Ameleya Kulani Uili (née Angilau), a senior from Utah majoring in business management with an emphasis in supply chain, said that her love for learning led her to BYU–Hawaii, something that was not in her original plan, but has blessed her nonetheless.
Conversion Through Testimony
Although she grew up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints surrounded by faithful parents, Uili said her personal conversion came during her missionary service in the Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission from 2021 to 2022. “I never wanted to serve, but when the time came, I just knew it was what the Lord wanted me to do,” she explained. “The first few months were super hard, and I wanted to go home almost every day.”
In a moment of prayerful desperation, she pleaded for strength. “I prayed that if the Lord really wanted me to stay, He would help me find any kind of comfort or ease,” she recalled. “It was like He literally lifted the burden I was feeling. That was the first time I really understood the Atonement.”
From then on, she said, “I felt peace and joy. I wanted everyone to feel that same way.” Her mission became the turning point that deepened her testimony and desire to share Christ’s love.
A Redirected Path
Uili said attending BYU–Hawaii was never part of her original plan. “I was originally planning on playing basketball in college, but during the summer after high school, I had a strong feeling I needed to serve a mission.”
That decision changed everything. After returning home, her brother, then a student at BYU–Hawaii, encouraged her to apply. “He thought it would be the perfect fit for me,” she said. “I told Heavenly Father that ‘if this was a good decision, then don’t let anything stop me from going,’ and here I am today.”
Looking back, Uili said she feels deep gratitude for how the Lord redirected her path. “If I had gone with my original plans, I wouldn’t have had the spiritual growth I needed or become the person I am today,” she said.
“Passion Opening Doors”
For Uili, the impact of BYU–Hawaii has come not from a single event but from “many little experiences” that shaped her along the way. “One experience that’s made the biggest impact is meeting my husband, Norman,” she said. “There’s no other way we would’ve met if we both didn’t end up here at BYU–Hawaii. He’s shaped me and my life for the better.”
She added that living in a faith-centered environment surrounded by peers who share her beliefs has also blessed her. “Spending almost every day with people who have the same standards has been a blessing,” she said. “Their great examples make me a better person.”
Her time in Laie also deepened her appreciation for diversity. “I’ve developed a greater love not only for my own culture but for others’ as well,” she said. “I hope that one day this passion opens doors for me to serve and lead in different areas.”
A Love for Learning and Helping
Uili’s Holokai, which includes minors in health and human science and Pacific Islands studies, reflects her desire to understand both people and culture. “I’ve always wanted to create a business that focuses on improving and enhancing the skills and health of Polynesian youth,” she said. “That’s why I chose my Holokai.”
Though her career direction is still unfolding, she said her BYU–Hawaii education has equipped her with valuable life tools. “One skill I’ve been grateful to develop is networking. I believe networking is the key to life,” she shared. “I’ve also learned that I love helping people; whether it’s with their health, nutrition, or hard decisions.”
Uili added that she’s developed “a love for learning in general.” She said, “There’s so much knowledge to be earned, and I love expanding my understanding of history, culture, and what makes people who they are.”
“Even though I don’t know the exact direction I’m headed,” she said, “I know the education I’ve gained here will help me become who Heavenly Father needs me to be.”
A Peacemaker of Christ
For Uili, the BYU–Hawaii experience has been a sacred training ground for discipleship. “One of my favorite things about BYU–Hawaii is that there are students from all around the world,” she said. “We come from different backgrounds and cultures, and I’ve learned to appreciate and love those differences.”
These experiences, she said, have helped her become a peacemaker and a more Christlike person. “It’s not very common to be in a place where you can feel the Spirit and share beliefs at school, work, and where you live,” she said. “Being surrounded by this environment has motivated me to be better, especially whenever I leave and don’t have that same privilege.”
Reflecting on her four years at BYU–Hawaii, Ameleya Uili said she hopes to continue living the lessons she’s learned in Laie. “This place has taught me how to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ,” she said, “and I’ll carry that with me wherever I go.”