Shannon Lingthiem (née Mitchell), a senior from New Zealand majoring in social work, shares about her journey in pursuit of education despite numerous setbacks, which created her desire to share the Savior’s love through social work.
A Path Founded in Love and Service
Lingthiem was raised in Hastings, New Zealand, in a home filled with love, faith, and the lively energy of six siblings. As the third child in her family, she grew up in a household where chaos and connection went hand in hand. “I have an amazing family, amazing parents,” she shared. “It was always crazy in the house.”
Her journey to BYU–Hawaii began long before she officially enrolled. Seeing cousins attend the university sparked her interest, but it wasn’t until she visited the campus in 2016 with her aunt that she realized it could be a real possibility for her future. “I got to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and the BYU–Hawaii campus, and I absolutely loved it,” she recalled. However, at that time, she had no concrete plans for higher education. Instead, she focused on working after high school, unsure of her next steps.
In June 2018, Lingthiem left for the New Zealand Missionary Training Center before serving in the Australia Sydney Mission. She returned home just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world. “I wouldn’t say it was a blessing,” she reflected, “but I finished at the right time.”
The Right Time for BYU–Hawaii
With her mission behind her, Lingthiem decided to apply to BYU–Hawaii. However, the global pandemic delayed her plans time and again. “I kept getting a lot of pushbacks, setbacks because of COVID,” she said. “I had to defer a little bit.” Originally intending to start in 2020, she faced visa processing delays and multiple disruptions that postponed her enrollment until winter 2022.
Throughout this period of waiting, Lingthiem relied on her faith. “It just tested my patience, like a lot,” she admitted. But she also saw a silver lining in the delay. “It kind of gave me more time to spend with my family. Because I was gone for the 18 months, and then I would have just got up and left again.”
Now settled at BYU–Hawaii, Lingthiem is thriving in the social work program, a field that aligns perfectly with her desire to help others. “I love social work because it’s about making a difference in people’s lives,” she explained. Her education has provided her with the tools to understand and support individuals facing challenges, a passion that stems from her upbringing and experiences.
As a participant in the IWORK Work-Study Program, Lingthiem has been able to pursue her education with financial support, allowing her to focus on her studies and spiritual growth. Reflecting on her time at BYU–Hawaii, she shared how the university has shaped her testimony and character. “BYU–Hawaii has helped me be self-reliant and open-minded; it’s kept me humble and has drawn me closer to Christ in more ways than I can say. I feel like the wealthiest person—not in riches but in love, in Christ, in knowledge, and invaluable lessons that I’ve learned. I’m grateful I let the Lord guide me to this sweet place of refuge.”
A Love Story in Laie
While pursuing her education, Lingthiem also found love. She met her husband, Lutz—then a sophomore from French Polynesia studying business management with an emphasis in marketing—while working at the Polynesian Cultural Center as a tour guide in the Guest Services department. “We were friends first, so that helped,” she said. “I thought, well, if he still wants to date me after being my friend first, then he must like me. Everything after that just felt like an answer to a prayer.”
Lingthiem recalled the moment she realized he was the one. “A couple of months into the relationship, I just remember thinking of eternity, which is a very long time, and I just couldn’t picture being without him. He really is the love of my life.”
Their love story began while working together at the PCC. “We became leaders together in the department and would work the same shift. Pretty much became friends fast. I liked him first—he was just so funny and down to earth. I didn’t do anything about it, but I told a friend. Next thing you know that same friend is telling him. [Lutz] had no idea because I was so good at playing it cool. A couple months later, Lutz sent a message asking if I wanted to go on a date.”
Lingthiem and Lutz were later sealed in the Laie Hawaii Temple at the end of 2024.
Looking to the Future
As she approaches graduation at the end of the year, Lingthiem is eager to apply her social work skills in a meaningful way. Whether she stays in Hawaii, returns to New Zealand, or ventures to French Polynesia, she hopes to make a lasting impact in the lives of those she serves. Her journey to BYU–Hawaii was anything but smooth, but through patience and faith, she has made it to where she is today.
Shannon Lingthiem’s story is one about perseverance, faith, and the power of pushing forward despite obstacles. Her time at BYU–Hawaii has shaped the rest of her life, and as she prepares to graduate, she carries with her the lessons of endurance and service, ready to make a difference in the world.