Emmaline Ferguson, a junior from Fiji majoring in business management with an emphasis in human resources, shares how family, responsibility, and a desire to “breathe life” into her faith have enabled her to fulfill the promises made by BYU–Hawaii to its students.
The Influence of Family and Faith
Ferguson grew up in a family of six. Born into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she was raised by faithful parents who were both converts. She recounts the role missionaries played in their conversion, highlighting a rainy day when her grandmother welcomed missionaries into their home. "That's where it all started for me," Ferguson said. “Our foundation is always on Jesus Christ as a family. Life won't be very fulfilling if you're not focused on your faith in Jesus Christ.” Today, her father serves as the branch president in their small community of fewer than fifty members in Fiji. "It's small, but you can feel the love," she said.
Deeply influenced by her family's example of hard work and resilience, Ferguson remains grateful for the opportunities in her life. “Both of my parents never had the opportunity to gain tertiary education, which is common in the islands,” she explained. "I'm fortunate to be here, and my sister was the first in our family to graduate college and is now pursuing her master's." Ferguson aspires to follow in her sister's footsteps, embodying the lessons her parents taught her: maintaining goals despite changing plans and grounding herself in faith. “One of the greatest lessons I've learned from my parents is to maintain my goals, even though plans change. Despite hardships like losing jobs or dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we always try to keep our foundation on Jesus Christ,” she said, emphasizing the importance of persevering in the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially during challenging times.
Taking the Leap to BYU–Hawaii
The journey to BYU–Hawaii was inspired by Ferguson’s sister, who was already studying there. "While on my mission, my sister would send me emails about her experiences at BYU–Hawaii, highlighting how much it would benefit me," Ferguson recalled. "She knew that coming off the mission, spiritual and secular learning was something I wanted to keep on doing." Encouraged by her sister and her mission president, Ferguson prayed and felt that attending BYU–Hawaii was the right choice. She applied while on her mission and was accepted to begin school for the Winter 2022 Semester.
She also credits the support of senior missionaries who encouraged her to apply. "They believed in the potential of BYU–Hawaii to help us grow both spiritually and academically. It was their encouragement that helped me take the leap,” Ferguson said.
Spiritual Boost and Solace
The integration of spiritual and secular learning in BYU–Hawaii remains a highlight for Ferguson, particularly the weekly devotionals. “They are a great way to motivate us," she said. “They help me start the week with a spiritual boost and keep my focus on what's important.”
In addition to devotionals, Ferguson enjoys the extracurricular activities and cultural diversity on campus., As a former member of the Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir, she recalls her two-semester membership as an amazing experience. “Being surrounded by different cultures helps me feel more comfortable in a foreign country. It's enlightening to see the world through others' eyes,” she said. She also finds solace in the Joseph F. Smith Library. "Surprisingly, I love the library. It's a quiet place where I can focus and feel at peace,” she said.
The Holokai and Fiji’s Needs
Majoring in business management with an emphasis on human resources, Ferguson also minors in creative writing and political science. Originally choosing a hospitality and tourism management major due to its economic significance in Fiji, Ferguson later shifted her focus. "I realized I should address the biggest problem [in my country], which is employment opportunities. I want to work for a non-government organization or the Ministry of Employment to enhance employment opportunities in Fiji."
Her minors complement her major by fostering creativity and research skills, which are essential for her goal of making a meaningful impact. “Creative writing allows me to be more creative, while political science helps me with research and understanding broader social issues. These skills are crucial for addressing employment challenges in Fiji,” she explained.
“A Living, Breathing Part of Faith”
One of the most impactful experiences for Ferguson at BYU–Hawaii was participating in the second annual Church History Travel Study Program. “It deepened my gratitude and motivation for the Church and the early saints, and it made me appreciate the unique opportunities we have here at BYU–Hawaii,” she reflected.
The trip allowed her to connect with the church’s history and align her experiences with the university's mission of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, saying, “Programs like this help us gain valuable experiences and influence others to attend BYU–Hawaii and give back to the community. By going on that church history trip, I no longer felt that it was just a story to me. It was a living, breathing part of my faith that will help me in the future.”
As her senior year looms closer, Emmaline Ferguson's dedication to serving her community and home country when she returns fulfills the promise of BYU–Hawaii to international students. Her journey here has prepared her to be a valiant leader in her home country and a faithful servant of God, enabling her to become someone who will “not [be] leaders only in this island, but everywhere.”