Algernon Martis, a senior from Curaçao majoring in business management, said his path to BYU–Hawaii began with a dream to play baseball in the United States, but it ultimately became a story of divine redirection, personal transformation, and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Raised in Faith, Converted by Choice
Though Martis was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his personal conversion came later. Growing up in the only branch of the Church in Curaçao, most of his peers weren’t Latter-day Saints. He often struggled with feeling different, especially when gospel standards conflicted with baseball games or social events.
“My parents taught me gospel principles and let me govern myself as I got older,” he shared. His real conversion began as he considered serving a mission. He drew strength from his mother’s example, who served a mission not long after her own baptism, and from his own spiritual experiences in his youth.
“As I studied the gospel of Jesus Christ, it just felt right,” Martis said. “I remembered how I felt at the temple and youth conferences. I thought, ‘These are the feelings I want to have for the rest of my life,’ and I wanted others to feel them too.”
A Mission That Changed Everything
Martis first heard about BYU–Hawaii during his service as a missionary in the England Manchester Mission from 2020 to 2022. His mission president encouraged him to look into the university’s curriculum and values. “As I researched the curriculum and the history and mission of the school, it resonated with me,” he recalled. “I immediately felt compelled to apply—even though I had never heard of the school.”
Coming from a sports background, Martis had long envisioned a future playing college baseball. But as his mission neared its end, he began to feel that BYU–Hawaii, even without a sports program, was where he was meant to be. “It just felt like home,” he said.
The journey wasn’t easy. Martis faced the complex application process largely on his own, including translating transcripts from Dutch to English. “I didn’t have anyone in my immediate circle who had been to college in the United States,” he explained. “It took time, but I eventually got help.”
The hardest part, though, came just before December 2022 during the holiday season. After two years away on his mission, leaving his close-knit family again during the holidays was difficult. “Family is very important back home, especially during that season,” he said. “Leaving right before Christmas [to attend BYU–Hawaii] was tough.”
A Journey of Discovery
Since arriving at BYU–Hawaii, Martis has embraced opportunities for spiritual and academic growth. One defining moment was participating in the university’s annual Church History Trip. “It strengthened my testimony of the gospel in so many ways,” he said. “Learning about the early Saints was humbling and powerful. It made me more grateful and helped me become a better person.”
His involvement on campus has also deepened his understanding of BYU–Hawaii’s unique mission. As a mentor for the Holokai class, Martis helps new students navigate the university’s academic pathways and spiritual purpose.
“Since I’m not from Oceania or the Asian Rim, I’ve made a conscious effort to build connections with peers from those areas,” he said. “It’s helping me live and lead in ways that align with the university’s vision.”
A Well-Rounded Leader
Martis’s choice of Holokai emphasis reflects his desire to be a well-rounded leader and servant. “My business management major is helping me become a better leader,” he said. “My information technology minor gives me valuable technical skills, and my communications minor helps me understand and connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.”
Outside the classroom, regular temple attendance, devotionals, and local Church callings have helped him grow as a disciple of Christ. “Having the temple so close is such a blessing,” he shared. “Taking time to attend regularly has strengthened my testimony in the Savior.”
“God Has a Better Plan”
Reflecting on his journey as his graduation this Fall 2025 semester grows closer, Martis knows his life has unfolded in ways he never expected, but in ways that have been undeniably guided by God. “My decision to serve a mission changed everything,” he said. “It’s a testimony to me that when we follow the Savior, we will be blessed in ways we never imagined.”
Algernon Martis looks forward to using his education to make a difference, wherever the Lord leads him. Whether in the Caribbean, the Pacific, or beyond, he hopes to lead with purpose, uplift others, and continue becoming the kind of disciple BYU–Hawaii was meant to prepare.