Hyrum Stephens' journey as a young artist, marked by resilience, creative discovery, and community, has found its stage at BYU–Hawaii, where his struggles intertwine with music's healing power.
Navigating Unexpected Paths
Stephens, a junior from Utah majoring in social work, never planned on going to college. He didn't like high school and couldn't picture himself sitting in a classroom again. But that all changed when his dad was hired as a professor of accounting at BYU–Hawaii, and he and his family decided to move to Hawaii. "I didn't really have anything else lined up, so I figured, why not give college a shot?" He questioned. What started as uncertainty slowly became a new chapter for him, but to fully understand that, it helps to look back at where it all began.
Finding a Lifeline in Music
Some of Stephen's earliest memories revolve around music. He had an old CD player in his room that he would use to listen to three CDs that he owned on repeat for hours. He later picked up a guitar in middle school, and it quickly became his refuge and passion—a way to escape and make sense of everything going on around him.
"Music helped me cope through those rough teenage years, and as I taught myself to play, it became both therapy and discovery," he shares. These days, Stephens has been teaching himself how to play the piano. Continuing to learn and explore what music is for him.
Tragedy and Transformation
In 2023, an incident changed Stephen's life completely. One night, he and his friends went for a casual swim at Hukilau Beach, and he dove headfirst only to hit what he thought looked like a submerged log. The impact, unfortunately, left him paralyzed from the neck down.
"Those first days were terrifying,” Stephens shares. After “months in rehabilitation,” Stephens slowly began regaining movement. “I can play guitar again with my left hand, but my right hand still doesn't work the same."
For Stephens, the hardest part wasn't just physical; it was emotional. "I couldn't bring myself to play or create music for a while. It was too painful, a reminder of what I'd lost. But eventually, my love for music came back, and now it's my outlet again, but this time it is stronger and deeper than before," he shares.
He believes he isn't the same person he was before the accident. It changed how he sees everything: relationships, priorities, even his goals and aspirations.
Building Support and Rebuilding Faith
Stephens acknowledges that he would have made it through without his support system, his family, friends on campus, and the people from the community.
"I was surrounded by love, prayers, and genuine care. That experience made me realize how lucky I am," he shares.
When it comes to spiritual matters, Stephen believes his faith has evolved and his testimony strengthened. He believes his relationship with God has become more personal, less about following a structure and more about finding meaning in connection. "God is the ultimate creator, and everything he creates is beautiful and inspiring. I would like to emulate that through music. I hope my music brings light and healing," he shares.
Love, Friendship, and Healing
Part of Stephens' healing came through his wife, Nicole. He first met Nicole back in 2021 and later reconnected in 2024. What started as simple lunches and jam sessions near the temple slowly turned into something special.
"My approach to dating was different; rather than finding a romantic partner, I just wanted to find a friend, someone I could just be myself with. I believe a good relationship is built on a foundation of friendship – Nicole is my forever friend," he shares.
The pair got married in the bishop's office on Christmas Eve – simple yet meaningful, and they are eagerly preparing to get sealed in the temple. Nicole has been a massive part of Stephen's journey back to music. Her encouragement helped him rediscover joy, creativity, and purpose when he started creating again after injury.
Life as an Artist and Student
For Stephens, school has never been easy for him, but BYU–Hawaii is different. He respects the fact that the people here are understanding and supportive, especially with his disability.
"Sometimes they would open doors for me or help push me around campus. I've learned to gratefully rely on the empathy and kindness that are present in this school," he says. Ironically, as a student, Stephens believes being a music minor is his most challenging academic. He would often find it difficult to understand complex concepts like key signature, modes, and intricate chord functions, but is thankful for his professors for being great mentors.
As the vice president of the Creative Music Club, Stephens has found a way to give back. The club hosts jam sessions, workshops, and Tiny Desk concerts that bring people together. He loves helping students express themselves musically and uncover all the hidden talent on campus. He would often tell people to try to make something, whether it's a song, a business, or a piece of art because he believes that everyone is an artist in their own unique ways.
A Vision for the Future
As of now, Stephens is finishing up his new EP, which is scheduled to drop on November 4.
"I've been mixing, mastering, writing, and producing every track myself. My dream is to make a living through music—and maybe one day, become a featured artist for Fender Guitars," he shares.
Even after everything he's been through, his mission stays the same: to create, to inspire, and to build something meaningful out of resilience and love.
For Stephens, music isn't just a passion; it's a lifeline, a spiritual practice, and a way to build something beautiful with others and for others.
