“The preparation for our club wasn’t too bad because we bought frozen and pre-made food.

However, I was the only one cooking in the kitchen. I had no idea what was going on out there because it was very hard for me to communicate with my friends in the booth.”

With the big responsibility she had, Siriek said she couldn’t enjoy other booths until towards the end by the time most clubs had already sold out.

“The rules were also confusing, the club supervisors should have been clearer and given more instructions during the preparation. Hopefully next year, there will be better cooperation between us and the Student Leadership team,” added Siriek.

S P E CI A L ISSUE 2021 41

Beginner's guide to catching a wave

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BYUH student Warne teaches people how to surf from reading waves to how boards work and from paddling out to popping up on the stringer line

BY HOLLAND BARKER

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YU-Hawaii student John Warne said he has worked at a surf camp for multiple years and just started his own surf business a couple weeks ago. He has been teaching people every single day since he started. He loves the sport and being able to teach people, he said, and have them experience the same feeling that he feels every day.

Surfing Warne, from Malibu, California, is a business major focusing on marketing. He said, “Surfing is what I believe to be one of the hardest sports. It’s hard because of the weather conditions and how it is always changing. Unlike the skate park, where you go and it is the same ramp every time or the same obstacle, surfing is always changing. Every wave is different. And it can change from day to day, hour to hour, even minute to minute.You are always adjusting, and I believe it is more of learning how to adjust rather than learning how to surf.

The website ridingboards.org says, “You probably already know this, but surfing is not an easy skill to learn. Learning how to really surf a wave can take weeks or months depending on your skills, fitness, the conditions you learn in, and how often you practice.”

The basics Warne said he teaches the basics first. He said, “I teach them how to avoid certain situations in the water that can be dangerous or that can lead them to not liking the sport anymore. Normally, when I have a new student, I take them down to the sand and show them the ocean and teach them what currents are and how to avoid them and get out of them - what to look for, where the waves are, how to avoid people, and how to still have fun while surfing.”

The website outsideonline.com suggests new surfers need to be respectful of the sport. Local surfers know the area and can feel have a sense of ownership, it says. Those starting should be polite and not get in anyone’s way, according to the article.

Parts of the surfboard The next thing he teaches people, Warne said, is about surfboards and how they work. “I take out the boards and lay them on the sand and teach them about the surfboards. I teach them what the rails are,

the nose, the tail and where to be on the surfboard when paddling and standing. I teach them techniques for getting over waves and through waves so that they can get their boards all the way out to the ocean.

Then after that, I teach them how to pop up and how to end up on the right spot of the surfboard so that they can avoid falling and get the longest ride possible. I take them out to the ocean and get them a few waves, and every time I do this, they are so stoked and that’s what makes me want to keep teaching surfing.”

Steps for surfing Warne said he teaches people to surf through four steps. For the first step, he has his student lay down on the board and put their toes on the very tail end. After a person does that, they lean back into somewhat of a yoga position where they keep their chest off the board while their knees stay on it. This position helps keep the board from nose diving and shooting up into the air.

He said his second step is having the student slide both of their knees up and under so they can lean back on their heels. This step also keeps the board from nose diving.

Next, he has them put their dominant foot on the center of the board. Warne said, “Most surfboards have a line, called the stringer, and you put your foot right on that keeping your hands on the surfboard.”

Warne said, “The last step is going to be a twist of both feet.You are going to pop up onto both feet and stay on that line.You want to make sure your feet are on that line and your back foot needs to be right above the tail pad or right above the fins. The wider and lower you are, the more stability you will have to stay on the board.”

The website ridingboards.org lists 15 steps for surfing. The website has a beginner surfer start by picking the right gear, going bodysurfing, and picking the right beach. The ninth step from this website has the surfer practice paddling into waves. While the 10th step has the surfer stand up on the board.

Outsideonline.com suggests those just learning practice popping up at home or on the beach. This is to help beginners get comfortable with this new motion. •

Surfers out on the waves. BYUH student John Warne grew up surfing in California and now works teaching people how to surf here in Hawaii.

Photo by Silas Baisch on Unsplash.

S P E CI A L ISSUE 2021 43

Leaving it all on the court

A player jump up nearly to the top of the net during an intramurals game in the McKay Gym during Fall Semester 2021. Students said they enjoyed the competition and the students who came out to watch and support them. Photo by Mark Daeson Tabbilos.

Happy Campers take first place in Fall 2021 volleyball match up

BY CHARLOTTE KELSEY

T

his intramural volleyball season has come to end with the two final teams, the Keikis and the Happy Campers, going head to head to see who would reign as intramural champions for the Fall 2021 Semester. It was a close game in the Cannon Activities Center, but the Happy Campers came out as this season’s winning team.

Josh Brown, a sophomore studying economics and who played for the Happy Campers, said, “It was a tough game, but we played our hardest and won! We gave it our all tonight, and I am so proud of my teammates. It was a great season!”

The Keikis team Captain Gunther Vaden, a senior studying education who also works for Seasider Sport and Activities, thanked everyone who came out to support the teams. “One of the greatest parts of this season was the support shown by the students,” he said. “We really felt the love! Although we didn’t win, we gave it our all and made some amazing memories.”

The game remained close in score as each team tried their hardest to be the winners. The gym was full of students who all came to watch the game. Cheering and holding signs, students supported their friends on the team.

During the regular intramurals volleyball season, games were played in the McKay Gym. Kelly Frazier, a freshman studying education

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said she came to support the teams at every volleyball game. “I’m gonna miss coming out to the games every Wednesday. I also love coming out to be with friends and support the teams. I would encourage all freshmen to come watch the intramural games. It’s a great way to get involved and make friends.”

The game ended with everyone in good spirits and with each student excited for what’s to come next season.

Gage Norman, a senior studying supply chain and who played for the Keikis, said, “No matter the turnout, I was just proud to be a part of such a great team with my best friends. We made some amazing memories this season.”

He urged every student to play on an intramural team at some point throughout their BYUH experience.

BYUH’s Seasiders Sports & Activities webpage says intramurals and other events “are intended for the BYU–Hawaii ohana. This includes all students, faculty, staff. Spouses and dependents over the age of 18 may participate but need to obtain an ID card from the Aloha Center.

They must also fill out a YSA Card Endorsement Form. Members of BYUH Student YSA Wards may also obtain an ID card from the Aloha Center.” •

First face-to-face Halloween party since COVID-19 pandemic hit Japanese Club invites students of all cultures to come dressed in the costume of their choice

BY KEFEI YU

T

he Japanese Club conducted the first face-to-face Halloween Party after COVID-19 on a Saturday in October at Heber J. Grant Building. Students came with many different customs and celebrated the Halloween together.

Karen Xu, who is a junior in peace building from China, recalled, “The first time I experienced Halloween was back to 10 years ago when I went to Hong Kong to get baptized.” She continued, “We are not allowed to be baptized in mainland China if there is no family member is the Church member.” Xu added, “I went with my mom we were baptized together. After that, we went to celebrate Halloween with other Church members there.” Xu said she enjoyed her first Halloween experience a lot. She shared, “My first Halloween in Hawaii was in 2019. I went to Waikiki with my friends. That was so fun! More people do make up in Hawaii than in Hong Kong.”

Yuki Muramoto, a junior from Japan and majoring in HTM, came in a Pikachu custom. She said, “Pikachu is my favorite cartoon character! I took a whole day to find this custom. It costed me a lot, but I think it was worth it!”

Alex Lu, who is a junior majoring in accounting from China, dressed as a clown. He shared, “This is my time to wear a make up! I love the Joker! It is one of my favorite movies! I watched it a couple times.” Lu added, “I think in today's society, many people can easily find themselves in this movie.” Talking about the “Joker” movie, he explained, “It covers the contradictions of social class, how the society dealings with mentally ill patients, as well as the inner struggles of mentally ill patients themselves.”

Abby Lee, a Korean student majoring in TESOL, shared this is her first time to celebrate Halloween in the United States. She dressed up like a mermaid. Lee said, “I think mermaids are so cute! I want to be as cute as mermaid!”

Eric Ito, a sophomore Japanese student majoring in marketing, had an assignment that asked him to survey 10 people. Ito said, “I want to enjoy this party, but I’m actually here for my assignment.” He added, “Life is hard!”

Cassie Kim, who is a freshman from Korea studying graphic design, had a similar situation as Ito. She shared, “I actually still have some homework tonight, but I still decided to come and take a look because I don’t want to miss my first Halloween here.” Kim continued, “I wish I could have time to dress up myself, but sadly I need to save my time for

Dressed in a Pikachu costume, a student jumps into the air outside of the Hale Pavilion on Halloween night. Yuki Muramoto said she also dressed as Pikachu for the Japanese Club Halloween party held on campus earlier in October. Photo by Uurtsaikh Nyamdeleg

assignments.” She said, “My husband couldn’t come with me because he is still doing homework at home. But we’re planning to go to the town on weekend. We’re so excited!” Cassie was going to dress up as Minnie Mouse, and her husband was going to be Mickey.

John Fan, a senior in computer science from China, said, “This should be my last Halloween here in Hawaii as a college student. I think I’m gonna miss it after I go back to China because we don’t celebrate Halloween.” • S P E CI A L ISSUE 2021 45

Students come to BYU-Hawaii from all over the world and also as transfer students from other universities. Three transfer students said while there were differences between the college they went to before BYUH and challenges they had to overcome, they all said they felt inspired to come to Laie and now feel they are part of the BYUH ohana.

Photo by Mark Daeson Tabbilos.

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Finding balance as transfer students Leaving one college to go to another is challenging say 3 students because of culture, met and unmet expectations,and more

BY MCKENZIE ALVAREZ

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ransferring from other colleges to BYU–Hawaii can be a mix of emotions, students said, from being enchanted by friendly people from all over the world to being frustrated by trying to navigate a new school, social life, and how all of these different cultures work together in this school community.

“It is very hard to get used to college in a certain way and having done it and then starting over,” said Rachel Richardson Osborne, a senior from Arizona studying intercultural peace building about her journey to BYUH from BYU-Idaho. “It is humbling and there are so many amazing things about this place too.”

However, Osborne said she was surprised getting used to being in Laie was so challenging as well. “I think a lot of people don’t expect that at first,” she said.

Along with Osbourne’s first feelings and thoughts about Laie and BYUH, other transfer students, like Tierra Kammerman from Idaho Falls, Idaho, a senior studying intercultural peace building, said this about her experience starting BYU Hawaii back in Fall 2020. “It’s harder than you think it would be. Coming to a new place is harder than just starting somewhere because I already have these expectations of what college should be.” However, when she came here, she said it was not what she expected, but them it was better than she expected too.

The transfer students said they went through some ups and downs in their journeys to get BYUH to .

Both Kammerman and Osborne said they transferred from BYU-Idaho in 2020 and came to the island during the pandemic. Both said they had the benefit of making friends and having great roommates to help them through this transitional time. Osborne said, “A happy memory I had when I first came here was my roommates, and we got close so fast. I was super homesick and they really helped in that rough transition.” Kammerman agreed and said making friends made her transition a lot better. “One way I have been able to work through is I have joined different clubs.”

Through clubs, activities and roommates, the two transfer students said they started to build connections with others on campus but still encountered challenges as transfer students.

Cultural differences and norms here in Hawaii can be new and exciting, said Kammerman, but also difficult. When she got to Laie,

she “had to quarantine for two weeks” because of state COVID-19 regulations. “We had a map of Oahu on our fridge, and my roommate starts listing off all these [different town] names, and I was so confused. Meanwhile, I was thinking I will never get all of this down or pronounce any of them. That was hard and overwhelming. It felt like learning a new language. It felt like I was on my mission again.”

Adding to a new culture also comes a new campus and atmosphere, said Kathryn Palmer, a transfer student from Arizona. Now a junior studying Hawaiian Studies, she said her initial response was “it is a lot different here. Eastern Arizona State had 2,600 students. Here at BYUH there are 3,200.” But with a new-sized student body, she said people can still feel lonely. Talking about her old university she said the Institute there “had activities all the time and you instantly felt like a part of the family.” But she said BYUH is not like that.

Yet all three transfer students said they knew they needed to be in Hawaii for a reason. Kammerman spoke about her process of making the decision to transfer her after her mission. “I loved my experience there, and I decided to get my associate's there [at BYU-Idaho].” But then she came to BYUH to study marine biology. “I had even taken all these classes, but then I took the intro class for peace building, and I was like, ‘This could be my minor.’ But then after my second week here, I changed my major to peace building.”

The three transfer student also said they came to BYUH for reasons that expand beyond the beach. Palmer said, “I was 12 when I visited Hawaii, and I fell in love with the culture. I took a year off because of COVID-19, and I applied for this Fall Semester.” She continued, “I really like meeting people from other countries, and I like learning from them.”

Osborne said she ultimately decided to come to BYUH after following a prompting from the spirit. She said aside from some of the obvious reasons to come like the beach, different cultures and people, and having previous not been admitted to the university, Osborne said she still followed up on her prompting and eventually was accepted.

Osborne, Kammerman and Palmer said as they continue to find their way around this campus, they added they are now finding their place in the BYUH ohana. •

S P E CI A L ISSUE 2021 47

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