Seasider Stories

From unpaid intern to trusted contributor, BYU–Hawaii senior Taylor Lagaaia’s transformative experience serving Samoa’s Ministry of Commerce shows how stepping out of your comfort zone can open doors to growth, purpose, and a future of meaningful impact.

Isaac Akinaka, a junior from Hawaii majoring in computer science, was led to BYU–Hawaii through prayer, prompting, and a leap of faith, finding himself exactly where the Lord needed him to be.

Being the only student from Timor-Leste has been a challenge and a blessing for Da Silva.

This summer, BYU–Hawaii hosted the annual “For the Strength of Youth” (FSY), a program created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for youth aged 14 to 18. This week-long event, which includes devotionals, games, team-building, and other exciting activities, helps youth connect with Heavenly Father and strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ while making friends and discovering their individual worth.

A group of eight students from the Philippines, once connected only through weekly Zoom meetings and spiritual discussions during BYU-Pathway Worldwide's foundational experience, PathwayConnect, are now walking the campus of BYU–Hawaii together, living proof of how the Lord prepares a way for education and discipleship.

Weerawat Meeprolam, a senior from Thailand majoring in business marketing, believes that faith, discipline, and hard work are crucial to a student's success at BYU–Hawaii.

Enkhmaa “Emma” Gemmell (née Nyamgerel), a Senior from Mongolia majoring in business management with an emphasis in human resources, believes that through resilience and faith, she can develop strong leadership qualities that allow her to better serve others.

Tialei Scanlan, an associate professor and Program Lead of Accounting, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.

Eloida Kitwongpak (née Lulab), a senior from the Philippines majoring in Health and Human Science, believes her path to BYU–Hawaii was not just unexpected—it was divinely directed, as it taught her to follow God's plan even when it leads far from home.

Dr. Erica Kyree Glenn, the Director of Choral Activities and assistant professor of music in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.

Frank Pittman, an American psychiatrist and author, once said, “Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.” As we commemorate Father’s Day, we celebrate the lives of selfless individuals who have taken on the noblest of roles while at the same time pursuing their academic purpose.

Louis Leroy, a senior from the Mauritius Islands majoring in Health and Human Sciences, said his journey to BYU–Hawaii is one he never imagined, but one guided by faith, prayer, and a testimony in the Savior Jesus Christ.

Alumni Spotlight: Elise Mitchell

Hyeongna Kim, a senior from South Korea majoring in business management with an emphasis in marketing, shares how her journey to BYU–Hawaii began with a dream planted by someone close to her, culminating in visions becoming reality.

Originally from Nevada and Idaho, Jared Marcum has been working at BYUH since 2011. He currently works as an associate professor in the Faculty of Religious Education. Read the full article to learn more about his life, pursuits, and interests.

As BYU–Hawaii honors Mother’s Day this May, the stories of student mothers on campus serve as quiet yet powerful reminders of perseverance, purpose, and divine strength through the works of motherhood.

Timothy Samad, a senior from Indonesia majoring in business management with an emphasis in finance, shares his unique path to Brigham Young University–Hawaii, one marked by faith, academic ambition, and personal transformation, one that includes turning down top universities in Indonesia to becoming a CFA Research Challenge local champion, Samad’s story is one of purposeful living and giving the Lord an equal opportunity in all things.

Grace Taliu (née Tueli), a senior from Fiji double majoring in computer science and business management with an emphasis in marketing, shares how coming to BYU–Hawaii was not just about pursuing a degree—it was about surrendering to a divine redirection. Her decision to start over in a new country took courage, faith, and a deep trust in the Lord’s plan.