Hyeongna Kim, a senior from South Korea majoring in business management with an emphasis in marketing, shares how her journey to BYU–Hawaii began with a dream planted by someone close to her, culminating in visions becoming reality.
The Dream Destination
“When I was 18, my older sister graduated from BYU–Hawaii,” Kim said, “so I naturally had many opportunities to hear about the school from her. She often shared the strengths of the university and her special experiences, and ever since then, BYU–Hawaii became my dream school.”
Despite her excitement, Kim admitted she felt apprehensive about the transition. “Before enrolling, I had a lot of fear about living far from home and the potential language barrier. I used to live in a busy city in South Korea, always surrounded by people and rushing through life. But after coming to Laie, Hawaii, I was able to slow down and focus on my studies and relationships. It became a time to get to know myself better.”
A Life Guided by Peace
Kim shared that peace has been a guiding principle in her life, especially when making major decisions. “Whenever I’ve made important decisions, I’ve felt a deep sense of peace. That peace has always been a sign to me that I was being guided by the Spirit.”
One such moment came when her family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “My mother is a teacher, and one of her students was a member of the Church. They invited our family to attend when I was nine years old,” she recalled. “At the time, none of us had a religion, so it felt unfamiliar and a little awkward. But even as a child, I felt so much comfort and joy at church, as it was something I had never experienced before. That feeling stayed with me and led our whole family to decide to be baptized.”
Years later, after serving as a missionary in the Canada Vancouver Mission, it was the same peace that confirmed her decision to attend BYU–Hawaii. “I prayed to God, asking for guidance to make the right decision,” Kim said. “When I prayed specifically about BYU–Hawaii, I felt a sense of peace that I hadn’t experienced with any other option. That peace assured me that this was the right path and that God was guiding me toward it.”
“Theory and Practice”
Kim emphasized how BYU–Hawaii has shaped her academically and personally. “My experience at BYU–Hawaii has been one of the most special chapters of my life,” she said. “The university provides many job opportunities for students, and as a business major, I had valuable chances to learn both theory and practice.”
As a Marketing Specialist at the Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship, Kim collaborated on projects with faculty and peers. “Working there allowed me to plan and execute projects with professors and fellow students, which helped me grow significantly,” she said.
Her Holokai choices—majoring in marketing with minors in visual art and psychology—enhanced her understanding of how design and consumer behavior influence effective marketing. “I initially started as a graphic design major, but later felt drawn to marketing. Thanks to the Holokai program, I was able to transition smoothly without losing credits or time.”
A Vision to Bridge Cultures
Kim said her time at BYU–Hawaii expanded her worldview. “Because BYU–Hawaii has students from all over the world, I was able to experience different cultures firsthand. I could feel my perspectives widening and deepening through these interactions.”
This cross-cultural understanding has inspired her career goals. “I want to become a marketer who helps share Korean content and culture with the world. My experience communicating and collaborating with people from various backgrounds has become a valuable foundation for bridging cultures.”
After graduation, Kim plans to return to South Korea to pursue this dream. “I’ve always been interested in working in a media production team, and I envision creating educational content that showcases the various cultures I’ve encountered during my time here,” she said. “I want to help people in Korea gain a broader understanding of the world by offering them media that exposes them to different viewpoints.”
A Growing Testimony of Christ
Kim said her testimony of Jesus Christ has deepened at BYU–Hawaii. “Being surrounded by a diverse community of students and faculty from all over the world has deepened my understanding of how universal and powerful the teachings of Jesus Christ are,” she said.
She found strength in community service, devotionals, temple worship, and personal spiritual practices. “One of the most significant ways my testimony has grown is through service. Whether through church callings, kind words, or a helping hand, I’ve come to realize that living the Gospel is not only about personal salvation but also about helping others come closer to Christ,” she said.
Kim credited the weekly Tuesday devotionals as a consistent spiritual boost. “The speakers, who shared their insights on the teachings of Jesus Christ, have helped me feel His presence in my life. I know that He knows me, loves me, and wants to guide me in my life.”
Advice to Her Younger Self
“If I were to meet my younger self—the person just starting their higher education journey—I would tell them to embrace every moment at BYU–Hawaii with an open heart and mind,” Kim said. “College is not just about academics, but about personal growth, forming meaningful relationships, and discovering who you truly are.”
She continued, “I would also tell them that challenges will come, but they are part of the process and can be valuable learning experiences. Trust in God's plan for you, even when things feel uncertain, and know that He is guiding you every step of the way.”
As Hyeongna Kim reflects on her journey on campus, she said, “The education at BYU–Hawaii is not just about preparing for a job—it’s about preparing to make the world a better place.”