Families of graduates say supporting, loving and celebrating their children’s success and sacrifices is worth the travel across continents to attend graduation ceremonies
Families and graduating students shared the joy of celebrating educational milestones together and the sacrifices made along the way. Parents reflected on their children’s growth at BYU–Hawaii and the family dreams fulfilled through their achievements.
A family’s faith
Prince Spencer Pason, a social work graduate from the Philippines, said his family is the reason he works hard even when things get difficult. He said his family was his greatest support throughout his education, especially because he applied to BYUH during COVID-19, a challenging time when he felt everything was working against him.
While applying to BYUH, Pason said there were times when he felt like giving up, but his family didn’t let him. He shared his mother prayed for him every day, and his siblings supported him financially, even if it meant sacrificing some of their needs. “I could see how hard it was for them, but they never complained,” he said.
Due to the expenses, paperwork and the distance, Pason said he was ready to celebrate his graduation alone. Then a miracle happened, he said his mother constantly prayed at the temple and dedicated herself even more to the Church. Things began to fall into place and made it possible for his mother and his sister to come all the way from the Philippines and celebrate his academic milestone together, he shared.
Clarissa Pason, his mother, shared the importance of education in their family. She said it was the key to a better life and unlocks the doors to many opportunities. “Education is something no one can take away from you,” she said as she thought about the sacrifices their family has made for a better future.
His sister, Kathleen Pason, said she noticed his growth since being at BYUH. She said her brother grew in maturity and in making decisions founded on truth and confidence. She shared they frequently hear about his kindness and ability to foster relationships with the people around him. “What’s most inspiring is how he consistently strives to maintain and strengthen his discipleship of Jesus Christ,” she said.
She expressed her gratitude towards her brother, for stepping up as a father figure in their family when their own father was absent and taking responsibilities far beyond his years.
Stephanie Pason, his eldest sister, said she could not be able to attend his graduation but nonetheless shared how proud she was of her brother. “Graduation is not just a personal achievement. It’s a reflection of all the sacrifices, hard work, and love that has helped you get to this point,” she said. She expressed her joy towards him, knowing he’d be walking across the stage in December and his graduation is just the beginning of even greater things for him.
Pason said he will be beginning his internship as a social worker at Pearl Haven in Kahuku after his graduation. He plans to pursue a master’s degree after the internship, he said, either in Utah or Kansas. “My ultimate dream is to bring what I’ve learned back to the Philippines, to stand as an advocate for the vulnerable, and to create lasting change in my community,” he voiced.
Laying the foundations
Poeiti Océane Mirella Tuaiva, a business management graduate from Tahiti, expressed how grateful she was her father, mother, sister and little cousin attended the ceremony. She said her family has always been a constant source of support, no matter what her situation. Whether through words of encouragement, prayers or just knowing they were there for her, Tuaiva said they have been a psychological anchor throughout her education. “Their love and belief in me have given me the strength to persevere and succeed,” she shared.
Her parents, Freddy and Séverine Tuaiva, and her sister, Purotu Tuaiva, conveyed the immense honor of being present for her graduation. They said their presence represents all the years of hard work and sacrifice, both individual and familial, that have brought her to that moment. “Family is everything, and we believe in showing up for each other, especially for such a momentous occasion as graduation,” the Tuaivas shared in an email.
Purotu Tuaiva said she has seen her sister grow into someone more open and confident in her choices during her time at BYUH. She shared she admired her sister for her hardworking and driven nature. “What stands out the most to me is her ability to let God prevail in her life. No matter what challenges she faces, she consistently aligns her will with His, trusting that His plan for her is greater than her own,” she voiced.
Freddy and Séverine Tuaiva echoed that admiration and said in an email, “Her trust in the Lord has been the foundation of her success, and it’s that unwavering faith that has guided her through every challenge and decision.” They expressed how incredibly proud they were of her and how excited they are for wherever her journey will take her next.
They said she will be the first child in their family to complete higher education and graduate from an American college. They explained education to them is a religious responsibility, and as parents, they are in charge of laying the foundations for the rising generation who will one day be called to lead.
Poeiti Tuaiva said what she accomplished in BYUH is a symbol of familial pride and deep gratitude for the sacrifices her family has made and the examples they’ve set in her life. After graduating, her plan is to attend graduate school in Provo, Utah, where she will pursue a master’s degree in both public administration and business administration, she shared.
Perseverance in unconditional love
Jo Ya Hsu, a TESOL graduate from Taiwan, said her family’s unconditional love was what enabled her to pursue her educational success at BYUH. She shared her parents would never judge her education decisions, especially when she chose to study in Hawaii. “They pray for my happiness in intellectual, social, physical and spiritual aspects every day, and they reach out to me weekly and are concerned about my well-being,” Hsu said. Her father, Chao-Hung Hsu, said being able to come to her graduation shows their family’s love for her and her efforts in education. He has seen his daughter grow to become independent and brave, ready to face whatever challenges await her in the future, he shared.
What he admires most about her is her honesty, integrity and diligence, he said. Regarding his children’s education, he shared that he would continue to support them no matter what. He recalled the time his daughter struggled in her academic pursuits, as he shared how her schools in Taiwan didn’t give her the educational goals she pursued. When she moved and studied at BYUH, he said he felt she was happier in her progress. “Do not give up. Find the path that’s fitting for you,” he said.
Jo Ya Hsu said her parents have never traveled to the USA. Seeing their effort to pay for airfare and practice English words makes her feel more of their love, she said. “They will be bringing lots of Taiwanese desserts and gifts for those who have helped me throughout my time here,” she expressed. Hsu plans to cultivate her degree by applying for academic training and attending the Fall 2025 TESOL MA program, before returning home and helping out at a youth conference, she noted.
A world of difference
Ilaise Liyah Tautuaa, a business management graduate from Tonga, expressed the joy she felt having more than nine family members come to her graduation. She shared her family has been her unwavering support throughout her education by providing her with emotional encouragement, instilling her with a strong work ethic and making sacrifices to ensure she had the resources she needed to succeed. “Growing up in a Tongan household, I learned the values of hard work and perseverance, motivating me to honor their efforts by making the most of my opportunities,” she said.
Her parents, Kouli and Ungatea Tautuaa, expressed in an email their gratitude for their daughter’s hard work and achievement. “We weren’t able to further our education after high school, but we are grateful our daughter did it for us,” they said. They shared education is one of the greatest gifts parents can give to their child and even if resources are limited, a parent’s support, encouragement, and belief in their child’s potential can make a world of difference for their child.
Whether by celebrating small successes or simply taking an interest in what they’re learning, a parent’s support can be the spark that lights a child’s path forward to a future full of possibilities, they stated.
The Tautuaas recalled all the sacrifices they have made to center education in their home. They said even when financial means weren’t enough, they showed their support towards each other’s education in other powerful ways. Their family was always reminded that education was the key to opening doors that those in their family never had access to.
They remembered how they would always be there for each other whenever someone in school felt like giving up. They would always celebrate small victories, encourage each other when things were tough, and always believed in each other, they said. “Today, Ilaise is in college, getting there towards the finish line, reaching her goals. These things wouldn’t have been possible if she didn’t feel any support at home,” they shared in an email.
Ilaise Tautuaa said her family’s willingness to travel despite the cost and the distance is a testament to their unwavering love and belief in her. “I wanted to make sure I would go as far as I go for them, so that I am fulfilling not only my dreams, but also theirs too,” she said. Those who are planning to come will be visiting all the way from Tonga, Alaska, California, Minnesota, and New Zealand, Tautuaa said. After graduating, she plans to either apply for graduate school or academic training, she shared.