Graduates from various faculties share their experiences, insights, and accomplishments from their time as students at BYU–Hawaii.
Business & Government
Liangyu Sui, a graduate from Beijing, China majoring in accounting, explains how daily scripture study and prayer, she was better prepared to do well on classwork and exams. Through trusting in the Lord, Sui was able to graduate in just three years.
Attending devotional, religion classes, and church helped strengthen Carlo Barredo's testimony. Barredo is a graduate from Bacolod, Philippines, majoring in hospitality and tourism management. Through his time at BYU–Hawaii, Barredo has grown as a disciple of Christ. Barredo feels his time at BYUH has prepared him to accept opportunities and continue to serve.
Arts & Letters
Hailey Irwin, a graduate from Utah, USA, majoring in communication, media and culture, shares how being surrounded by diverse student cultures at BYU–Hawaii has been a treasured part of her journey, teaching her lessons about unity and understanding. She overcame health challenges during her studies, deepening her understanding of charity, friendship, and her relationship with the Savior.
Having the gospel deeply integrated into campus life, with the chapel and temple nearby, strengthened graduate Mathew Wilson, a graduate from Vancouver, Canada, discipleship in Christ and enriched his family life. Wilson is majoring in communication, media and culture, and proactively completed a 23-credit semester while maintaining strong grades and prioritizing time with his wife and daughters. As he prepares to return to Canada, Wilson clarifies that the gospel isn’t “what I just do, it’s who I am.”
Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Lixin Cui a graduate from Dalian, China, majoring in music shares the important lesson of working hard. Quoting his professor, Cui states “If you’re not in the practice room, someone else is,” meaning those who put in the work will go further in life. Cui explains the importance of “seeking the Kingdom of God” first and aligning one’s will with God’s to see miracles in your life. Cui accepted a job helping students who have limited resources pursue music and will begin working after graduation.
Cui will be speaking at the BYU–Hawaii commencement on December 13, 2024.
Education & Social Work
Jo-Ya Hsu, a graduate from Taipei, Taiwan, majoring in TESOL shares about the importance of facing differences with understanding and respect. Hsu has gained a deeper respect for cultures and has participated in various research and publishing projects while attending BYU–Hawaii.
Abryl Mercado has experienced tender mercies throughout her time at BYU–Hawaii. The elementary education graduate from Washington, USA, noted that surrounding herself with other dedicated students helped her grown as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Mercado shares that being a student teacher at Ahuimanu Elementary was one of her greatest accomplishments during her time at BYU–Hawaii.
Math & Computing
Trisha Sumiran, a graduate from Victoria, Philippines majoring in computer science, attributes her growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ to the meaningful relationships she built at BYU–Hawaii. She is proud of her work as a research assistant, teaching assistant, and tutor in the computer science department, where she gained experience and confidence. Inspired by her father’s advice to never forget her roots, she plans to use her skills in technology to preserve Filipino culture and serve her country after graduation.
Sciences
BYU–Hawaii became a refuge for Milazel Pattaguan-Araujo, a graduate from Tuguegarao, Philippines, double majoring in psychology and intercultural peacebuilding during her struggles with mental health. She credits her professors, supervisors, and peers for providing a support system that helped her persevere and achieve her goals. One of her most impactful experiences was attending a UN Peace Conference in Thailand, which inspired her to become an advocate for strengthening relationships and promoting peace. As she looks ahead, Pattaguan-Araujo is determined to carry the lessons she’s learned from BYU–Hawaii to serve others and fulfill her divine potential.