Indigo Tetuaapua, a sophomore from Laie studying political science, said she grew up in the Laie community. One thing that is very important about her culture, she said, is the celebration of first birthdays. “When people came to the Hawaiian Islands, there was disease going around. So the babies sometimes wouldn’t make it to their first birthdays. If they lived to 1, it was a huge celebration, and that tradition is still carried on to this day.”
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Ana Feinga, a senior from Tonga studying political science and TESOL, shared family is a big deal in Tongan culture. On her mission, she said she saw many homeless people that she had never seen in Tonga. “If one of your family members doesn’t have a home, it’s your responsibility to take them in,” Feinga explained. “Tongan community is everywhere and is always ready to welcome those around them. Once you tell someone you’re Tongan, the connection is instant, and they will help you.”
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Crystal Tania, a sophomore from Indonesia studying communications, said the primary religion in Indonesia is Muslim, so the majority of the population celebrates Ramadan, which requires them to fast for a whole month. “To show respect for their tradition, all the restaurants close during lunchtime. Sometimes, they just close their curtains so people can’t see them eating.”
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Silvia Tatafu, a sophomore from New Zealand studying social work, said her ancestors ventured from Tonga to New Zealand to provide more opportunities for future generations. She praised BYU–Hawaii for allowing her to gain more understanding of her Tongan heritage and language. She shared at BYUH she has learned about mental health and was inspired to help the people in Tonga. “After I graduate, I want to go to Tonga and help people there with gaining more mental health resources,” she shared.
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Lorasia Tavuto, a junior from Fiji studying political science, said back home, respect is one of the most important aspects of her culture. She said, “One thing Hawaii and Fiji have in common is showing respect to the elderly.” She added because of BYUH, she has been able to learn about different cultures, which has helped her grow as an individual. “I’m always open to new things in life and to build new friendships,” she said.