After learning about BYU's Center for Service and Learning, Emily Judson (on the picture), who is the executive vice president of BYUHSA, wanted to start a similar center here at BYU–Hawaii to help fulfill President David O. McKay's prophecy. But Judson said she did not know how to go about creating it. When Alma Fonua asked her to run for BYUHSA with him, Judson said, "I realized that this was Heavenly Father's way of letting me serve him and the students here to a greater capacity."
Judson is a senior in TESOL education with a Spanish minor. Originally from Lindon, Utah, Judson had planned on attending BYU in Provo but ended up coming to BYU–Hawaii after being encouraged by her parents. When her father came to BYU–Hawaii for a job interview, he experienced the tremendous spirit here and told her about it. "My dad didn't get the job, but my parents came home very touched by the spirit that they felt on this campus. They encouraged me to apply. I applied with the thought that I was still going to Provo, but I was accepted. It was one of the hardest decisions I have made to come to Hawaii for school. But when I prayed about it, Heavenly Father told me that it was the right place for me to be, and I have never regretted my choice. I love this university and the students here," said Judson.
While running for BYUHSA president and vice president, Judson and Fonua faced some fears and difficulties, she said. "There were challenges, such as trying to express all of our ideas and plans for the next year in about 15 seconds to students in between classes and to find time to sit at our booth each day. But through all of this, we had a great campaign team and lots of friends that helped out. We couldn’t have done it without them."
As the executive vice president, Judson oversees two of the seven areas in BYUHSA, which are Service and Special Events. She works closely with the vice presidents over these areas and helps them plan, carry-out, and reflect on programs and activities.
Visualizing what Judson and her team plans for the future, she said they hope to increase students' desires to serve over the academic year. "We want them to understand that service is simply using the talents we have been given to bless the lives of others and that it really can be fun. One way we want to do this is through establishing a service program similar to BYU Provo’s Center for Service and Learning and help more students take the initiative on service projects," Judson added.
Judson also said they have some great ideas for the upcoming balls, talent shows, and activities like Culture Night and Song Fest. She said she guarantees that it’s going to be fun and hopes every one participates. Judson believes participating in service projects and other activities on campus will make any student's experience here at BYU–Hawaii a memorable one.
Judson's goal for BYUHSA is simple: "We are here to serve the students. We are always looking to improve our activities and we welcome any new ideas or suggestions. Students are welcome to stop by our offices or e-mail us with any ideas, and we encourage everyone to volunteer and help out with activities."
--Photo courtesy of Aaron Knudsen