The global pandemic affected missionary work immensely, and missionaries returned home, finished their missions early or were reassigned to different missions. BYU–Hawaii students serving as missionaries during this time shared what they have learned from their disrupted missions amid a global pandemic.

Thor’s Hammer sat on a shelf in Paul Wilson’s office. So did Narsil, the broken sword from “Lord of the Rings.” His office has many items like a 3D printer, a virtual reality headset, and microphone. Having made more than 100 apps for iTunes, Wilson, who is an entrepreneurship professor at BYU–Hawaii, teaches students about entrepreneurship to help them learn how they can make money in nontraditional ways.

Students say Church leaders posting uplifting and positive messages can provide safety and reassurance in a time of uncertainty.

Amanda Lauaki shared she created the Give & Take Facebook group during the pandemic to serve community members who cannot visit Give & Take at BYU–Hawaii due to COVID-19 restrictions. Local community members said they believe the group has positively contributed to the community and has become a needed resource.

Gunstock Ranch, a 900-acre ranch located just a 10-minute drive from the BYU–Hawaii campus, is planning big for its future. With help from conservation groups, the Gunstock’s COO said the ranch hopes to educate people about native plant life, while also educating about the paniolo lifestyle unique to the Hawaiian Islands.

The COVID-19 pandemic left roughly 1,000 BYU–Hawaii students stuck on campus and many without a job, explained David Fonoimoana.

Kaleel Spooner said she was a victim of sexual assault shortly after high school. She shares her story on her blog, where she said she hopes she can open the door for conversations about mental health and increase awareness of how to provide support to sexual assault survivors.

The BYU–Hawaii Ballroom Club presidency and members said they are doing their best to unite their club virtually. They said they are continuing to motivate and serve each other during unprecedented times and called on students to join and participate.

Popular social media videographer Devin Graham gave a presentation on generating successful content to aspiring students in the HGB on Sept. 26, and showed a screening of his video tribute for the Mozo family.