As BYU–Hawaii honors Mother’s Day this May, the stories of student mothers on campus serve as quiet yet powerful reminders of perseverance, purpose, and divine strength through the works of motherhood.
For many students at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, the demands of school and work are already challenging enough. But for student mothers, every day is a balancing act that blends diaper changes with due dates, and nap times with note-taking.
“If Mama Can Do It, So Can They”
Emma Talanoa, a senior from Tonga double majoring in political science and Pacific studies, says that motherhood has taught her the art of sacred multitasking. With three sons—ages 4, 2, and 4 months—her day begins in the stillness of early morning.
“I usually start with saying my prayer while my babies still sleep, then I go on with preparing breakfast for them,” said Talanoa. “At school, I always try to finish as many assignments as I can in class so I can be available for my kids once I get home.”
Her evenings are a delicate routine of feeding, bathing, and rocking her children to sleep, followed by hours of study before cleaning the house with her husband. “It’s fun when I’m not doing it alone,” she said. “My husband always helps.”
Despite the joy, the journey is not without heartache. Talanoa said the hardest part is finding the balance. “Especially when it’s five minutes before class and your kids are crying—you want to be in class on time, but you feel bad about leaving your son crying because he doesn't want you to leave,” she said.
There have been many tearful nights. “I lost count of how many times I cried to the Lord and my husband that I want to give up,” she admitted. “But I always think of their future, and I want my boys to know—if Mama can do it, so can they.”
Talanoa draws strength from her favorite quote by President Thomas S. Monson: “When life gets too hard to stand, kneel.” She added, “No challenge is too big for my Heavenly Father.”
“They Inspire Me to Dream Bigger”
Joanne Marie Eyo, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in accounting, faces her own version of the student-mother balancing act. She and her husband, Michael, both students and employees, share childcare responsibilities. Some days, that means bringing their toddler and 3-month-old baby to class.
“It’s tough,” Eyo said. “I’m trying to listen to the lecture, take notes, and at the same time, keep an eye on both.”
Still, she finds hope in the future. “I want my children to reap what I’ve sown,” she said. “I want them to grow up inspired to dream big, no matter the circumstances.”
Eyo credits her husband for his unwavering support. “He does everything I do with the kids,” she said. “He wakes up in the middle of the night to change diapers, takes our daughter to the soccer field, and cleans the house. He truly goes above and beyond.”
Their close-knit circle of friends and caring professors have also helped lighten the load. “Our friends babysit without being asked and expect nothing in return,” she said. “My professors allow me to bring my kids to class and are always understanding.”
A Village of Support
Both Talanoa and Eyo agree that support systems at BYU–Hawaii—both formal and informal—make an immense difference.
Talanoa praised her Relief Society leaders and professors, especially Dr. Inoke Hafoka, an assistant professor and program lead of the Pacific Studies program, for offering understanding and flexibility. “I’m not alone on this journey,” she said. “Other moms in TVA look out for me, and we look out for each other’s kids.”
She also expressed deep gratitude for Sister Nielsen, who visits student mothers after labor to check on their well-being. “Not forgetting the free nappies,” she added with a smile. “They help lift the weight of my motherhood bags.”
Sister Allison Nielsen, a church missionary and mother/baby resource nurse for BYUH Health Services, has spent decades as a labor and delivery nurse and now supports mothers on campus. “My career has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 36 years, and I find it tender that this career matches with the need here in this university. It's been a very beautiful experience to get to know these mothers and for them to willingly accept me into their families to help them transition into parenthood,” she said “The mothers here are very resilient, faithful, and brave, considering they live so far away from their families.”
Honoring a Divine Destiny
At the heart of this campus-wide support is BYU–Hawaii’s Women’s Services & Resources, a department devoted to helping students—especially women and mothers—feel heard, supported, and empowered. Through confidential one-on-one consultations, resource referrals, workshops, and guidance on relationships, parenting, health, finances, and life transitions, Women’s Services & Resources plays a vital role in enhancing the student experience. For student mothers, the department offers not only practical assistance but emotional and spiritual encouragement throughout their academic journey.
Elder Michael Spilker, a missionary with BYU–Hawaii’s Women’s Services & Resources, said he is constantly inspired by the resilience of student mothers on campus.
“As I reflect on their special spirit, I think of President Russell M. Nelson’s words: ‘No one can duplicate the influence of a mother,’” Elder Spilker said. “Women have a divine endowment and capacity to communicate the love of Heavenly Father and the Savior to others.”
Sister Clara Spilker added, “Empathy is one of those Christlike, motherly qualities I see all the time. Most of the women I meet offer love without restraint—and that is truly divine.”
Motherhood as Ministry
For student mothers at BYU–Hawaii, motherhood is more than a title—it’s a calling that informs how they learn, serve, and lead. It’s a spiritual practice of sacrifice and resilience, one that transforms every load of laundry and every missed hour of sleep into a symbol of eternal love.
Their stories, shared with tears and smiles, embody the heart of BYU–Hawaii’s mission to prepare learners, leaders, and builders of the kingdom.
As Mother’s Day approaches, Talanoa hopes fellow mothers know one thing: “You are doing better than you think. Keep going. You’re not alone.”