Frank Pittman, an American psychiatrist and author, once said, “Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.” As we commemorate Father’s Day, we celebrate the lives of selfless individuals who have taken on the noblest of roles while at the same time pursuing their academic purpose.
“A Father’s Duty Is to Make His Home a Place of Happiness and Joy” – Ezra Taft Benson
The hymn Love at Home reminds us “there is beauty all around when there’s love at home.” Cultivating a joyful home environment while balancing academic expectations for BYU–Hawaii dads can be difficult, but their efforts are building testimonies of the Savior and strengthening family relationships.
Family Home Evening and other activities like picnics and sharing meals can promote happiness and togetherness, creating family unity. Wyle Kristoff T. Young, a junior from the Philippines majoring in Biology, says that simple things like reading the scriptures and going on walks together as a family matter the most. “Every Friday afternoon after classes, we get together as a family and do our weekly Come, Follow Me discussions. On other afternoons, my wife and I like to take the baby out for walks to the temple and around the community,” Young says. “When I’m buried in assignments, my wife handles things at home and when I have time, I do the groceries or laundry — it’s a constant balancing act, but together they make it work.”
Timaci Nico Koroinamua, a senior from Fiji majoring in business management, added, “I feel that the most important thing in making a house a home is to be present—always showing up and being a part of your children’s lives. I remember back when I was young, my dad would work 12-hour shifts, but despite work taking much of his time, he would always make time to do his fatherly duties and make sure that we had everything we needed.”
Splitting time between studies, work, and family can be difficult. “At the beginning of each week, our schedule is very tight, and I do not have much quality time with the kids, but toward the weekend, I try my best to make up for it by taking them out to the park or the beach,” shared Maheanuuarii Lacour, a freshman from Tahiti, “It’s all about making the effort—we all have to make the effort to be there for our families.”
“Noble Fatherhood Gives a Glimpse of the Divine Attributes of Our Father in Heaven” – James E. Faust
Being a full-time student and a full-time dad is not a walk in the park; it comes with a vast array of challenges. Using Heavenly Father as their blueprint has inspired these men to practice divine attributes such as patience, guidance, hard work, and love. These qualities have helped foster strong connections with their families despite their busy schedules.
Love is what motivates Lacour to be better—whether as a student, a husband, or a father.
“Every time I have to embody the divine attribute of love, whether I have classes, I’m with the kids, or doing assignments. It helps me in these situations to work on myself and how I can manage everything,” Lacour shares. “One thing I want to share is to take care, first, of our family before ourselves, and in doing that, we can see joy, happiness, and hope in their eyes.”
Lindokuhle Mbuli, a senior from Africa, stated that two of the divine attributes that have guided his life are meekness and humility. “As a dad and a student, you must know when to differentiate between the two and never let one overtake the other,” Mbuli says. “We must give our best efforts in both fields and have the goodness to set one apart from the other. When I’m in school, I focus on my studies, but when I’m at home, my priority is my family.”
Koroinamua added that the story of the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane is an example of pure love—something he strives to follow every day. “The Lord didn’t shy away from His calling, and that’s what I try to emulate—to never shy away from challenges and to give my best efforts,” Koroinamua shares. “You have to be all in, and everything you do must count toward something.”
“Fathers, Yours Is an Eternal Calling from Which You Are Never Released” – Ezra Taft Benson
Fathers have the great purpose of presiding with love and righteousness, providing for the needs of their families, and doing their best to protect their loved ones. As affirmed in the Family Proclamation, this divine role is not only a duty, but a profound expression of love and commitment. Student dads on campus have to juggle that role along with church callings and school responsibilities. These efforts continue to shape them into role models in the community.
Hard work is one of the fundamental characteristics of a father, and it’s something Young strives to live by. He credits his father for being an example of what a hardworking man is—something he learned as a boy.
“I’ve always remembered my father as a hardworking man. He works on a ship, so he’s only home for a few months at a time. But whenever he’s home, he makes it a point to spend quality time with us and teach us new skills,” Young shares. “You’ll never catch him just sitting around—he’s always on his feet doing something. Whether he’s cleaning the garage, working on a home project, or taking my mom out on a date, he’s constantly showing us what it means to love and provide. I want to emulate that. I want to be someone who is always thinking about how to do more for their family. I look up to him, and I hope he’s proud of me.”
In celebrating the student dads of BYU–Hawaii, we honor not only their resilience, but also their quiet strength, daily sacrifices, and unwavering devotion to their families. Their journeys remind us that fatherhood—though demanding—is a divine and lifelong calling, and one of true nobility.