Eloida Kitwongpak (née Lulab), a senior from the Philippines majoring in Health and Human Science, believes her path to BYU–Hawaii was not just unexpected—it was divinely directed, as it taught her to follow God's plan even when it leads far from home.
Growing Up in the Gospel
Raised in a family of eight children, Kitwongpak and her siblings were blessed to grow up in a gospel-centered home. “My parents, despite their struggles in raising every one of us, taught us to be self-reliant both in the temporal and spiritual aspects of life,” she said. Though baptized at the age of 8, her true conversion came through quiet discovery.
“When I was about 10 to 12 years old, I was determined to know more about the Book of Mormon,” Kitwongpak recalled. One verse in particular stood out: 1 Nephi 10:19. “‘He that diligently seeketh shall find…’ Those words brought an indescribable feeling of peace and joy in my heart,” she said. “I felt closer to the Savior than I had ever been before.”
Her father, the only one in his extended family to finish college, emphasized education. Her mother, a pillar of faith, encouraged Christlike living. Together, their example laid a foundation for Kitwongpak’s journey toward becoming a disciple of Christ and a future leader in her community.
A Divine Redirection
Kitwongpak first heard of BYU–Hawaii in the last stretch of her missionary service in the Philippines Manila Mission. During a lunch with her ward leaders, the Relief Society President of her ward mentioned the university and its connection with BYU–Pathway Worldwide. Though intrigued, Kitwongpak initially dismissed the idea. “I am well aware that I am not the person who can afford to study abroad,” she said. “Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, it didn’t seem possible.”
But after returning home in September 2020 and missing deadlines for local universities, she reconsidered. “I always longed to be self-reliant and stop relying on my parents' income after I finish my mission,” Kitwongpak explained. She and her twin sister, Eloisa, enrolled in BYU-Pathway’s foundational program, PathwayConnect, trusting that the Lord was guiding them to something greater. “I just know that Heavenly Father is redirecting us for better opportunities, or even the best plans He had in store.”
In early 2022, about a year and a half after her return from her mission, she was accepted to BYU–Hawaii. She got the final visa appointment slot before school started, while her sister’s application was delayed. “It was part of God’s plan,” she reflected. “My sister became an FSY counselor before coming here, and I was able to help her adjust to life on campus that fall.”
Love, Growth, and a Life-Changing Choice
One of the most unexpected blessings at BYU–Hawaii, she shared, was meeting her future husband, then a senior from Thailand majoring in accounting. “Before I met him, I had this negative thinking that all good people I have in my life come and go,” she said. “But he was different.”
Their relationship was grounded in shared goals, gospel values, and mutual respect. “God has prepared us to understand that we are meant to be different to help each other’s weaknesses and discover our united strengths.” For Kitwongpak, their temple sealing was not just a spiritual milestone—it was transformative. “He brought me closer to the Savior… Choosing to marry in the house of the Lord continues to change me.”
A Holokai of Healing
Kitwongpak’s major in Health and Human Science was a deliberate choice—both professional and personal. “I grew to value health in a way that I plan to create a positive impact in my community and my family,” she said. Her coursework helped clarify her goals, including a long-term aspiration to work for the Church’s Humanitarian Aid programs in Asia.
The integration of her minors has also shaped her identity. “Communication and Social Work helped me focus on treating people with kindness and respect,” she said. “One of my favorite topics was cultural competence—understanding and interacting with diverse groups of people.” Through her education, she sees how gospel values, academic growth, and service come together.
One Act at a Time
Spiritual growth at BYU–Hawaii wasn’t confined to the classroom. Serving regularly at the Laie, Hawaii Temple as a volunteer deepened her discipleship. “I knew that this would require four hours of voluntary service every week,” Kitwongpak said. “But I saw it as an opportunity to give back to the Lord.”
Living near the temple gave her a sacred space to reflect and reconnect. “If it were not for its proximity, I would not be able to find a close safe space where I get to remember who I am and focus on what matters most.”
Her campus callings also pushed her out of her comfort zone. “They helped me practice Christlike attributes just like I did on my mission,” she said. “My stay here in BYU–Hawaii led me to get to know my Savior in a much more meaningful way.”
“An Instrument for Good”
Reflecting on her journey, Kitwongpak had a message for her younger self: “I will thank her for having the desire to learn the gospel for herself. For choosing to serve God regardless of the circumstance.” She continued, “Looking back, I will compassionately speak to her about how all those hard decisions were worth it. They led her to a deeper relationship with the Savior.”
As she prepares to graduate in the Fall 2025 semester, Eloida Kitwongpak carries with her a sense of mission and purpose. “The Lord is in the details of your life,” she said. Whether in her future family, her career, or her community, she intends to be an instrument for good—one that uplifts others with knowledge, compassion, and Christlike love.