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.
The group, which began PathwayConnect in fall 2021 and completed the program in spring 2022, was mentored by their service missionary Elder Ralph Martinez. Today, all eight of them—including Martinez—are enrolled at BYU–Hawaii as full-time students through the university’s International Work Opportunity Returnability Kuleana (IWORK) Work-Study Program, made possible by a growing partnership with BYU–Pathway.
The students all hailed from different provinces within the country; Blaise Billones and Kent Aaron Bacurnay from Negros Occidental, Fink Floyd Aguirre from Iloilo, Juan Carlos De los Reyes from Capiz, Kai Castillo (née Estioco) from Isabela, Gene Cymmer Ramirez from Baguio, and Paula Graciella Butones from Pangasinan. They now all study in a variety of fields but remain united by the program that once brought them together.
“Taking PathwayConnect prepared me spiritually and academically,” Martinez shared. “Even though my plans to come to BYU–Hawaii were delayed by two years due to COVID, I believe God was testing my patience and trust in Him as I continued to take classes at BYU–Idaho Online. I wasn’t wrong to wait—being here is phenomenal.”
Finding Faith Through PathwayConnect
Before stepping foot on campus, many in the group were working, studying, and navigating life after their missions, uncertain about the future.
“I started PathwayConnect right after my mission,” said Kai Castillo, a junior majoring in hospitality and tourism management. “At the time, I wasn’t sure what direction to take. BYU-Pathway helped me ease back into academics, and the weekly devotionals reminded me that gaining an education is not only a personal goal but a sacred one.”
Fink Floyd Aguirre, a junior majoring in psychology, was also juggling multiple responsibilities when she joined the program. “I had just returned home from my mission and was studying psychology while working six to eight hours a day. Eventually, I had to choose between staying in college and fully committing to BYU-Pathway or working full time. I chose BYU-Pathway because it gave me something deeper—it helped me grow closer to Christ while learning academic skills.”
For Kent Aaron Bacurnay, a sophomore majoring in biology, the program provided a critical reset. “Joining PathwayConnect gave me a fresh start and steady foundation,” he said. “I developed skills that helped me navigate my education, and it strengthened my ability to receive revelation. I learned to trust in Him.”
Even Martinez, who once led the group as a service missionary, found personal transformation in the experience. “It helped me to rely on the Savior to finish the program with better vision and purpose ahead,” he said.
Called to Apply
Thanks to the formal partnership between BYU–Hawaii and BYU-Pathway, students who complete PathwayConnect with a qualifying GPA receive priority consideration for admission and IWORK. For this group, that path led to both opportunity and divine confirmation.
“About a month before finishing PathwayConnect, I felt strongly that BYU–Hawaii was the right direction for me,” Castillo said. “I saw it as an opportunity to become more independent, be close to the temple, and reach my full potential. I’ve never regretted that decision.”
Aguirre admitted that BYU–Hawaii wasn’t part of her original plans. “It wasn’t even on my radar,” she said. “But after a lot of prayer and encouragement from my mission president, I knew it was where I needed to be—even if it meant leaving my family. That choice strengthened my testimony. I know I’m here because God called me here.”
“I always wanted to apply to BYU–Hawaii even before going on a mission,” Bacurnay added. “The environment here—close to the temple and surrounded by faithful members—was what I needed. God helped me act in faith, even when I couldn’t see the full picture.”
For Martinez, who was once preparing to attend BYU–Hawaii before the pandemic hit, the delay became part of the plan. “I don’t personally see myself attending other institutions,” he said. “I had a strong impression that the impact this school has on me will influence how I lead in the future—to be a leader-servant.”
A New Chapter
Now, full-time students in different majors and stages of life, the group doesn’t see each other as often. But their shared experience through PathwayConnect continues to shape their journeys at BYU–Hawaii.
“Being a student at BYU–Hawaii has blessed me in so many ways,” said Castillo. “I’m able to go to school, have an on-campus job, live close to the temple, and be surrounded by people who share the same faith and values. Just being here has made my parents proud. I’ve had the blessing of getting married, and now we’re preparing to welcome a new member of our family.”
Aguirre shared similar feelings of gratitude. “As an IWORK student, I’ve been incredibly blessed. This opportunity has supported me as a student and helped my family back home. I’ve met professors, missionaries, and friends who’ve helped me grow in faith and identity as a child of God.”
Bacurnay also emphasized the lasting impact of his experience. “Being a student here has blessed me in ways I never imagined—connections all over the world, cultures that made us one, a temple that is very accessible, and people who are warm and welcoming. I learned to manage my time wisely and take classes that will bless the rest of my life. Finishing my degree and returning home debt-free is a dream come true.”
Martinez, now a finance major, said the academic-spiritual environment has helped him understand what it means to be a wise steward. “Every time I feel tired, remembering my ‘why’ helps me persevere,” he said. “It is hard to be away from loved ones, but I know the Lord has placed me here for a reason.”
“It’s a blessing to be reunited with them here,” Martinez added. “To see them progress, to witness their growth—it shows that PathwayConnect truly builds both character and capability. It was never just about education. It was about preparing hearts to follow the Savior wherever He leads.”
As BYU–Hawaii continues its partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide, stories like theirs are becoming more common—and more miraculous. For students with limited options at home, it’s not just a program, it’s a path.
