Kula Manu, BYU–Hawaii’s long-standing journal of literature and art, has been a BYU–Hawaii tradition for more than 50 years. Kula Manu—Hawaiian words that mean “school of birds”—is sponsored by the English Program, and the publication is produced each winter semester by students in ENG 392, Introduction to Literary Editing and Publishing, who serve as the editorial staff for the journal. The journal invites submissions of poems, stories, essays, photography, and artwork from students, faculty, staff, and community members. Current students are eligible for prizes in each category.
The 2025 edition of Kula Manu has now been released and is available across campus. This year’s issue includes 11 works of art, 13 photography pieces, eight poems, six short fiction stories, and four short nonfiction stories.
Student Contributions
For many students, being featured in Kula Manu is both humbling and inspiring. Gracie Williams, a senior from Arizona majoring in graphic design, shared her experience with her featured lithography piece, Déjà vu.
“My piece was inspired by a short story with the same title,” Williams said. “It depicts a defeated man looking into a mirror, only to find his beaming reflection reach out and give him words of comfort. To be recognized for a piece that took such hard work is truly amazing.”
Bless Gacer, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in construction and facilities management, drew on her own experiences for her photograph, No Voice No Choice.
“My piece was greatly influenced by the extensive constraints of poverty that I have personally seen and experienced in the Philippines,” Gacer said. “The title captures a harsh social reality: for those who are experiencing extreme financial difficulty, it is frequently necessary to just keep moving forward, because financial hurdles make it impossible for them to have any other feasible option. I aimed to convey that fundamental sense of fortitude in my art piece, highlighting the extraordinary strength needed simply to endure in the face of few social and financial opportunities.”
She added, “Student perspectives are essential because we offer a direct, intimate look at the realities that influence the globe and our campus community. Based on my Filipino heritage and personal encounters with poverty, my voice presents a distinct perspective that challenges readers to consider important worldwide concerns like social choicelessness and resilience.”
Chance Childers, a senior from Idaho majoring in visual arts with an emphasis in graphic design, also shared the inspiration behind his short nonfiction story, Smashing the Guilded Cage. “My piece was inspired by my own struggles with fear and anxiety, and the way they’ve shaped my life,” Childers said. “Writing it gave me a chance to visualize fear as something that cages us in, keeping us from growth and authenticity. By putting those feelings into words, I was able to confront them more honestly and begin imagining what it means to break free.”
Chanralyn Croker, a senior from Hawaii majoring in visual arts, created an art piece that was the result of a meaningful collaboration between her ART 368, Printmaking in Lithography class, taught by Jihae Kwon, an associate professor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters, and the ENG 392 class. The piece, Choice, is an adaptation of a short fiction story of the same name by Juan Carlos De los Reyes, that is also included in this year’s edition. “It was a fun and meaningful project, and I’m honored that my work became part of this year’s Kula Manu,” she said. “Student voices like mine matter because the world needs art, literature, and creativity in all their forms. Being part of this special tradition allows us to leave behind a piece of ourselves for future generations. I hope Kula Manu continues to thrive for many years to come.”
Aaron Bernard Corridor, a junior from the Philippines majoring in information technology and this year’s poetry editor, said the submissions reflected a rare blend of vulnerability and artistry. “Many of the poems offered a profound glimpse into the authors’ struggles, which almost felt autobiographical,” Corridor said. “The combination of vulnerability and polished rawness really made the issue memorable. I hope Kula Manu inspires students to tap into their creative potential.”
Preserving Campus Creativity
Kula Manu continues to serve as a record of student voices, perspectives, and artistry through the decades. Myco Marcaida, a senior from the Philippines majoring in communication, media, and culture and the editor-in-chief of the 2025 edition, emphasized the significance of both the process and the publication.
“It was nice to see a ton of unique pieces from the art section, and I wish we could’ve featured everyone,” Marcaida said. “I hope students continue to share their gifts, because art inspires people and preserves history. That’s what Kula Manu is about.”
Juan Carlos De los Reyes, a senior from the Philippines majoring in English with an emphasis in creative writing and the fiction editor this year, added, “Our passion for the arts is deeply influenced by our time here as disciples of Jesus Christ in BYU–Hawaii.” De los Reyes, whose short fiction story, Choice, was included as their editorial team’s collaboration with the ART 368 class when Croker adapted his story as an art piece of the same name, said, “It’s a delight to know that our voices as students are heard, and that our imagination and creativity extend beyond ourselves.”
Childers also reflected on the significance of collective storytelling, saying, “Student voices matter in a journal like this because they show the real, unfiltered experiences of people who are still learning, growing, and figuring life out. Sharing these perspectives not only helps us process our own struggles but also lets others know they’re not alone in theirs. A journal like Kula Manu becomes more meaningful when it reflects the honesty and diversity of the students here at BYU–Hawaii.”
A Tradition and Story
Faculty members also see the journal as a vital part of the university’s creative landscape. Dr. Joe Plicka, an associate professor in the Faculty of Arts and Letters, said Kula Manu showcases what lies beneath the surface of student life.
“If you want to know what it feels like to be a BYUH student right now—or 60 years ago when the first issue was published—read Kula Manu,” Plicka said. “That’s what art is, an object that tells a story about who we are deep down.”
Plicka said publishing continues to create channels for ideas, values, and connections to be shared. “Every time we publish Kula Manu, students learn what it means to be editors and collaborators, and then they can hold a book in their hands that they helped bring into existence,” he said.
A Digital and Fast-Paced Future
In addition to this year’s print release, the Kula Manu team is working to expand digitally. Plicka, along with De los Reyes, Corridor, Marcaida, Susie Suyama, and Beka Poh, is developing a website for the journal. The goal is to transition to semesterly editions, rather than just once a year.
With new voices, new formats, and an enduring mission, Kula Manu continues to stand as a creative tradition at BYU–Hawaii—one that uplifts, inspires, and preserves the artistic spirit of the Seasider community.