CGI specialist says the metaverse opens up new possibilities for the internet, businesses and creativity and students should take advantage

Quoting President Russell M. Nelson’s worldwide devotional in May, President John S.K. Kauwe III advised the June 2022 graduates to remember three fundamental truths: know the truth of who you are, what Heavenly Father and his Son have offered you and your conversion.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website says this type of bat is Hawaii’s only native land mammal

They are known to stay in the air for up to two months without landing because their wings aren't waterproof so they are unable to land on water

The Hawaiian monk seal, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is one of the world’s most endangered species of seal. For 60 years, their population has been declining, and their current population level is only one-third the amount it once was. According to the NOAA, the current population count has surpassed 1,500.

While mochi is a continuous fan favorite among BYU–Hawaii students, the culture of mochi runs deep for several students, especially those from Japanese, Chinese and Hawaiian cultures. Mari Kojima, a junior majoring in peacebuilding from Hokkaido, Japan, said, “Mochi is a part of our life.”

While students would like the opportunity to travel to a neighboring island, or “island hop,” the potentially high costs can be a bit discouraging. Here are some ways students of BYU–Hawaii have afforded island hopping while on a college budget.

When describing the Heiva Festival in one word, Johann Faana-Kong and Junior Pedron both said “culture.” Faana-Kong continued, “It truly does represent Tahiti culture in all ways. From the dancing, the Orero [a traditional Polynesian monologue], the food and the focus on family and friend time, it feels very Tahiti.”

Laie is home to Pacific Islanders who grow up mixed within different cultures, shared Caryn Lesuma, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters and a Laie native. Many are seeking a sense of who they are, just as she did when she was younger, said Lesuma. As a part-Samoan, she added, she grew up trying to figure out who and what she represented.