Dreams of exploring the universe and shaping life beyond Earth spark the imagination of BYUH students and alumna
From astronauts to imaginary sunlight, BYU–Hawaii students and alumna shared what they would do if they were in space. Asked to envision their roles in space, they shared their imaginative aspirations which reflect a shared curiosity about space and a desire to contribute to humanity’s future in the universe.
Life beyond earth
Jason Ila, a junior from Papua New Guinea studying social work, said he would like to be an astrobiologist and study life on other planets. He added he would dedicate his efforts to searching for life beyond Earth. “I would study [alien] plants on other planets to understand how they survive and whether life could exist there,” Ila said, envisioning new ecosystems on planets like Mars.
If he discovered a habitable planet that could sustain human and plant life, Ila said, “I would build a new world and name it after me.” He also envisioned bringing his family along for the experience. “It would be a chance to leave behind the headaches of this world and start fresh together [with my family],” he said. In this world, depression, stress and anxiety are some of the challenges that people face. For this reason, Ila added, building a new world could offer humanity a fresh start with abundant resources, sustainable habitats and advanced technology designed to avoid the mistakes that led to Earth's decline.
Beyond his dream of settling a new world, Ila said he would work with Earth’s billionaires to temporarily resettle humanity on another planet, allowing Earth to recover. “This way, Earth could return to its original state, free from pollution and diseases, and humans could eventually return to a healthier home.” By giving Earth room to breathe, he said global warming will also decrease. He envisioned a future where industries shift to clean energy, forests reclaim lost land and excess carbon is removed from the atmosphere.
Amazed by God’s creation
Marcella Josephine, a freshman from Indonesia majoring in TESOL, said she would take a traditional approach to space exploration. “I want to be an astronaut,” Josephine said. She said she wanted to explore space and experience the universe. Josephine said her first act in space would be to marvel at the universe. “I am going to be amazed by God’s creation,” she said, emphasizing her gratitude for the beauty and wonder of the cosmos.
Josephine also said she would bring a family photo to space as a constant reminder of her loved ones since she wouldn’t know the time, day or conditions on Earth. She said she hopes to leave behind a legacy that symbolizes the enduring power of her family. “I would leave my family picture [in space] as a timeless reminder of the connections that matter most,” she added.
Her focus, she said, would be on exploring the moon. “I want to see the moon up close,” she said, fascinated by its potential to uncover new insights about its surface and origins.
Sharing a ray of sunlight
Lanor Fuatimau, an alumna from Utah with a degree in Pacific Studies, said she would like to take on the role of the sun in the cosmos. “I want to be the sun because it sees everything happening around the globe,” Fuatimau said. “My biggest mission would be to give light to Earth and other planets,” because she views the sun as a source of hope and light.
She expressed her goal is to spread positivity. “I would share a ray of light with others and remind them to keep shining,” as a symbol of resilience and hope, Fuatimau said.
Fuatimau said she would take food to survive the journey through space. Since she envisions herself as the Sun, she sees nourishment as essential to fueling her energy, both physically and symbolically. “Through nutritious food, I would have the strength to shine brightly and share warmth with others,” she said.