Malaika Rogers, a senior from Idaho majoring in social work, shares how she’s always been drawn to serving others. Her life experiences, from her early years in Haiti to her mission in Boston and her education at BYU–Hawaii, have shaped her desire to make a lasting impact through social work.
From Haiti to Idaho
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Rogers' biological parents faced financial hardships that made it difficult to provide for her and her younger siblings. At the age of three, she was adopted by the Rogers family and raised in Idaho, where she became the third oldest of six siblings.
Growing up in Idaho, Rogers was surrounded by a loving family but rarely encountered people from diverse backgrounds. It wasn't until she served in the Massachusetts Boston Mission, speaking Haitian Creole, that she was exposed to a broad range of cultures and faiths. "Meeting people from all walks of life opened my eyes, and I decided I wasn’t done experiencing different cultures, which led me to BYU–Hawaii,” Rogers shared.
The Passion for Social Work
Rogers initially attended BYU–Idaho, where she explored different career paths, working as a nursing home aide and an academic advisor. Though she studied psychology at the time, she ultimately realized that social work was her true calling. "I want to do service for the rest of my life," she affirmed.
Inspired by her patriarchal blessing, Rogers chose to serve a mission at 19, a decision that further fueled her passion for helping others. After her mission, she knew she wanted to continue her education. She was drawn to BYU–Hawaii’s gospel-centered education, diverse student body, and the opportunity to connect with other cultures and serve across campus.
The Beauty of Communities at BYU–Hawaii
Since coming to BYU–Hawaii, Rogers has embraced the university’s multicultural environment and the strong reputation of its social work program. "I see the Social Work program getting a lot of attention, and I appreciate the diversity within it and how creativity plays a role in addressing people's needs," she said.
Although not from Myanmar, Rogers will take the stage with the Myanmar Club for Culture Night 2025. "I love how there are countries I had never heard of before, and I feel inspired to learn about them," she shared. "I want to have the desire, the drive, and creativity to help people I know nothing about. It helps me connect to my Haitian roots. Even though I know about Haiti, there are still assumptions I make because I wasn’t raised there. But I believe I can help people most effectively if I learn how to be creative and think outside the box."
One of Rogers’ favorite aspects of BYU–Hawaii is its mission to spread knowledge and cultural understanding. "It says that we can become disciples of Jesus Christ in our families, communities, and chosen fields, and I take that to heart," she said. "I want everyone at home to learn about the beauty of Hawaii’s people, just as I want the people here to know about the communities I come from."
Social Work, Law, and Advocacy
Rogers is set to complete a social work internship at Kahuku Hospital in September 2025, an experience she believes will prepare her for the next phase of her career. However, she remains open to multiple paths, including pursuing a master’s in social work or attending law school. Her interest in law was sparked by the film Just Mercy (2015) and the work of Bryan Stevenson, whose advocacy for marginalized individuals resonated deeply with her.
Although she has not yet decided on a specific path in law, she trusts that faith and consistent spiritual practice will guide her decision. "Through going to church often, praying, and repenting, I know I will be able to decide why I want to pursue law for sure," she said. "I know what I’ve seen, and I believe that my social work education and future internship will help me become a better disciple of Jesus Christ."
“Jesus Christ in Every Culture”
Rogers, who serves as the treasurer for the BYU–Hawaii Social Work Student Association, has found inspiration in the way faith is intertwined with learning at the university. "I saw how everybody here, despite their differences, puts Jesus Christ in their culture," she said. "We are all asked to think about Christ in everything we do. I see everyone ministering to each other, and I see Christ everywhere."
Malaika Rogers remains committed to serving others, whether through social work, legal advocacy, or another avenue. "I want to continue sharing what I’ve learned here because I believe that, despite our differences, we can always find connections," she said. "That is the promise and hope that I carry with me."