As BYU–Hawaii concludes another remarkable semester, the university celebrates the accomplishments of its newest graduating class—students who have learned, served, and grown in this unique ʻāina at the crossroads of the Pacific.
Standout graduates nominated from various faculty units prepare to return home across Asia, the Pacific, and beyond—or continue their studies, launch careers, and begin new chapters. These Seasiders reflect on their journeys at BYU–Hawaii and share what lies ahead.
Manuarii Tefan
Business Management–Marketing
French Polynesia
What are some moments that helped you grow your faith?
Many moments have helped me grow my faith here, but what stands out most is seeing my professors and mentors live their own faith fully. Growing up, I never really thought that business would necessarily connect with the gospel principles or with faith, but coming here and seeing great examples of people who have become successful in their fields to the highest level and have them testify about how their success comes because they’ve decided to put God first. They are successful because of their faith, service, and the spiritual things that helped them be better when it comes to temporal things. That has been my inspiration and goal: to make growing my faith a priority, no matter what.
Looking to the future, what are you most excited about?
I am most excited about applying all that I’ve learned as a student. I am so excited to use my newfound skills, experiences, relationships, and more to do great things in the real world. I like to think of BYU–Hawaii as an aquarium: you get here, you’re a small fish, and then during your four years here, through meeting professors, collaborating with classmates, gaining real-world exposure to things, you become bigger and bigger and bigger, and by the end of your four years here you feel like the aquarium is getting a little too small, and it’s time to move on to something bigger. So, I’m really excited about the opportunities I can pursue because I have been blessed with an education here at BYU–Hawaii.
Juan Carlos De los Reyes
English-Creative Writing
Philippines
How has your experience at BYU–Hawaii influenced the direction you want to take after graduation?
BYU–Hawaii strengthened my direction in life by giving me real opportunities to grow as a writer. My portfolio now includes a hundred published news articles, interviews, awards for creative writing, my first-ever published novel, Lightwielder, and academic research, all of which prepare me well for a future as a journalist and novelist. Being a news journalist for the university gave me hands-on experience in communication, interviewing, and storytelling that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. My classes also sharpened my analytical thinking and helped me understand people and cultures more deeply, which now influences both my reporting and the fictional worlds I create. Most importantly, my time here confirms that writing—both journalism and fiction—is the path I want to keep pursuing, professionally and creatively, long after graduation.
What are the most meaningful lessons you’ve learned during your time at BYU–Hawaii, and how have they shaped you personally or academically?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned at BYU–Hawaii is the real power of storytelling. Through my work as a news journalist, my creative writing classes, and my achievement with my first published novel, I realized that writing isn’t just something I’m good at; it’s something that grounds me. Whether I’m interviewing students, covering events, or building entirely fictional worlds, I’ve learned how stories can connect people and help them feel understood. I also learned how to rely on the Savior Jesus Christ in my work. Deadlines, revisions, and collaboration taught me skills, but my Savior taught me purpose. The spiritual, multicultural environment here helped me see writing as a gift from Him, and I’ve seen it as a useful tool to help uplift others.
Milika Uasike
Social Work, Intercultural Peacebuilding
Tonga
What are the most meaningful lessons you’ve learned during your time at BYU–Hawaii, and how have they shaped you personally or academically?
The most meaningful lesson I learned at BYU–Hawaii was the importance of diversity and open-mindedness. I grew up mostly around Polynesians and Americans, so being here exposed me to people from all over the world. Learning to accept different perspectives and work with people from different cultures helped me grow personally and academically. I also learned about setting healthy boundaries and taking care of myself while still serving others—something my majors really emphasized.
How has your experience at BYU–Hawaii prepared you for your future goals or influenced the direction you want to take after graduation?
BYU–Hawaii helped me discover my passion for social work. After taking my first class, I knew it was what I wanted to do for the next 10 or 20 years, especially working with youth. My professors played a huge role; they live what they teach, and their example shaped the kind of social worker I want to become. My classes and internship have prepared me for graduate school, and I’m applying to the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. If that doesn’t work out, I hope to return to Tonga and work with the new substance abuse program there.
Fatima Dagohoy
Biology–Molecular and Cell
Philippines
How has your experience at BYU–Hawaii prepared you for your future goals or influenced the direction you want to take after graduation?
The cultural diversity of the university really had a significant impact on me in how I approach life. Seeing how, despite our differences, we are still able to access the same resources, inspired me to pursue medical school and hopefully give service to others, no matter where they came from and who they are. Being able to interact with other people who came from completely different traditions and experiences than me helps me to be more patient and want to serve more. I feel like that’s an important aspect in my pursuit of a medical degree, to serve people across different backgrounds.
What would you tell someone who is considering going to BYU–Hawaii?
Attending your classes will make a big difference in your learning process. I feel like this is what truly helped me get good grades. Other than being able to keep up with the lectures, I think it also helped me learn discipline. Showing up to classes also allowed me to understand concepts better, meet some great friends, and gave me an opportunity to network and build relationships with my professors.
Tiare Egan
Social Work
Utah, USA
As you reflect on your experience, what stands out the most from your education?
What stands out to me most after my years here at BYU–Hawaii as a social work major is the importance of serving and loving others. I have felt supported by professors who care, and students who are kind and helpful to one another. Without their support, getting an education would have been so much more difficult. Their examples led me to seek opportunities to serve as a member of the Student Social Work Association, helping other students adjust to university life and building a network of Aloha, especially within our major. Further, the diversity at this university is beyond anything I could have imagined when I first set foot on campus. I have had countless opportunities to learn from others, experience diverse cultural traditions, and take on different perspectives. Working on school projects within groups with members from several different countries has been fulfilling and one of the things I will treasure most.
What are some moments that helped you grow your faith?
I found my faith growing when I started to feel I had too much on my plate, but I continued to make a purposeful point of setting aside time for the Lord. Often starting my studies with prayer, participating in church calls and activities, seeking weekly trips to the temple, and setting aside time to do scripture study, I arranged my days around the Lord's time, and I found myself better retaining information for tests and classes and having time for all the things I needed to do. I felt frequently guided by the spirit in how to use my time and where to put my focus. This led me to take one step in front of the other as I first felt guided to go through the temple to receive my endowment, then to pause my education to go on a mission, to return from that mission and engage in extracurricular service activities, and eventually to get married and start a family of my own.
Joseph Sant
Political Science, Intercultural Peacebuilding
Louisiana, USA
How has your time at BYU–Hawaii strengthened your testimony?
BYU–Hawaii is such a unique place to study; the Spirit here is so special. Hearing the testimonies of my peers and professors and praying at the start of every class has strengthened my own faith. Having the temple within walking distance has been a blessing as well. Whenever I’m having a hard day, I can just go straight there, and it’s helped me a lot.
What would you tell someone who is considering going to BYU–Hawaii?
This is one of the most unique places to study in the world. The culture and Spirit on campus are unlike anywhere else. You meet students from so many countries and build an international network that prepares you to learn and grow beyond the classroom. It’s a great place to learn, to stretch yourself, and to become who the Lord needs you to be.
Michael Westberg
Psychology
Colorado, USA
What are the most meaningful lessons you’ve learned during your time at BYU–Hawaii, and how have they shaped you personally or academically?
I carry with me the lessons of striving to be honest, staying true to myself, and embracing kindness as a source of joy. One principle of honesty I take with me is the importance of monitoring and understanding my personal use of AI technology, especially chatbots. Not allowing it to take away from my ability to think critically and write is a constant challenge, and managing that balance directly relates to being honest with myself and my ability to complete tasks. Another simple yet meaningful lesson I’ve learned is the importance of disconnecting from my phone, a habit that will serve me well in all areas of my life. Consciously monitoring my screen time and staying fully engaged in a task without distractions has become vital to me.
How has your experience at BYU–Hawaii prepared you for your future goals or influenced the direction you want to take after graduation?
What has prepared me most for my future goals is the cultural awareness and tolerance I have developed. Being surrounded by a diverse student body has helped me embrace different cultures, perspectives, and ideas, while also challenging and refining my own. It has been a wonderful, refreshing, and at times challenging experience to learn how to understand others through their cultural lenses. I am also grateful for the courses I took in the psychology department. Recently, I decided to pivot from the career path I originally planned to pursue; however, each of my courses has played a vital role in building both interpersonal skills, such as active listening, and technical skills like critically evaluating academic articles.
Daniel Hootini
Computer Science
French Polynesia
How has your time at BYUH helped you become a better leader?
BYU–Hawaii has given me so many opportunities to take on projects and lead groups. I learned how to delegate, communicate better, and rely on others. Through school projects, internships, and working with classmates, I learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to help a team move forward together.
What would you tell someone who is considering going to BYU–Hawaii?
BYU–Hawaii is a unique place; it's unlike any other school. You meet people from all over the world and learn new things every day. The environment is built to help students grow. Because we have so many cultures on campus, you can build meaningful connections with people from everywhere. It really is one big family.